When a final -n is kept (before vowels and n, d, t, z, h) and when it drops
I can recognise and apply the n-rule: keep a final -n before vowels and n, d, t, z, h, drop it before other consonants.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
I am at home, but I am tired.
The apple and the cake are on the table.
If we have time, I go into town.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
D'Eifeler Regel (n-Reegel) ass déi bekanntst Aussproochregel am Lëtzebuergeschen: e finaalt -n (oder -nn) fält ewech, wann dat nächst Wuert mat engem Konsonant ufänkt — ausser virun n, d, t, z, h a virun de Vokaler.
| Nächst Wuert fänkt un mat | -n | Beispill |
|---|---|---|
| Vokal (a, e, i, o, u) | bleift ✓ | den Apel, Ech sinn et |
| n, d, t, z, h | bleift ✓ | den Dag, den Hond, wann nëmmen |
| anere Konsonant | fält ewech ✗ | de Bäcker, Ech si frou, wa mer |
D'Reegel gëllt fir Verben (sinn/si, ginn/gi), Artikelen (den/de, en/e), Pronomen (wann/wa) — iwwerall, wou e Wuert op -n endet. Um Enn vum Saz a virun enger Paus bleift den -n ëmmer stoen.
Merkhëllef: n-d-t-z-h — nëmme virun dëse Konsonanten (an de Vokaler) iwwerlieft den -n.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesLearners keep the -n everywhere or drop it everywhere. It alternates by the next word's first sound: den Apel / de Bäcker, Ech sinn et / Ech si frou.
Final -n kept where it must drop (e.g. *sinn frou, *den Bäcker)
Drop the -n before consonants other than n, d, t, z, h: si frou, de Bäcker.
Final -n dropped where it must stay (e.g. *de Apel, *si et)
Keep the -n before vowels and n, d, t, z, h: den Apel, sinn et.
I am at home, but I am tired.
sinn before d (doheem) keeps -n; si before m (midd) drops it - same verb, one sentence.
The apple and the cake are on the table.
den before a vowel (Apel), de before K (Kuch) - the article alternates by the rule.
If we have time, I go into town.
wann becomes wa before m (mer); ginn keeps -n before a vowel (ech... an).
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises