In many languages, there are two ways to answer such questions—in English, for example, with yes or no. In German, there are three: ja, nein, and doch.
In many languages, there are two ways to answer such questions, in English for example with yes or no. In German, the options are three: ja, nein, and doch.
Doch is used when you want to give a positive answer to a negative question or a negative statement. With doch, you contradict what your conversation partner said. If the question or statement is formulated positively, you contradict with nein.
Doch is used when we want to give a positive answer to a negative question or negative statement. With doch, we contradict the statement of the conversation partner. If the question or statement is formulated positively, we contradict with nein.
Take a look at a few more examples:
A: You already speak German quite well. (+)
B: No, that's unfortunately not true. (-) I still make many mistakes.
A: Yes, you do; I think you speak well. (+)
A: Are you coming to the cinema with us today? (+)
B: No. (-) Unfortunately not.
A: Don't you feel like it? (-)
B: Yes, I do feel like it (+), but I don't have time.
A: Approximately 100 million people speak German as their native language.
B: Really? Is that true?
A: Yes, that's correct.
A: Approximately 100 million people speak German as their native language.
B: I don't believe that.
A: Yes, it is true.
A: In Switzerland, there are five official national languages.
B: That's not right!
A: You're right. There are four.