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German Phrase

Das WLAN verbindet sich nicht.

/das ˈveːlaːn fɛɐ̯ˈbɪndət zɪç nɪçt/
Meaning"The Wi-Fi is not connecting."
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Meaning

This phrase literally translates to 'The Wi-Fi connects itself not.' It's used to express that your wireless internet connection is failing to establish or maintain a connection. It's a common and direct way to state a technical issue.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when your device (phone, laptop, tablet) is unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network. This could be in a café, at home, in a hotel, or any public or private space where Wi-Fi is expected but not working. It's a practical phrase for troubleshooting or asking for help.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Das WLANverbindetsichnicht

1

Das WLAN

'Das WLAN' means 'the Wi-Fi'. 'WLAN' is an acronym for 'Wireless Local Area Network' and is a neuter noun in German, hence 'das'.

2

verbindet

This is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'verbinden' (to connect). It's used here because 'Das WLAN' is a singular subject.

3

sich

'Sich' is a reflexive pronoun, meaning 'itself' or 'themselves'. The verb 'verbinden' is often used reflexively when something connects on its own, like a device to a network.

4

nicht

'Nicht' is the general negation in German. In this sentence, it negates the verb 'verbindet sich', indicating that the action of connecting is not happening.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigen Sie, das WLAN verbindet sich nicht.

Excuse me, the Wi-Fi is not connecting.

Haben Sie das Passwort richtig eingegeben?

Did you enter the password correctly?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Das WLAN ist nicht verbinden.

    The verb 'verbinden' (to connect) is reflexive here, meaning it connects 'itself'. The correct structure uses 'sich verbinden' and the conjugated form 'verbindet sich'.

  • Das WLAN nicht verbindet.

    In German, the conjugated verb typically comes in the second position in a main clause. 'Nicht' usually comes after the verb or the reflexive pronoun in this context.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich habe kein WLAN.

    I have no Wi-Fi.

  • Das Internet funktioniert nicht.

    The internet isn't working.

  • Ich kann mich nicht mit dem WLAN verbinden.

    I cannot connect to the Wi-Fi.

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Cultural Tip

Germans tend to be quite direct when stating problems or asking for help, especially in practical situations like technical issues. Using a clear and concise phrase like 'Das WLAN verbindet sich nicht' is perfectly acceptable and expected. Don't feel the need to soften the statement too much, as clarity is often valued.