A1 Expression Formal

Ich verstehe Sie nicht.

I don't understand you.

Meaning

A statement indicating a lack of comprehension.

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Cultural Background

Germans appreciate honesty. If you don't understand, saying so is better than pretending. Similar to Germany, but often slightly more polite phrasing is used.

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The 'Sie' Rule

Always use 'Sie' with people you don't know well. It is the safest way to be polite.

Meaning

A statement indicating a lack of comprehension.

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The 'Sie' Rule

Always use 'Sie' with people you don't know well. It is the safest way to be polite.

Test Yourself

Which is the formal version?

How do you say 'I don't understand you' to a stranger?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich verstehe Sie nicht.

'Sie' is the formal pronoun.

Fill in the missing word.

Ich verstehe Sie _____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nicht

'Nicht' is used to negate verbs.

🎉 Score: /2

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Which is the formal version? Choose A1

How do you say 'I don't understand you' to a stranger?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich verstehe Sie nicht.

'Sie' is the formal pronoun.

Fill in the missing word. Fill Blank A1

Ich verstehe Sie _____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nicht

'Nicht' is used to negate verbs.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, it is perfectly professional.

Related Phrases

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Können Sie das wiederholen?

builds on

Can you repeat that?

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Was meinen Sie?

similar

What do you mean?

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