Overview
This lecture explains the rules for positioning the German negation word "nicht" in sentences, covering several sentence elements and common exceptions.
Negation with "nicht" in German
- "Nicht" is used to negate sentences or parts of sentences in German.
- The placement of "nicht" depends on which sentence element is being negated.
- Standard sentence order can include subject, verb, adverb, dative object, accusative object.
Position Rules for "nicht"
- "Nicht" usually comes before the element it negates but NOT at the beginning of the sentence.
- If negating the verb or whole sentence, place "nicht" at the end of the sentence (before any final elements).
- To negate an adverb (e.g., "tomorrow"), place "nicht" directly before it.
- To negate a dative/accusative object with a definite (der/die/das) or possessive article (mein/dein), "nicht" comes before the object.
- "Nicht" does not go before proper names or articles.
Exceptions and Emphasis
- If emphasizing a particular element, "nicht" is placed immediately before it.
- Proper names are not directly preceded by "nicht"; use other sentence restructuring to clarify.
- With two verbs (e.g., perfect tense or modal verbs), "nicht" comes before the main verb at the end.
Verb Placement and Negation
- In sentences with two verbs (e.g., "Lisa hat das Buch gelesen"), "nicht" goes before the main verb at the end.
- For modal verbs (e.g., "Lisa muss heute arbeiten"), "nicht" precedes the main verb at the sentence's end.
Summary Tips
- Do not place "nicht" at the start of a sentence.
- Place "nicht" directly before the part of the sentence you wish to negate.
- In sentences with two verbs, "nicht" comes before the second/main verb at the end.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Negation — making a statement negative, usually with "nicht" in German.
- Definite Article — a specific "the" word (der, die, das).
- Modal Verb — a verb expressing necessity or possibility (e.g., must, can).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the homework: Translate "I don't like to sing" into German using the correct "nicht" position.
- Watch the video on the difference between "nicht" and "kein".