01
niemals
never
At no time; a stronger and more emotional form of 'nie' (never).
example
Ich werde dieses Versprechen niemals brechen.
I will never break this promise.
niemals
never
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'niemals' (never) is an intensified form of 'nie' (never). The ending '-mals', which you also know from 'damals' (back then) or 'manchmal' (sometimes), emphasizes the final and absolute character of the negation here.
EXAMPLE
Das hätte ich niemals von dir gedacht.
I would never have thought that of you.
Sentence position
Like other important adverbs, 'niemals' (never) can stand in position 1 to create strong emphasis. In this case, the conjugated verb moves to position 2.
EXAMPLE
Niemals würde ich dich anlügen.
Never would I lie to you.
Strong negation
'Niemals' (never) expresses a very strong, often emotional or final negation. It is often used to emphasize a promise, a firm intention, or something perceived as impossible.
EXAMPLE
Ich werde diesen Tag niemals vergessen.
I will never forget this day.
Compare with
niemals vs immer
always
'immer' and 'niemals' are clear opposites. 'immer' means that something happens at all times or every time. 'niemals' means that something happens at no time. 'niemals' often sounds stronger and more serious than 'nie'. When something happens without exception, you use 'immer'. When something absolutely does not happen or should not happen, 'niemals' fits.
niemals
Vor einer Reise würde meine Schwester niemals ohne Ausweis zum Bahnhof gehen.
Before a trip, my sister would never go to the station without an ID.
immer
Am Montag essen wir immer zusammen in der Kantine.
On Mondays, we always eat together in the cafeteria.
In real life
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