Can anybody explain the letter "k" in kein the negative of ein?
origin of 'kein' in German
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"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.
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.
"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?
I agree with you... that could be a good explanation. And yes, since you have answered the question, maybe the thread should be closed?
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