Learn Dutch: Het vlees is niet lekker.

We use geen to negate nouns that do not have a definite article (like 'a meat' or just 'meat'). However, in this sentence, we are not negating the noun. We are negating the adjective lekker (tasty). To negate adjectives, we always use niet.

Why does niet come right before lekker?

When niet is used to negate a specific adjective in a sentence, it is placed directly in front of that adjective. This shows exactly what is being negated, and it works just like 'not tasty' in English.

Can lekker only be used to talk about food?

In this sentence about vlees (meat), it means 'tasty'. But the Dutch use lekker for almost anything that feels pleasant! You can use it to describe nice weather, a comfortable sweater, or even just feeling good.

Why is it het vlees and not de vlees?

In Dutch, nouns are either 'de-words' or 'het-words'. Vlees happens to be a neuter noun, so it always takes het for 'the'. There is no simple rule for this, so it is best to memorize the article together with the noun when you learn new vocabulary.