ParticleA2

doch

yes (on the contrary) · after all, actually, really · but, surely

Doch is a small word that changes the tone of a sentence. It can contradict a negative statement, add emphasis, or soften a request. Learners often miss that it is also the standard way to say 'yes' to a negative question.

What doch means

  1. yes (on the contrary) — Used to answer 'yes' to a negative question or statement, contradicting it.
  2. after all, actually, really — Used in statements to add emphasis, often implying the listener should already know or agree.
  3. but, surely — Used to make a request or suggestion more insistent or persuasive.

Heard in real German videos

Lines where doch was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.

  • Das Auto ist doch gar kein Gemüse.The car is not a vegetable at all.
  • Das sind doch keine Salate.Those aren't salads.
  • Ich weiß doch, was du vorhast.I know what you're up to.

Example sentences

  • Du hast doch gesagt, dass du kommst.But you said you were coming.
  • Das ist doch klar.That's obvious, isn't it?
  • Komm doch mit!Come along, won't you?
  • Hast du keinen Hunger? – Doch!Aren't you hungry? – Yes, I am!

Common phrases

  • doch nochafter all, in the end
  • doch wohlsurely, certainly
  • doch nichtnot after all
  • doch maljust, for once

The mistake English speakers make

English speakers often use 'ja' to answer a negative question, but the correct word is 'doch'. For example: 'Hast du das nicht gemacht?' – 'Doch!' (not 'Ja').

Don’t confuse it with

  • ja — Ja is a simple 'yes' to a positive question, while doch is 'yes' to a negative question or a contradiction.
  • aber — Aber means 'but' as a conjunction, while doch can mean 'but' as a particle to add emphasis or contradiction.

Questions learners ask

How do I answer a negative question in German?

Use 'doch' to say 'yes' to a negative question. For example: 'Hast du keinen Hunger?' – 'Doch!' means 'Yes, I am hungry.'

What is the difference between 'doch' and 'ja'?

'Ja' is a simple 'yes' to a positive question. 'Doch' is used to contradict a negative statement or question, or to add emphasis in a sentence.

Can 'doch' be used to soften a command?

Yes, adding 'doch' to an imperative makes it sound more like a suggestion or a friendly request. For example: 'Komm doch rein!' means 'Come in, won't you?'

Related words

janeinschonmal