German Phrase
Mir geht's nicht gut.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express that you are feeling unwell, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. It utilizes the dative case to describe how life or a situation is 'going' for you personally.
When to use
Use this response when someone asks how you are and you want to be honest about feeling under the weather or having a rough time. It is suitable for friends, family, and colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mirgeht'snichtgut
Mir (Dative)
The dative case is used here because the condition is happening 'to' you.
Geht's (Contraction)
This is a common contraction of 'geht es', making the sentence flow more naturally in spoken German.
🗨In Conversation
Hallo, wie geht es dir heute?
Hello, how are you today?
Mir geht's nicht gut, ich bin sehr müde.
I'm not doing well, I am very tired.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich bin nicht gut.
Using 'Ich bin' implies you are a bad person or bad at a skill, rather than how you feel.
Mir ist nicht gut.
While grammatically correct, this specifically means 'I feel nauseous' rather than a general feeling of being unwell.
↔Alternatives
Mir geht es schlecht.
I am doing poorly.
Ich fühle mich nicht wohl.
I don't feel well.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, the question 'Wie geht es dir?' is often treated as a genuine inquiry rather than a superficial greeting. While you don't need to give a medical report, it is socially acceptable to admit you aren't doing well if that is the truth.