In German
nett
Meaning: nice, kind
Formal or informal? “Nett” means nice or kind, about a person or a gesture. For a pretty thing or a beautiful view, use “schön”.
Example sentences
Das ist sehr nett von dir.
That's very nice of you.
Sie ist eine nette Frau.
She is a nice woman.
Die Nachbarn sind sehr nett.
The neighbours are very nice.
Grammar note
Before a noun: “ein netter Mann” (masculine), “eine nette Frau” (feminine), “ein nettes Kind” (neuter). “Nett” takes the same endings as other adjectives, and “schön” is the word for nice in the sense of beautiful.
Common mistake
Don't call a beautiful view “nett”. “Die Aussicht ist schön” is right; “nett” suits people and friendly acts, not landscapes.
Quick check
Which German word means “nice” for a person, as in kind?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between “nett” and “schön”?
“Nett” means kind or friendly about people, while “schön” means beautiful or pretty.
How do you say “that's nice of you” in German?
“Das ist nett von dir”.