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German Phrase

Nee, ich schminke mich nicht.

/neː ɪç ˈʃmɪŋkə mɪç nɪçt/
Meaning"No, I don't put on makeup."
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Meaning

A casual way to say "No, I don't put on makeup." The speaker is refusing a suggestion or question about applying cosmetics.

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When to use

Use this sentence in informal, friendly conversations—e.g., when a friend asks if you want to get ready for a party or if you plan to wear makeup. It sounds too casual for a business meeting or with strangers.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Neeichschminkemichnicht

1

Nee vs. Nein

"Nee" is a colloquial, friendly way to say "no"; "Nein" is the standard, more formal negation.

2

Verb conjugation – schminken

"schminke" is the 1st person singular present tense of the verb "schminken" (to apply makeup).

3

Reflexive pronoun – mich

"schminken" is a reflexive verb when you apply makeup to yourself, so it requires the accusative reflexive pronoun "mich".

4

Negation with nicht

"nicht" negates the whole predicate and is placed at the end of the sentence in simple statements.

🗨In Conversation

A

Willst du dich für die Party schminken?

Do you want to put on makeup for the party?

Nee, ich schminke mich nicht.

No, I don't put on makeup.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich nicht schminke mich.

    Negation "nicht" should come after the verb phrase, not before the verb.

  • Ich schminke nicht mich.

    "nicht" never splits the verb from its reflexive pronoun; the correct order is "schminke mich nicht".

  • Nee, ich schminke mich nichts.

    The verb ends with "-e" in the 1st person singular; adding an "s" is a common English‑influenced error.

↔Alternatives

  • Nein, ich trage kein Make-up.

    No, I don't wear makeup.

  • Ich verzichte auf Schminke.

    I'm skipping makeup.

  • Ich schminke mich nicht heute.

    I'm not putting on makeup today.

de

Cultural Tip

In German, "Nee" is typical among teenagers and close friends; it adds a relaxed, slightly playful tone. If you’re speaking with someone you don’t know well or in a formal setting, replace it with "Nein". Also, note that Germans often distinguish between "Make-up" (the English loanword) and "Schminke" (the native term); both are understood, but "Schminke" sounds a bit more informal.