origin of 'kein' in German

Nina   Mon Dec 25, 2006 10:07 am GMT
Can anybody explain the letter "k" in kein the negative of ein?
Guest   Tue Dec 26, 2006 12:31 am GMT
"Kein" comes from Old High German "nihein" which means "not one"/"not any" as previously stated and is akin to Old Saxon "nigēn".

Remember, the "h" in Old High German is pronounced like Modern German "ch" so it has a soft fricative "k" sound.

Not 100% sure, but I imagine it developed from palatization of this sound, due to stress on the second syllable, or when the first syllable was dropped.
Kimura-sensei   Wed Dec 27, 2006 8:45 am GMT
"Not 100% sure, but I imagine it developed from palatization of this sound, due to stress on the second syllable, or when the first syllable was dropped."

I agree with you... that could be a good explanation. And yes, since you have answered the question, maybe the thread should be closed?