German Phrase
Nicken zeigt, dass du mitkommst.
Meaning
‘A nod shows that you are coming along.’ The sentence points out that a simple nod is enough to signal your intention to join someone.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on non‑verbal agreement, especially in situations where someone is about to leave or start an activity and you want to confirm you’ll go with them.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nickenzeigt,dassdumitkommst.
Nicken (noun)
Although derived from the verb *nicken* (to nod), here it is used as a neuter noun meaning ‘a nod’ and is capitalized.
zeigt (verb zeigen)
Third‑person singular present of *zeigen* ‘to show’; the subject is the noun *Nicken*.
dass‑clause
A subordinate clause introduced by *dass* pushes the finite verb to the end of the clause.
du (personal pronoun)
Second‑person singular informal pronoun, used as the subject of the *dass*‑clause.
mitkommen (separable verb)
In a *dass*‑clause the verb stays together at the end: *mitkommst* (you come along).
🗨In Conversation
Wir gehen gleich zum Café, kommst du mit?
We’re heading to the café soon, are you coming with us?
Ja, ich nicke. Nicken zeigt, dass du mitkommst.
Yes, I’ll nod. A nod shows that you’re coming along.
✕Common Mistakes
Nicken zeigt, dass du mitkommen.
The verb *mitkommen* must be conjugated to match the subject *du*; the correct form is *mitkommst*.
Nicken zeigt das du mitkommst.
The conjunction *dass* requires a double‑s; using *das* changes the meaning to ‘that’ (the article).
Nicken zeigt, dass du mitkommen.
Missing the *-st* ending on *mitkommen*; the verb must be in the second‑person singular present.
↔Alternatives
Ein Nicken bedeutet, dass du mitgehst.
A nod means that you are going along.
Durch dein Nicken zeigst du, dass du mitkommst.
By nodding you show that you are coming.
Wenn du nickst, heißt das, du kommst mit.
If you nod, it means you’re coming with.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries a nod is a very clear affirmative gesture. It is usually brief and firm; a prolonged or exaggerated nod can be interpreted as sarcasm or uncertainty. Also remember that *Nicken* as a noun is always capitalized, unlike the verb *nicken*.