Dutch grammar: ontkenning

What this grammar point covers

In Dutch, 'ontkenning' means making a sentence negative. It is how you say that something is not true or does not happen.

When to use it

You use 'ontkenning' in Dutch to say that something is not the case, to deny something, or to answer questions negatively.

Key forms

• niet (not)
• geen (no, not any)

Examples

Tips

• Use 'niet' to make verbs, adjectives, or adverbs negative.
• Use 'geen' to make nouns negative when there is no 'de' or 'het' word before.
• Do not use both 'niet' and 'geen' together in the same phrase.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Use 'geen' only with nouns without 'de' or 'het', or without a possessive word.
• 'Niet' usually comes after the verb, but before adjectives or adverbs.