Hi Nederbulan,
The word "geen" is used to negate a noun that, if not negated, would be preceded by "een".
Is dat een auto? - Nee, dat is geen auto.
(Is that a car? - No, that is not a car.)
The word "geen" can also negate nouns that aren't preceded by any article, like some nouns in the plural and uncountable nouns.
Hebben jullie tafels? - Nee, we hebben geen tafels.
Hebben jullie geld? - Nee, we hebben geen geld.
(Do you have tables? - No, we don't have tables.)
(Do you have money? - No, we don't have money.)
The word "niet" is kind of used in all other situations.
Ik rook niet. - I don't smoke.
Je hebt hem niet gehoord. - You didn't hear him.
hope this helps?