German Phrase
Noch nicht? Lohnt sich das?
Meaning
The speaker asks whether something that hasn’t been tried or done yet is worth the effort or investment. It can be translated as ‘Not yet? Is it worth it?’ The two‑part structure first checks the status and then asks for an evaluation.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re considering a new product, a hobby, a travel destination, or any activity you haven’t tried yet and want to know if it’s worthwhile. It’s common in casual conversation among friends, colleagues, or online reviews.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nochnicht?Lohntsichdas?
Noch nicht
‘Noch’ can mean ‘still’ or ‘yet’; combined with ‘nicht’ it forms a short question meaning ‘Not yet?’
sich lohnen
‘sich lohnen’ is a reflexive verb meaning ‘to be worth it’. In a yes‑no question the verb comes first, followed by the reflexive pronoun and the subject.
Verb‑Subject Inversion
In German questions the finite verb moves to the first position; therefore ‘Lohnt’ precedes ‘sich das’.
🗨In Conversation
Hast du das neue Fitness‑Studio schon ausprobiert?
Have you tried the new gym yet?
Noch nicht. Lohnt sich das?
Not yet. Is it worth it?
✕Common Mistakes
Lohnt das?
The verb ‘lohnen’ is reflexive; you must include the reflexive pronoun ‘sich’.
Noch nicht, lohn sich das?
In a question the verb must be in first position; use ‘Lohnt sich das?’ not ‘lohn sich das?’.
Lohnt das sich?
Word order is wrong; the correct order is ‘Lohnt sich das?’
↔Alternatives
Ist das etwas, das sich lohnt?
Is that something that’s worth it?
Ist das lohnenswert?
Is that worthwhile?
Ist es das wert?
Is it worth it?
Cultural Tip
German speakers often prefer concise, direct questions. ‘Lohnt sich das?’ is a perfectly natural way to ask for an opinion without sounding overly formal. In southern Germany you might also hear ‘Lohnt’s sich?’ where the verb and reflexive pronoun are contracted. Remember that ‘sich lohnen’ is always reflexive – dropping the ‘sich’ makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.