kein
Meaning and Usage
"Kein" is a German determiner that means "no" or "not a" in English. It is used to negate a noun, indicating the absence or non-existence of something.
Linguistic Analysis
"Kein" is a combination of "k-" which is a negation prefix and "ein" which means "a" or "one." It is used to modify and negate singular masculine and neuter nouns.
Comparisons between German and English
In English, "kein" can be translated as "no" or "not a" when used before a noun. It functions similarly to the English words "no" and "not any."
Cultural Context
In German, "kein" is used to express negation and absence. It is an essential word in constructing negative sentences and expressing the absence of something.
Example Sentences
- Ich habe kein Geld. (I have no money.)
- Es gibt keinen Kaffee. (There is no coffee.)
- Sie hat keine Zeit. (She has no time.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "kein," think of it as "no one" or "not a one," emphasizing the absence or non-existence of the noun it precedes.
Additional Vocabulary
- Negation: die Verneinung
- None: keine
- Nothing: nichts
- Nobody: niemand
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
"Kein" does not change for gender in the singular form, but it changes to "keine" for feminine singular and to "keine" for plural nouns.
Conjugation (for verbs)
Not applicable, as "kein" is a determiner and does not have a verb form.