Ich verstehe nicht
I do not understand
Language note: A polite way to indicate confusion. 'Verstehe' is pronounced 'fir-shtay-uh'.
Culture note: Germans appreciate directness and will often be happy to help clarify things for you.
Context: The traveler struggles to understand a word and tells the staff that they don't understand.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Ich
[ikh]
I
Ich refers to oneself when speaking.
Ich weiß es nicht.
I don't know.
verstehe
[fer-SHTAY-uh]
understand
Verstehe means you comprehend something.
Ich verstehe die Frage.
I understand the question.
nicht
[nikht]
not
Nicht is used to negate statements.
Ich verstehe nicht, was Sie sagen.
I don't understand what you are saying.
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