German Phrase
Es geht nicht an.
Meaning
The sentence states that something fails to start or turn on. It is most often used for electronic devices, appliances, or any object that should be switched on, but can also be used figuratively to say an idea or plan does not catch on.
When to use
Use this phrase when a phone, computer, lamp, or any gadget refuses to power up, or when a proposal isn’t gaining acceptance. It’s a concise way to report a malfunction in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esgehtnichtan
Dummy subject "es"
"Es" is used as a placeholder subject when no specific noun is the subject, similar to English "it".
Separable verb "angehen"
"Gehen" combines with the separable prefix "an" to mean "to turn on"; in the present tense the prefix moves to the sentence end.
Negation with "nicht"
"Nicht" is placed directly before the verb phrase it negates – here before the separable verb complex "geht an".
🗨In Conversation
Warum funktioniert das Handy nicht?
Why isn’t the phone working?
Es geht nicht an.
It won’t turn on.
✕Common Mistakes
Es nicht geht an.
The negation "nicht" must precede the verb phrase, not split the subject and verb.
Es geht an nicht.
In German the negation stays before the verb complex; placing "nicht" after the separable prefix is incorrect.
Es ist nicht an.
This describes a state ("It is not on") and is not used for a malfunctioning device.
↔Alternatives
Es lässt sich nicht einschalten.
It can’t be turned on.
Es funktioniert nicht.
It doesn’t work.
Es geht nicht.
It doesn’t work / It won’t go.
Cultural Tip
In German, the separable prefix "an" always moves to the end of the clause in the present tense, which can feel odd to English speakers. When talking about devices, native speakers prefer the short "Es geht nicht an" over longer constructions. Avoid using "ist nicht an" for devices, as that describes a state (e.g., "The light is not on") rather than a malfunction.