Many learners find doch a bit confusing, but it’s a very useful word in German! So, let’s explain it together.
This blog will help you understand how to use doch correctly in different contexts. 📚📝
Explanation:
Doch can be used to contradict a negative statement.
A negative statement is a sentence that includes a negation word like not or no.
For example:
If I say Ich bin nicht müde (I am not tired) and someone wants to contradict my statement, they can respond using the word doch: Doch, du bist müde (Yes, you are tired.)
Doch can also be used to add emphasis or encouragement.
For example:
Mach doch weiter! (Keep going!)
Doch can also be used to provide a reason for an action.
For example:
Ich gehe nicht, doch ich bin krank. (I am not going because I am sick.)
Summary:
- Use doch to contradict a negative statement.
- Use doch to add emphasis or encouragement.
- Use doch to provide a reason for something.
Extra Examples:
- Er sagt, dass er nicht kommt. – Doch!
(He says he is not coming. – Yes, he is!) - Mach doch weiter! (Keep going!) – Adding encouragement
- Es ist kalt, doch ich gehe spazieren. (It is cold, but I am going for a walk.) – Providing a reason
To reinforce what you’ve just read, check out our engaging video below! 🎥👇