How Do You Say “Yes” in German? ✅🇩🇪

The word for “yes” in German is ja (pronounced yah). It’s one of the simplest and most common words you’ll use in German conversations.

The Word for “Yes” in German

The standard translation of “yes” is ja.

Examples

  • Ja, bitte.
    Yes, please.

  • Ja, das stimmt.
    Yes, that’s true.

  • Ja, ich habe Hunger.
    Yes, I’m hungry.


Grammar Tip

While ja is the most common form of “yes,” there are other ways to agree or confirm in German, depending on the situation:

👉 Doch – used to contradict a negative statement.

  • A: Du kommst nicht, oder? – You’re not coming, are you?

  • B: Doch! – Yes, I am!

👉 Klar – casual, like saying sure! or of course!

  • Klar, ich helfe dir. – Sure, I’ll help you.



More Examples

  • Ja, ich verstehe.
    Yes, I understand.

  • Ja, ich komme gleich.
    Yes, I’m coming in a moment.

  • Ja, das gefällt mir.
    Yes, I like that.



    • 🌱 Rooted in Meaning

    The German ja comes from the Old High German ja, meaning “truly” or “indeed.” It’s related to the English word yea, which was once the standard way to say yes. Over time, English dropped yea in everyday use, but German kept ja as its primary word for agreement.


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