Dictionary
doch
German → American English
American English
but
German particle used to express contrast, emphasis, persuasion, or affirmation against a negative question.
Komm doch mit! — Come along, why don’t you!"Doch" is very common in speech and has several functions: it can mean "but," add emphasis, or answer a negative question positively. Don’t translate it word-for-word in every context.
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Frequently asked questions
What does "doch" mean in English?
"Doch" can mean "but," "however," "nevertheless," or "after all," depending on context.
How do you use "doch" in a sentence?
It often appears in spoken German to contrast ideas, soften commands, or reinforce a statement.
How do you answer a negative question with "doch"?
Use "doch" to say "yes" to a negative question, especially when correcting the negative implication.
Is "doch" the same as "aber"?
Not exactly. "Aber" usually means "but," while "doch" is more flexible and can add emphasis or contradiction.