German Phrase
Nee, mir geht's nicht gut.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to express that you are feeling unwell, either physically or emotionally. The word 'Nee' is a casual variation of 'Nein,' making the statement sound more informal and natural in everyday conversation. It uses the dative case 'mir' to indicate the person who is experiencing the state.
When to use
Use this when someone asks 'Wie geht es dir?' and you want to be honest about not feeling great. It is most appropriate among friends, family, or colleagues in a casual setting due to the use of the informal 'Nee'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Neemirgeht'snichtgut
Dative Case
The pronoun 'mir' is in the dative case because the expression 'es geht' (it goes) requires a dative object to show who is affected.
Contraction
'Geht's' is a very common contraction of 'geht es', which is standard in almost all spoken contexts.
🗨In Conversation
Na, alles klar bei dir?
Hey, is everything okay with you?
Nee, mir geht's nicht gut.
No, I'm not doing well.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich bin nicht gut.
German uses the dative 'mir' and the verb 'gehen' to describe well-being; 'Ich bin gut' implies you are a good person or good at something.
Nein, ich gehe nicht gut.
The subject must be the impersonal 'es' (it), not 'ich' (I), as 'ich gehe' literally means you are walking poorly.
↔Alternatives
Mir geht es schlecht.
I feel bad/poorly.
Nicht so gut.
Not so good.
Es geht so.
I'm okay / so-so.
Cultural Tip
Germans are often more literal and honest when asked how they are doing. Unlike the English 'How are you?', which can be a simple greeting, 'Wie geht's?' often invites a real answer, so don't be surprised if the conversation continues about your well-being after using this phrase.