Skip to content
Kartoffel
Speak
Vocabulary

doch

/dɔx/· adverb

yes (after a negative question); but, however

Doch — the answer „yes“ to a negative question or statement (Kommst du nicht? – Doch!), and a word for „but, still“.

CEFR A2Frequency ●●●●●
Your memory
New
Learning
Familiar
Strong
Mastered

One word, many lives

Tap a meaning. Real German isn't a dictionary translation.

doch
yes (contradicting a negative)

„Hast du keinen Hunger?“ – „Doch, großen Hunger!“

"Aren't you hungry?" – "Yes I am, very hungry!"

Common combinations

  • Doch!Yes! (after a negative)
  • Ja doch!Yes, of course!
  • Komm doch mit!Do come along!

Common learner mistakes

  • „Kommst du nicht?“ – „Ja.“
    „Kommst du nicht?“ – „Doch.“
    After a negative question, „ja“ is unclear; „doch“ means yes, I am.

Real examples

  • „Du warst nicht da.“ – „Doch, ich war da!“"You weren't there." – "Yes I was!"
  • Ich wollte nicht mitkommen, doch dann bin ich mitgegangen.I didn't want to come, but then I went along.
  • „Kommst du nicht mit?“ – „Doch, natürlich!“"Aren't you coming?" – "Yes, of course!"

Related words