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“Ich habe keine Zeit”

I don't have time

Daily LifeGeneralA1

Literal Translation

Word for word: “I have no time”

Pronunciation

/ɪç ˈhaːbə ˈkaɪ̯nə tsaɪ̯t/

When to Use This Phrase

Nouns without an article are negated with 'kein', so say 'Ich habe keine Zeit', not 'Ich habe nicht Zeit'. Adding 'leider' (unfortunately) makes it a polite way to turn something down: 'Heute habe ich leider keine Zeit.'

Example Sentences

Kommst du heute mit ins Kino? — Nein, ich habe keine Zeit, ich muss arbeiten.

Are you coming to the movies today? — No, I don't have time, I have to work.

Ich habe gerade keine Zeit. Können wir morgen telefonieren?

I don't have time right now. Can we talk on the phone tomorrow?

Word Breakdown

Related Phrases

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