The negative article kein is used to negate a noun in German. It means "no" or "not any" and replaces the indefinite article (ein / eine) when negating. It can be used with singular or plural nouns, as well as with all grammatical genders. Kein is declined to match the case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive) and gender/number of the noun.

How it Works

  • Kein means "no", "not any", or "none". It negates the existence or presence of something.
  • Use kein instead of ein / eine when negating.
  • For plural nouns, use keine (since plural indefinite article is omitted, but kein is still needed for negation).
  • Decline kein like the indefinite article: just add the negative prefix k-.
  • Don’t use kein with nouns introduced by definite articles (der, die, das) or possessive pronouns. Use nicht instead.

When should you not use the negative article 'kein' in German?


  • When the noun is preceded by a definite article (der, die, das).
  • When the noun has a possessive pronoun (mein, dein, sein, etc.).
  • Use nicht to negate the noun or the whole phrase instead.
'Kein' is not used with definite articles or possessive pronouns. In those cases, use 'nicht' to negate the noun or the entire phrase.

Declension Table

Here’s a quick reference for kein using the masculine noun Hund (dog):
CaseMasculine SingularFeminine SingularNeuter SingularPluralExample
Nominativekein Hundkeine Katzekein Kindkeine HundeKein Hund bellt.
Accusativekeinen Hundkeine Katzekein Kindkeine HundeIch sehe keinen Hund.
Dativekeinem Hundkeiner Katzekeinem Kindkeinen HundenIch gebe keinem Hund Futter.
Genitivekeines Hundeskeiner Katzekeines Kindeskeiner HundeDas ist das Futter keines Hundes.

Usage Rules

  1. Replace ein/eine with kein/keine.
Use kein when negating a noun that would normally have an indefinite article.
  1. Match gender, number, and case.
Decline kein just like ein.
  1. Use keine for plural nouns.
Since there is no plural indefinite article, use keine to negate plural nouns.
  1. Do not use kein with definite articles or possessives.
Use nicht + article/noun instead.
  1. Kein negates the noun itself.
Kein cannot be separated from the noun like nicht can.

Examples

German ExampleEnglish Example
Ich habe keinen Hund.I have no dog. / I don't have a dog.
Sie hat keine Katze.She has no cat.
Wir sehen keine Vögel.We see no birds.
Er trinkt keinen Kaffee.He drinks no coffee. / He doesn't drink coffee.
Ich kaufe kein Brot.I'm not buying any bread.
Kein Schüler ist da.No student is here.
Ich habe keine Zeit.I have no time.

Common Mistakes

  • Using nicht + ein/eine to negate a noun:
Ich habe nicht eine Katze.Ich habe keine Katze.
  • Forgetting to decline kein to match the noun:
Ich habe kein Katze.Ich habe keine Katze.
  • Using kein with a definite article:
Ich habe keinen den Hund.Ich habe den Hund nicht.

Summary

The negative article kein is a replaceable, declinable word used to negate nouns in German. It is especially useful for negating indefinite nouns or plural nouns without articles. Just remember to match the gender, number, and case, and you’ll be able to create negative sentences confidently.

Flashcards (1 of 7)

    • English Example: I have no dog. / I don't have a dog.

    Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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