German Phrase
Nein, das ist ein virtuelles Vorstellungsgespräch.
Meaning
This phrase directly translates to "No, that is a virtual job interview." It's used to correct a misunderstanding or provide clarification about the nature of an upcoming or ongoing meeting, specifically identifying it as a job interview conducted remotely.
When to use
You would use this phrase when someone mistakenly assumes a meeting is something else (e.g., a casual chat, a regular meeting) and you need to clarify that it is, in fact, a virtual job interview. It's a straightforward correction.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nein,dasisteinvirtuellesVorstellungsgespräch.
Nein
'Nein' is the German word for 'no'. It's a simple and direct negation, often used at the beginning of a sentence to contradict a previous statement.
das ist
'Das ist' means 'that is' or 'it is'. 'Das' acts as a demonstrative pronoun here, referring to the situation or event being discussed. 'Ist' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'sein' (to be).
ein virtuelles
'Ein' is the indefinite article for neuter nouns in the nominative case. 'Virtuelles' is the adjective 'virtuell' (virtual) declined to agree with the neuter noun 'Vorstellungsgespräch', taking the '-es' ending.
Vorstellungsgespräch
This is a compound noun meaning 'job interview'. It's neuter (das Vorstellungsgespräch). Compound nouns are very common in German, combining 'Vorstellung' (introduction/presentation) and 'Gespräch' (conversation).
🗨In Conversation
Treffen wir uns morgen für ein kurzes Gespräch?
Are we meeting tomorrow for a quick chat?
Nein, das ist ein virtuelles Vorstellungsgespräch.
No, that is a virtual job interview.
✕Common Mistakes
Nein, das ist ein virtuell Vorstellungsgespräch.
Adjectives preceding a noun must be declined. 'Virtuell' needs the -es ending to agree with the neuter noun 'Vorstellungsgespräch' in the nominative case.
Nein, das ist eine virtuelles Vorstellungsgespräch.
'Vorstellungsgespräch' is a neuter noun, so it takes the indefinite article 'ein', not 'eine' (which is for feminine nouns).
Nein, das ist ein virtuelles Jobinterview.
While 'Jobinterview' is understood, 'Vorstellungsgespräch' is the more common and formal German term for a job interview. Using the German term sounds more natural and professional.
↔Alternatives
Es ist ein Online-Vorstellungsgespräch.
It's an online job interview.
Das ist ein Bewerbungsgespräch per Video.
That's an application interview via video.
Cultural Tip
In German professional contexts, directness is common. This phrase is a clear and concise way to correct information without being considered rude. While virtual interviews have become standard, Germans still value punctuality and a professional demeanor, even when meeting remotely. Ensure your technology works and you're dressed appropriately.