AdverbA1

noch

still · yet · else · another, more

Noch is a very common German adverb that usually means 'still' or 'yet'. It can also mean 'else', 'another', or 'even more', depending on context. Learners often struggle with its many uses, but it always relates to something continuing or additional.

What noch means

  1. still — when something continues to be the case or hasn't changed
  2. yet — in negative sentences or questions about something not happened
  3. else — after question words like was, wer, wo to mean 'what else, who else, where else'
  4. another, more — with numbers or quantities to indicate additional amount

Heard in real German videos

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

  • Ich glaube, es wird noch regnen.I think it's still going to rain.

Example sentences

  • Ich bin noch müde.I am still tired.
  • Er ist noch nicht da.He is not here yet.
  • Möchtest du noch etwas?Would you like something else?
  • Ich habe noch zwei Fragen.I have two more questions.

Common phrases

  • noch nichtnot yet
  • immer nochstill (emphasizing continuation)
  • noch einmalonce more, again
  • noch nienever (up to now)
  • weder ... nochneither ... nor

The mistake English speakers make

English speakers often confuse 'noch' with 'schon' (already). Use 'noch' for something that hasn't happened yet or is still ongoing, and 'schon' for something that has already happened.

Don’t confuse it with

  • schon — Schon means 'already', while noch means 'still' or 'yet'.
  • mehr — Mehr means 'more' in the sense of a greater amount, while noch can mean 'more' as in 'additional' or 'another'.

Questions learners ask

What is the difference between 'noch' and 'schon'?

Noch means 'still' or 'yet', indicating something is ongoing or hasn't happened. Schon means 'already', indicating something has happened earlier than expected.

How do you say 'not yet' in German?

You say 'noch nicht'. For example: 'Ich bin noch nicht fertig.' (I am not finished yet.)

What does 'immer noch' mean?

Immer noch means 'still' with emphasis on continuation, often implying that the situation has lasted longer than expected. Example: 'Er ist immer noch krank.' (He is still sick.)