Negation with net, keng, ni(scht)
Negation with net, keng, ni(scht)
Can negate sentences using net, keen/keng, and ni
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Ech sinn net midd.
I am not tired.
Mir hunn keng Mëllech méi.
We have no more milk.
Dat ass keen Problem.
That is no problem.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Negatioun am Lëtzebuergeschen:
| Wuert | Benotzung | Beispill |
|---|---|---|
| net | Verb negéieren | Ech sinn net midd. |
| keng | Substantiv negéieren (f/pl) | Ech hunn keng Zäit. |
| keen | Substantiv negéieren (m/n) | Dat ass keen Problem. |
| ni | = never | Ech sinn ni do. |
| näischt | = nothing | Ech gesinn näischt. |
Plaz: Net kënnt no dem Verb: Ech schwätze net Franséisch.
Main challenge: choosing between net (verb negation) and keen/keng (noun negation, like German kein)
Common Error Patterns
Using net instead of keen/keng before nouns
Net negates verbs. Keen/keng negate nouns (like German nicht vs. kein).
Ech sinn net midd.
I am not tired.
Net follows the verb to negate it — like German nicht.
Mir hunn keng Mëllech méi.
We have no more milk.
Keng negates feminine/plural nouns — like German keine.
Dat ass keen Problem.
That is no problem.
Keen negates masculine/neuter nouns — like German kein.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises