Not all is different from none
A sentence denying that every application succeeded still allows some successful applications. Do not paraphrase it as universal failure. Negation must be interpreted together with the quantifier and the intended group.
Nicht alle Anträge wurden bewilligt.
Not all applications were approved.
Locate the modifier
An observer can use binoculars, or observe someone who carries them. Adding a relative clause makes the second reading explicit. A clear rewrite needs the intended relationship; grammatical possibility alone does not tell you the author’s intention.
Sie beobachtet den Mann, der ein Fernglas trägt.
She observes the man who carries binoculars.
Keep absence of obligation separate from prohibition
Sie müssen nicht kommen leaves attendance optional. Sie dürfen nicht kommen prohibits it. Neither the presence of nicht nor the topic alone makes these modal constructions equivalent.
Sie müssen morgen nicht teilnehmen.
You do not have to participate tomorrow.
Practise this pattern
The matching block includes guided questions, a separate mastery check and spaced review. The first 10 blocks and two samples at each higher level are free; other blocks require course access or an eligible seven-day trial. These tasks practise specific grammar patterns and do not certify a complete language level.
Explore this grammar blockRelated grammar
References
Original explanations and examples informed by grammar references. Level placement is an editorial teaching choice.