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Nichts für ungut
/nɪçt͡s fyːɐ̯ ˈʊŋɡuːt/
no offense
Ich wollte dich nicht beleidigen, nichts für ungut!
I didn't mean to offend you, no offense!
informal
A phrase used to apologize or soften a potentially offensive statement, meaning 'no offense intended'.
Das war nicht persönlich gemeint, nichts für ungut.
That wasn't meant personally, no offense.
Ich sage nur die Wahrheit, nichts für ungut.
I'm just telling the truth, no offense.
This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to mitigate potential offense from blunt or critical statements.
Collocations
nichts für ungutno offensekein Problemno problem
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use 'Nichts für ungut' when you want to express a critical or blunt opinion without sounding rude. It is best used in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances.
Gold Rule
Avoid Formal Use
This phrase is informal and should not be used in professional or formal settings.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'nichts' (nothing), 'für' (for), and 'ungut' (ill/bad), literally meaning 'nothing for ill/bad'. The expression has been used in German for centuries to soften harsh or critical remarks.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in informal settings and is not appropriate in formal or professional contexts. It is often used when someone wants to express a critical opinion without causing offense.
Word Breakdown
nichts
nothing
rootfür
for
prepositionungut
ill/bad
adjectiveDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch