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German Phrase

Nicht wirklich.

/nɪçt ˈvɪɐ̯klɪç/
Meaning"Not really."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a common way to express a mild or polite disagreement or to indicate that something is only partially true. It softens a direct 'no' and is often used to convey hesitation or a lack of full conviction.

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When to use

Use this in casual or semi-formal conversations when someone asks for your opinion or if you agree with a statement. It is perfect for responding to questions where a simple 'no' might feel too abrupt.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Nichtwirklich

1

Nicht

The primary negation particle in German, used here to negate the following adverb.

2

Wirklich

An adverb meaning 'really', used to qualify the level of truth or agreement.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hat dir das Essen geschmeckt?

Did you enjoy the food?

Nicht wirklich. Es war etwas zu salzig.

Not really. It was a bit too salty.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kein wirklich.

    Use 'nicht' to negate adverbs; 'kein' is only for nouns.

  • Nicht echt.

    While 'echt' means real, 'nicht wirklich' is the fixed idiomatic expression for 'not really'.

↔Alternatives

  • Eher nicht.

    Rather not.

  • Nicht ganz.

    Not quite.

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Cultural Tip

While German culture is known for directness, 'Nicht wirklich' is frequently used in modern German to soften a negative response. It is very common in urban areas and among younger speakers influenced by international communication styles.