Ik heb nooit geen geld.
English: I never have any money.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Overige constructies en zinsdelen
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'dubbele ontkenning' means using two negative words in the same sentence to express a negative meaning, often for emphasis or in certain fixed expressions.
When to use it
Double negation is mainly used in Dutch in old-fashioned, poetic, or fixed expressions, and sometimes for emphasis. In most modern Dutch, only one negation is used, but you may see double negation in literature, songs, or regional speech.
Key forms
- niet ... geen
- nooit ... niet
- niemand ... niet
- niets ... niet
Examples
Zij zegt niets niet.
English: She doesn't say nothing (She says nothing at all).
Niemand kan dat niet doen.
English: Nobody can't do that (Everyone can do that).
Dat is niet geen probleem.
English: That is not no problem (That is a problem).
Tips
- Double negation is not common in standard modern Dutch; use it mainly when you see it in set phrases or regional speech.
- Using double negatives in standard Dutch can make your sentence confusing or even change its meaning.
- Pay attention to context: sometimes double negation can actually create a positive meaning.
Exceptions and edge cases
- In some Dutch dialects and older texts, double negation is more common and accepted.