Like You Do with the Greatest German Word: Jein

“Soll ich’s wirklich machen oder lass ich’s lieber sein?  Jein.”

from Jein by Fettes Brot

Yes and no are very strong and bold words to use.

Especially when most of life falls somewhere in between the two extremes. And when the answer to a question sometimes involves something more complex than is immediately obvious. And when you say yes and no in reply to a question as there is no definite answer because, in some ways, the answer is yes, and in other ways, the answer is no.

Just because you think a question requires either a yes or no answer doesn't mean everyone does. Some questions could be answered with a yes in some situations but a no in others.

Also, many people find aspects of their jobs extremely rewarding and other aspects very annoying. The appropriate answer would be YesNo, both yes and no. Well, the Germans just don’t have to decide between yes and no as a response. They can just use the word Jein.

Jein can be applied in a situation where you agree with what has been said, but you disagree about one aspect that has been mentioned, or you want to restrict your affirmation.

Jein also expresses indecision, indicating that the speaker is somewhere between a yes and a no, simultaneously agreeing and disagreeing, or consenting and rejecting an idea or proposal.

So, Jein can also be translated as "Yes, but..."

However, the word but negates or cancels everything that goes before it. And it is generally accepted as a signal that the really important part of the sentence is coming up. When you use it, most people listening to you will give more attention and more weight to what you say after you say but.

In that aspect, the German Jein provides an equal balance between yes and no.

Here are a few more examples of when to use the word Jein:

• Do you like the film? Yeah, it's technically excellent, but the plot leaves much to be desired.

• Have you ever been to Bremen? Sort of. I've been there, but I was just driving through. I didn't actually see the city. 

• Fancy a trip to the Black Forest? Perhaps, a trip would be nice, but I'd rather go abroad.

• Are you ready for your driving test? Yeah, I'm a good driver, but I get nervous under pressure!

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The Local de - German word of the day: Jein

Photo by Anne Gosewehr