mehr
more · anymore, no longer
Mehr means 'more' or 'anymore' depending on context. It is used to express an increase in quantity or degree, or to indicate that something is no longer the case. Learners often confuse the two uses, but the surrounding words make the meaning clear.
What mehr means
- more — Used to indicate a greater amount, number, or degree, often in comparisons or with nouns.
- anymore, no longer — Used with negation (nicht or kein) to express that something is no longer true or happening.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where mehr was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Hier sind noch mehr Quallen.Here are even more jellyfish.
- Es gibt keine Kinder mehr.There are no kids anymore.
- Erinnerst du dich nicht mehr?Don't you remember anymore?
Example sentences
- Ich möchte mehr Wasser.I would like more water.
- Er arbeitet nicht mehr hier.He doesn't work here anymore.
- Es gibt keine Milch mehr.There is no milk left.
- Mehr als zehn Leute kamen.More than ten people came.
Common phrases
- mehr oder wenigermore or less
- nicht mehrno longer, not anymore
- kein ... mehrno more ...
- immer mehrmore and more
- umso mehrall the more
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often say 'Ich habe mehr Zeit nicht' instead of 'Ich habe keine Zeit mehr'. Remember that 'nicht mehr' or 'kein ... mehr' is the correct way to express 'no longer' or 'not anymore'.
Don’t confuse it with
- noch — Noch means 'still' or 'yet', while mehr means 'more' or 'anymore'. They are opposites in some contexts: noch nicht = not yet, nicht mehr = not anymore.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'mehr' and 'nicht mehr'?
'Mehr' alone means 'more', while 'nicht mehr' means 'no longer' or 'not anymore'. The negation changes the meaning completely.
How do you say 'no more' in German?
You can say 'kein ... mehr' for nouns (e.g., keine Zeit mehr = no more time) or 'nicht mehr' for verbs (e.g., nicht mehr arbeiten = not work anymore).
Is 'mehr' used as a comparative?
Yes, 'mehr' is the comparative of 'viel' (much/many), meaning 'more'. It is used to compare quantities or degrees.