German · Greetings & Phrases
Ich verstehe nicht
I don't understand
Beginnerphrase
Definition
An expression of incomprehension.
Example
Ich verstehe nicht. Können Sie langsamer sprechen?
I don't understand. Can you speak more slowly?
Etymology
'Ich verstehe nicht' means 'I don't understand' and combines the phrases 'ich' (I) and 'verstehe' (understand). It serves to clarify comprehension.
How & Where It’s Used
This phrase is used in both formal and informal contexts when seeking clarification. It appears mainly in spoken communication.