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A2 conjunction #1,700 más común 11 min de lectura

weder

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos weder en 30 segundos

Explicación weder in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to negate things. Usually, you learn 'nicht' (not) and 'kein' (no/none). While 'weder ... noch' is officially an A2/B1 topic, you might encounter it in simple phrases. At this stage, think of it as a way to say 'no' to two things at once. Instead of saying 'Ich trinke keinen Kaffee. Ich trinke keinen Tee.', you can say 'Ich trinke weder Kaffee noch Tee.' It is a useful shortcut. You don't need to worry about complex word order yet; just focus on the pattern: [Verb] + weder [Thing 1] noch [Thing 2]. This will make your German sound much more natural and less repetitive. Even at A1, using this correctly in a basic sentence like 'Ich habe weder Hund noch Katze' will impress your teachers and show that you are ready for more advanced structures. Focus on the 'neither...nor' translation and try to spot it when you read simple texts. It's all about recognizing the pair.

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At the A2 level, 'weder ... noch' becomes a key part of your vocabulary. You are expected to use it to describe your life, preferences, and surroundings with more detail. You will learn that 'weder' and 'noch' are 'Doppelkonjunktionen' (double conjunctions). You should practice using them to link adjectives ('Das Auto ist weder neu noch billig') and nouns ('Ich habe weder Zeit noch Geld'). At this level, you should also be aware of where they sit in a sentence. Usually, they follow the verb. You will also start to see them used with modal verbs, like 'Ich kann weder schwimmen noch tauchen.' Notice how the main verbs go to the end. This is a great time to start comparing 'weder ... noch' with 'entweder ... oder' (either ... or) to make sure you don't mix them up. Practice making sentences about things you don't like or don't have to solidify the structure in your mind.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'weder ... noch' in more complex scenarios, including linking full clauses. This is where word order becomes very important. If you start a clause with 'weder', you must remember the inversion rule: the verb comes next. 'Weder habe ich ihn gesehen, noch habe ich mit ihm gesprochen.' You will also use 'weder ... noch' to express more abstract ideas in discussions and essays. It is a vital tool for the B1 speaking exam when you need to weigh options or explain why certain solutions are not viable. You should also be able to use it with different cases (nominative, accusative, dative). For example: 'Ich helfe weder meinem Bruder noch meiner Schwester' (Dative). At B1, you are expected to have a 'feel' for the rhythm of the sentence and use the conjunction to create balance. You might also start using it with more than two items: 'Weder heute, noch morgen, noch nächste Woche habe ich Zeit.'

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At the B2 level, 'weder ... noch' should be used with precision and stylistic flair. You will use it in formal letters, reports, and debates to dismiss multiple points of view or to describe complex situations where no simple answer exists. You should be able to handle 'weder ... noch' when it interacts with other complex grammar, such as the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) or passive voice. For example: 'Weder wurde der Plan genehmigt, noch wurden die Kosten gesenkt.' You should also be aware of the subtle differences in emphasis when placing 'weder' in different parts of the sentence. At B2, your vocabulary is large enough that you can use 'weder ... noch' with sophisticated synonyms and idiomatic expressions. You should also be able to recognize it in fast-paced news reports and understand the nuances of the speaker's intent. It becomes less about 'how to use it' and more about 'how to use it effectively' to build a logical argument.

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At the C1 level, 'weder ... noch' is a tool for rhetorical precision. You will use it to create elegant, balanced sentences in academic writing and professional presentations. You should be able to use it to link complex infinitive constructions or subordinate clauses, though this requires careful attention to comma placement and verb position. For example: 'Es ist weder möglich, den Termin zu verschieben, noch ist es ratsam, das Projekt ohne weitere Prüfung fortzusetzen.' At this level, you should also understand the historical and literary contexts of the word. You will encounter it in classical German literature (Goethe, Schiller) and philosophical texts, where it is used to define the boundaries of concepts. Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to use it to express very fine distinctions in meaning. You might also explore the use of 'noch' as a standalone negative connector in high-register prose.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'weder ... noch'. You use it instinctively and with the same nuance as a native speaker. You can use it to create complex, multi-layered negations in highly formal or literary contexts. You understand how to play with the rhythm of the sentence, perhaps using 'weder ... noch' to create a specific emotional or intellectual effect. You are also aware of very rare or archaic uses of the word. In C2 level discussions, you can use the conjunction to elegantly navigate through highly abstract or technical topics, ensuring that your negations are perfectly clear and grammatically sophisticated. You can identify and correct even the most subtle misuses of the word in others' speech or writing. For you, 'weder ... noch' is not just a grammar rule, but a flexible instrument for precise communication at the highest level of the German language.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

weder en 30 segundos

Weder is a German conjunction meaning 'neither', used exclusively with 'noch' (nor) to negate two or more elements in a single sentence structure.
It functions as a correlative pair, linking nouns, adjectives, or clauses, and is essential for clear, sophisticated negation in both spoken and written German.
When starting a sentence, 'weder' often triggers verb-second word order, while in the middle of a sentence, it simply precedes the first negated item.
It is a more formal and precise alternative to using multiple 'nicht' or 'kein' constructions, commonly appearing in professional, academic, and literary contexts.

The German word weder is a correlative conjunction, almost exclusively used in the pair weder ... noch. In English, this translates directly to 'neither ... nor'. It is a powerful linguistic tool used to negate two or more options simultaneously, providing a clear and concise way to express double negation without using 'nicht' or 'kein' multiple times. When you use 'weder', you are setting up a binary exclusion where both Part A and Part B are excluded from the possibility or reality of the sentence. This structure is essential for moving beyond basic A1 German into more nuanced A2 and B1 communication, allowing for more sophisticated descriptions of preferences, availability, and facts.

Grammatical Role: Correlative Conjunction (Doppelkonjunktion)
English Equivalent: Neither (used with 'nor')
Core Function: To negate two elements in a single thought.

Ich trinke weder Kaffee noch Tee.

Understanding 'weder' requires understanding its partner 'noch'. You cannot simply use 'weder' on its own to mean 'neither' in the way English speakers might say 'Neither of them'. In German, 'weder' acts as the first half of a bridge. It signals to the listener that a second negation is coming. This creates a rhythmic and logical flow in the sentence. It is often used to simplify sentences that would otherwise be clunky, such as 'Ich trinke keinen Kaffee und ich trinke auch keinen Tee'. By using 'weder ... noch', the sentence becomes more elegant and precise.

Das Wetter ist weder warm noch kalt.

In formal writing and academic contexts, 'weder ... noch' is preferred over multiple 'und kein' constructions because it demonstrates a higher level of grammatical control. It is also used to exclude more than two things, though this is less common. For example: 'Er spricht weder Deutsch noch Englisch noch Französisch.' This stacking of 'noch' is perfectly valid and helps emphasize the total lack of the mentioned attributes. The word itself originates from Middle High German 'weder', which originally meant 'which of the two', showing its historical roots in binary choices.

Er hat weder angerufen noch geschrieben.

Logical Operator: NOR (Logical negation of OR)

Sie ist weder hier noch dort.

Es war weder billig noch gut.

Using weder correctly involves understanding its position within the German sentence structure. Unlike simple adverbs, 'weder' works in tandem with 'noch' to link nouns, adjectives, verbs, or even entire clauses. The most common use case is linking two nouns or adjectives within a sentence where the verb remains the same for both. In this case, 'weder' usually follows the conjugated verb. For example, 'Ich habe weder Zeit noch Lust.' Here, 'weder' and 'noch' act as markers for the objects of the sentence. If you are linking two verbs, the structure remains similar: 'Er kann weder singen noch tanzen.' The verbs are placed at the end in their infinitive form, as is standard with modal verbs.

Position 1: Weder ich noch du haben Zeit. (Linking subjects)
Mid-Sentence: Ich sehe weder den Hund noch die Katze. (Linking objects)

Weder mein Vater noch meine Mutter kommen heute.

A more complex use of 'weder' occurs when it starts the sentence. When 'weder' is placed in the first position, it often triggers a specific word order if it's part of a larger clause structure. However, most commonly, 'weder' starts a phrase that functions as the subject. In 'Weder der Chef noch die Mitarbeiter wussten Bescheid', the phrase 'Weder der Chef noch die Mitarbeiter' occupies position one, followed by the verb 'wussten'. It is important to note the verb agreement: when linking two singular subjects with 'weder ... noch', the verb can be singular or plural, though plural is often preferred in modern German if the subjects are seen as a collective group of people.

Das ist weder richtig noch fair.

When linking two full sentences, the word order becomes critical. If 'weder' starts the first clause, the verb must come in the second position: 'Weder *habe* ich Zeit, noch *habe* ich Geld.' Notice how 'habe' comes immediately after 'weder' (which counts as position 1) and 'noch' (which also counts as position 1 in its respective clause). This is a common area for mistakes among learners. Remember that 'weder' and 'noch' are not just 'and'—they are negative markers that influence the logic of the entire sentence. In many cases, you can also place 'weder' after the verb to avoid inversion: 'Ich habe weder Zeit, noch habe ich Geld.'

Wir haben weder Brot noch Butter im Haus.

Verb Agreement: Usually plural if subjects are linked, but singular is possible.

Sie konnte weder lachen noch weinen.

Er ist weder zu Hause noch im Büro.

You will encounter weder in a variety of settings, ranging from daily conversations to formal news broadcasts. In everyday life, it is frequently used when someone is being asked about preferences or availability and wants to give a clear 'no' to all options provided. For instance, if a waiter asks if you want sparkling or still water, and you want neither, you might say: 'Ich möchte weder Sprudel noch stilles Wasser.' It sounds slightly more formal than 'Beides nicht', but it is very common. In professional environments, it is used to define boundaries or lack of resources: 'Wir haben weder das Budget noch das Personal für dieses Projekt.'

News & Media: Used to describe political stalemates or neutral positions.
Legal/Formal: Defining what is NOT included in a contract or law.

'Das ist weder mein Problem noch meine Aufgabe.'

In German literature and philosophy, 'weder ... noch' is a staple for expressing existential or complex states of being. Think of phrases like 'weder Fisch noch Fleisch' (neither fish nor meat), an idiom used to describe something that is neither one thing nor the other—something ambiguous or indecisive. You will also hear it in weather reports: 'Morgen gibt es weder Regen noch Sonnenschein, es bleibt bewölkt.' The structure is inherently balanced, which makes it very popular in rhetorical speech and persuasive writing. It allows the speaker to dismiss multiple counter-arguments in a single, rhythmic sentence.

'Ich habe weder Kosten noch Mühen gescheut.'

In the context of modern technology and apps, you might see 'weder ... noch' in error messages or settings: 'Weder WLAN noch mobile Daten sind verfügbar.' It provides a clear, unambiguous status update. Even in pop culture, lyrics often use this structure to express a sense of loss or emptiness: 'Ich fühle weder Schmerz noch Freude.' Because it covers two bases at once, it feels more 'complete' than a single negation. When listening to German podcasts or watching TV shows, pay attention to how the 'noch' is emphasized to drive home the second point of the negation.

'Er ist weder verwandt noch verschwägert.'

Customer Service: 'Wir haben weder Ihre Bestellung noch Ihre Zahlung erhalten.'

'Das Projekt ist weder fertig noch genehmigt.'

'Ich bin weder müde noch hungrig.'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with weder is forgetting its mandatory partner, noch. In English, you can sometimes use 'neither' as a standalone pronoun (e.g., 'Neither is good'). In German, you cannot simply say 'Weder ist gut'. Instead, you would use 'Keines von beiden ist gut' or 'Beides ist nicht gut'. 'Weder' is strictly a correlative conjunction that requires a second part to complete the thought. Another common error is using 'weder ... oder' instead of 'weder ... noch'. This happens because learners confuse it with 'entweder ... oder' (either ... or). Remember: 'weder' and 'noch' both start with 'n' sounds (if you consider the 'n' in 'noch'), making them the negative pair.

Mistake 1: Using 'weder' without 'noch'.
Mistake 2: Mixing it up: 'weder ... oder' (WRONG).

Falsch: Ich habe weder Zeit oder Geld.

Word order (Satzbau) is the second major hurdle. When 'weder' or 'noch' are used to link two full main clauses, they often act as connectors that occupy 'Position 1'. This means the verb must come immediately after them. For example, 'Weder *habe* ich Zeit, noch *habe* ich Lust.' Many learners incorrectly say 'Weder ich habe Zeit, noch ich habe Lust.' This sounds very 'English' and is grammatically incorrect in German. However, if 'weder' is just linking two nouns within a sentence, the word order doesn't change: 'Ich habe weder Zeit noch Lust.' Knowing when the inversion is required is key to mastering this word.

Richtig: Weder trinke ich Alkohol, noch rauche ich.

Another subtle mistake involves double negatives. In English, we are taught that 'I don't have neither' is a double negative and thus incorrect. In German, 'weder ... noch' *is* the negation. You should not add 'nicht' or 'kein' to a sentence that already uses 'weder ... noch'. For example, 'Ich habe *keine* weder Zeit noch Lust' is redundant and wrong. The 'weder' already carries the negative weight. Lastly, be careful with verb agreement when using 'weder ... noch' with two subjects. While singular is sometimes used, plural is generally safer and more common when the subjects are people: 'Weder Peter noch Maria *sind* da' (instead of 'ist').

Falsch: Ich trinke weder keinen Kaffee noch keinen Tee.

Double Negation: Avoid adding 'nicht' or 'kein' when using 'weder'.

Richtig: Er hat weder angerufen noch eine Nachricht geschickt.

Falsch: Weder ich bin müde noch du bist müde.

To truly understand weder, it helps to compare it with other conjunctions and negations in German. The most obvious comparison is with its 'positive' counterpart: sowohl ... als auch (both ... as well as). While 'weder ... noch' excludes both options, 'sowohl ... als auch' includes both. Another related pair is entweder ... oder (either ... or), which presents a choice where only one option can be true. Understanding these three pairs together helps you map out the logic of German conjunctions. 'Weder' is the 'negative' version of 'sowohl'.

sowohl ... als auch: Both X and Y (The opposite of weder...noch).
entweder ... oder: Either X or Y (A choice between two).
nicht nur ... sondern auch: Not only X but also Y (Emphasis on the second part).

Ich mag weder Äpfel noch Birnen. (Neither)

You might also confuse 'weder' with simple negations like 'kein' or 'nicht'. While 'Ich mag keine Äpfel' is a simple statement, 'weder ... noch' is used specifically when you are contrasting two specific things. It's more targeted. Another word that often comes up is 'keinesfalls' (by no means) or 'niemand' (nobody), but these don't have the correlative 'bridge' structure that 'weder' has. In English, we sometimes use 'nor' by itself at the start of a sentence (e.g., 'Nor do I'). In German, you can use 'Noch' similarly: 'Ich habe kein Geld. Noch habe ich Zeit.' But this is quite formal and 'weder ... noch' is the standard way to link these ideas.

Ich mag sowohl Äpfel als auch Birnen. (Both)

Finally, consider the word 'beide' (both). If someone asks 'Möchtest du Tee oder Kaffee?' and you want to say 'neither', you could say 'Keines von beiden'. This is often more natural in short spoken responses than a full 'weder ... noch' sentence. However, 'weder ... noch' allows you to be more descriptive. For example, 'Ich trinke weder Tee noch Kaffee, ich möchte nur Wasser.' This provides more information and sounds more sophisticated. In academic writing, 'weder ... noch' is almost always preferred over 'beides nicht' because it allows for a clearer parallel structure between the negated items.

Entweder gehen wir ins Kino oder wir bleiben zu Hause.

Comparison: 'Weder' is for negation, 'Entweder' is for choice.

Das ist weder neu noch originell.

Er ist weder groß noch klein.

How Formal Is It?

Guía de pronunciación

Rima con

Jeder, Leder, Feder

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Word order in main clauses (V2).

Correlative conjunctions.

Subject-verb agreement.

Negation with 'nicht' and 'kein'.

Inversion after connectors.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Ich trinke weder Kaffee noch Tee.

I drink neither coffee nor tea.

Simple negation of two nouns.

Er hat weder einen Hund noch eine Katze.

He has neither a dog nor a cat.

Negation of two objects in the accusative case.

Das ist weder mein Buch noch dein Buch.

That is neither my book nor your book.

Negation of possessive pronouns.

Wir essen weder Fleisch noch Fisch.

We eat neither meat nor fish.

Common dietary expression.

Sie ist weder groß noch klein.

She is neither tall nor short.

Linking two adjectives.

Ich habe weder Zeit noch Geld.

I have neither time nor money.

Very common idiomatic use.

Das Wetter ist weder warm noch kalt.

The weather is neither warm nor cold.

Linking adjectives describing weather.

Er spricht weder Deutsch noch Englisch.

He speaks neither German nor English.

Negation of language skills.

Ich kann weder singen noch tanzen.

I can neither sing nor dance.

Linking two infinitives with a modal verb.

Weder mein Vater noch meine Mutter kommen.

Neither my father nor my mother are coming.

Linking two subjects at the start of a sentence.

Das Kleid ist weder rot noch blau.

The dress is neither red nor blue.

Negation of colors.

Er ist weder im Büro noch zu Hause.

He is neither in the office nor at home.

Linking two prepositional phrases.

Ich möchte weder Pizza noch Pasta essen.

I want to eat neither pizza nor pasta.

Using 'möchte' with 'weder...noch'.

Das Spiel war weder spannend noch lustig.

The game was neither exciting nor funny.

Linking two descriptive adjectives.

Sie hat weder angerufen noch geschrieben.

She neither called nor wrote.

Linking two past participles (Perfekt).

Weder du noch ich haben den Schlüssel.

Neither you nor I have the key.

Linking pronouns as subjects.

Weder habe ich Zeit, noch habe ich Lust dazu.

Neither do I have time, nor do I have the desire for it.

Inversion in both clauses.

Das Projekt ist weder teuer noch kompliziert.

The project is neither expensive nor complicated.

Professional context.

Er hilft weder seinem Freund noch seinem Bruder.

He helps neither his friend nor his brother.

Dative case usage.

Wir konnten weder den Termin halten noch das Ziel erreichen.

We could neither keep the appointment nor reach the goal.

Modal verb in Präteritum with two infinitives.

Weder die Lehrer noch die Schüler waren zufrieden.

Neither the teachers nor the students were satisfied.

Plural verb agreement with mixed subjects.

Das ist weder gesund noch lecker.

That is neither healthy nor tasty.

Linking adjectives.

Ich habe weder die Mail gelesen noch die Datei geöffnet.

I have neither read the email nor opened the file.

Perfekt tense with objects.

Sie ist weder mit dem Bus noch mit dem Zug gekommen.

She came neither by bus nor by train.

Linking prepositional phrases of transport.

Weder wurde die Frage beantwortet, noch wurde das Problem gelöst.

Neither was the question answered, nor was the problem solved.

Passive voice with inversion.

Der Film war weder künstlerisch wertvoll noch unterhaltsam.

The film was neither artistically valuable nor entertaining.

Sophisticated adjective phrases.

Er konnte weder seine Unschuld beweisen noch die Vorwürfe entkräften.

He could neither prove his innocence nor refute the allegations.

Formal/Legal vocabulary.

Weder die wirtschaftliche Lage noch die politische Situation sind stabil.

Neither the economic situation nor the political situation are stable.

Abstract subjects and plural verb.

Ich möchte weder, dass du gehst, noch, dass du bleibst.

I want neither that you go, nor that you stay.

Linking 'dass' clauses.

Das Ergebnis war weder positiv noch negativ, sondern neutral.

The result was neither positive nor negative, but neutral.

Contrast with 'sondern'.

Weder durch Drohungen noch durch Bitten ließ er sich umstimmen.

He could be swayed neither by threats nor by pleas.

Linking 'durch' phrases at the start.

Es gibt weder Beweise für seine Schuld noch für seine Unschuld.

There is evidence neither for his guilt nor for his innocence.

Linking prepositional phrases.

Weder die kühnsten Erwartungen noch die schlimmsten Befürchtungen traten ein.

Neither the boldest expectations nor the worst fears came true.

Literary/High-register subjects.

Die Maßnahme ist weder ökologisch sinnvoll noch ökonomisch vertretbar.

The measure is neither ecologically sensible nor economically justifiable.

Academic/Professional adjectives.

Weder lässt sich die Zeit zurückdrehen, noch lässt sich das Geschehene ungeschehen machen.

Time can neither be turned back, nor can what has happened be undone.

Reflexive 'lassen' construction with inversion.

Er war weder bereit, Kompromisse einzugehen, noch war er gewillt, zuzuhören.

He was neither ready to make compromises nor was he willing to listen.

Linking infinitive clauses with 'bereit/gewillt'.

Das Werk ist weder dem Barock noch der Renaissance eindeutig zuzuordnen.

The work can be clearly assigned neither to the Baroque nor to the Renaissance.

Dative objects with 'zuzuordnen'.

Weder in der Theorie noch in der Praxis erwies sich der Ansatz als tragfähig.

The approach proved viable neither in theory nor in practice.

Linking prepositional phrases.

Es mangelt weder an Ressourcen noch an dem nötigen Fachwissen.

There is a lack of neither resources nor the necessary expertise.

Using 'mangeln an' (Dative).

Weder die Klägerin noch der Beklagte erschienen vor Gericht.

Neither the plaintiff nor the defendant appeared in court.

Legal terminology.

Weder die transzendentale Ästhetik noch die Logik vermögen dies zu erklären.

Neither transcendental aesthetics nor logic are able to explain this.

Highly academic/philosophical.

Es ist weder statthaft, die Fakten zu ignorieren, noch ist es redlich, sie zu verdrehen.

It is neither permissible to ignore the facts, nor is it honest to twist them.

High-register adjectives and infinitive clauses.

Weder durch exzessiven Konsum noch durch asketische Enthaltsamkeit fand er sein Glück.

He found his happiness neither through excessive consumption nor through ascetic abstinence.

Complex prepositional phrases.

Die Architektur ist weder rein funktionalistisch noch rein dekorativ konzipiert.

The architecture is conceived as neither purely functionalist nor purely decorative.

Technical architectural description.

Weder der Glanz des Goldes noch der Ruhm konnten ihn korrumpieren.

Neither the glitter of gold nor fame could corrupt him.

Poetic/Literary register.

Das Phänomen ist weder lokal begrenzt noch zeitlich fixiert.

The phenomenon is neither locally limited nor fixed in time.

Scientific/Abstract description.

Weder in seinen Schriften noch in seinen Reden findet sich ein Hinweis darauf.

A hint of it is found neither in his writings nor in his speeches.

Inversion with prepositional phrases.

Es war weder ein Sieg der Vernunft noch ein Triumph des Willens.

It was neither a victory of reason nor a triumph of the will.

Rhetorical/Historical register.

Colocaciones comunes

weder ... noch

weder Fisch noch Fleisch

weder Kosten noch Mühen

weder heute noch morgen

weder Freund noch Feind

weder richtig noch falsch

weder gut noch schlecht

weder groß noch klein

weder hier noch dort

weder ja noch nein

Frases Comunes

Das ist weder Fisch noch Fleisch.

Ich habe weder Kosten noch Mühen gescheut.

Weder verwandt noch verschwägert.

Weder Tod noch Teufel.

Weder Rast noch Ruh.

Weder Hand noch Fuß haben.

Weder aus noch ein wissen.

Weder hüben noch drüben.

Weder Sinn noch Verstand.

Weder heute noch jemals.

Se confunde a menudo con

weder vs entweder (means 'either', used with 'oder')

weder vs wieder (means 'again', sounds similar)

weder vs wetter (means 'weather', sounds similar)

Modismos y expresiones

"Weder Fisch noch Fleisch sein (To be neither one thing nor the other)."

"Weder Hand noch Fuß haben (To make no sense / have no foundation)."

"Weder aus noch ein wissen (To be at one's wits' end)."

"Kosten noch Mühen scheuen (Usually used with 'weder' to mean 'spared no expense or effort')."

"Weder Tod noch Teufel fürchten (To fear nothing at all)."

"Weder Rast noch Ruh haben (To have no peace or rest)."

"Weder hüben noch drüben (Neither here nor there)."

"Weder Kind noch Kegel (To have no family - though 'mit Kind und Kegel' is more common)."

"Weder Sinn noch Verstand (Without rhyme or reason)."

"Weder biegen noch brechen (Neither bend nor break)."

Fácil de confundir

weder vs entweder

Entweder is for choices (either), weder is for negation (neither).

weder vs wieder

Wieder means 'again' and is an adverb, not a conjunction.

weder vs wider

Wider is a preposition meaning 'against'.

weder vs ob

Ob means 'whether' in indirect questions, not 'neither'.

weder vs noch

Noch can also mean 'still' or 'yet' when used alone.

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

comma usage

A comma is usually placed before 'noch' if it links two full main clauses, but not if it just links nouns or adjectives.

multiple noch

You can use more than one 'noch' for more than two items.

Errores comunes

Weder ... oder
Confusing 'weder' with 'entweder'. 'Weder' always goes with 'noch'.
Weder ich habe Zeit...
Incorrect word order when 'weder' starts a clause. Inversion is required.
Ich habe weder Zeit.
Using 'weder' without its partner 'noch'. It must link at least two things.
Ich habe kein weder Zeit noch Geld.
Redundant double negation. 'Weder' is already negative.
Weder er noch ich ist hier.
Using singular verb when plural is more appropriate for multiple subjects.

Consejos

The 'N' Rule

Associate the 'N' in 'weder' (think of it as 'not-either') and 'noch' with negation. This helps you distinguish them from 'entweder...oder'. If you want to say 'no' to both, use the 'N' words. This is the simplest way to keep the two pairs straight in your head during fast conversation.

Verb Second

Remember that if 'Weder' starts your sentence as a conjunction for a clause, the verb must come next. 'Weder *mag* ich ihn, noch *respektiere* ich ihn.' This inversion is a common test point in B1 exams. Practice this specific structure to sound more like a native speaker and avoid English-style word order.

Idiom Alert

Learn the phrase 'weder Fisch noch Fleisch'. It's a very common way to describe something that is ambiguous or lacks a clear identity. Using idioms like this correctly will greatly improve your fluency and cultural integration. It's often used in business to describe a strategy that isn't quite working.

Comma Rules

Only use a comma before 'noch' if it's starting a new clause with its own verb. 'Ich trinke weder Tee noch Kaffee' (No comma). 'Weder trinke ich Tee, noch mag ich Kaffee' (Comma). This small detail is important for passing writing exams at the B1 and B2 levels. It shows attention to grammatical detail.

Rhythm and Flow

German is a rhythmic language. When using 'weder ... noch', try to give both negated items equal stress. This creates a balanced sound that makes your German sound more confident. A slight pause after 'weder' and before 'noch' can also help the listener follow your logic more easily.

Double Negatives

Never use 'nicht' or 'kein' with 'weder'. It's a common trap for English speakers. In German, 'weder' is the negation. 'Ich habe weder Geld' is already negative. Adding 'kein' would be like saying 'I don't have no money' in a way that is considered a mistake in standard German. Keep it simple and let 'weder' do the work.

B1 Exam Tip

In the B1 speaking exam, use 'weder ... noch' when discussing advantages and disadvantages. It shows the examiner you can use complex sentence structures. For example, 'Dieser Vorschlag ist weder praktisch noch günstig.' This demonstrates a higher level of language control than just using 'nicht'.

Anticipation

When you hear 'weder', your brain should immediately prepare for a 'noch'. This 'anticipatory listening' helps you process long German sentences more efficiently. If you miss the 'noch', you might miss the second half of the speaker's point. Practice listening for this pair in podcasts or news clips.

Elegance

Use 'weder ... noch' to avoid repeating 'und kein'. Instead of 'Ich habe keinen Hunger und ich habe keinen Durst', say 'Ich habe weder Hunger noch Durst'. It's shorter, cleaner, and more elegant. Good style in German often involves reducing redundancy, and 'weder' is a perfect tool for that.

Contrast with Sowohl

Think of 'weder ... noch' as the exact opposite of 'sowohl ... als auch'. 'Sowohl A als auch B' = Both. 'Weder A noch B' = Neither. Learning these as a pair of opposites will help you internalize the logic of German correlative conjunctions much faster than learning them in isolation.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Middle High German 'weder', Old High German 'hwedar'.

Contexto cultural

Slightly more formal than 'beides nicht', but very common in standard German.

The phrase 'weder verwandt noch verschwägert' is a standard legal disclaimer in Germany.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Magst du weder Kaffee noch Tee?"

"Hast du heute weder Zeit noch Lust auf Kino?"

"Ist das Wetter heute weder warm noch kalt?"

"Warst du weder in Berlin noch in München?"

"Hast du weder einen Hund noch eine Katze?"

Temas para diario

Schreibe über zwei Dinge, die du weder magst noch brauchst.

Was hast du heute weder getan noch gesehen?

Beschreibe ein Produkt, das weder billig noch gut ist.

Welche Sprachen sprichst du weder fließend noch ein bisschen?

Was ist für dich weder richtig noch fair?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'weder' is a correlative conjunction and almost always requires 'noch' to complete the meaning. If you want to say 'neither' alone, use 'keiner von beiden' or 'beides nicht'. Using 'weder' alone is grammatically incomplete in modern German. It functions as a signal for the upcoming 'noch'. This pair works together to create a logical bridge.

If you are linking two singular subjects, the verb can technically be singular or plural. However, in modern German, the plural is much more common and sounds more natural, especially when referring to people. For example, 'Weder Peter noch Maria sind da' is preferred over 'ist da'. If the subjects are clearly distinct and the focus is on each individually, singular might be used, but plural is the safer bet for learners.

Yes, if 'weder' starts a full main clause, it occupies the first position, and the verb must come second. For example: 'Weder habe ich Zeit, noch habe ich Lust.' However, if 'weder' is just part of the subject phrase (e.g., 'Weder er noch ich...'), then the whole phrase is position one, and the verb follows. It depends on whether 'weder' is acting as a sentence starter or a phrase linker.

No, this is a common mistake. 'Weder' must be paired with 'noch'. The pair 'entweder ... oder' is used for 'either ... or'. Mixing them up (weder ... oder) is incorrect and confusing for native speakers. A good way to remember is that 'weder' and 'noch' are the negative ones, and they both have 'n' sounds or origins associated with negation.

While it is most commonly used for two things, you can negate three or more by adding more 'noch's. For example: 'Er spricht weder Deutsch noch Englisch noch Französisch.' This is perfectly correct and serves to emphasize the total lack of all the mentioned items. Each 'noch' continues the negation chain until the sentence is finished.

You only need a comma before 'noch' if it is introducing a new main clause (a part of the sentence with its own conjugated verb). If you are just linking nouns or adjectives like 'weder Kaffee noch Tee', you do not use a comma. This follows the general German rule for coordinating conjunctions where full clauses are separated by commas but simple lists are not.

It is considered standard German. While it is used in daily conversation, it can sound slightly more formal or precise than simply saying 'beides nicht'. In academic, professional, and literary writing, it is the preferred way to express double negation because it is structurally balanced and very clear. It is not overly formal, but it is 'correct' German.

No, you should avoid using 'nicht' or 'kein' in the same part of the sentence as 'weder ... noch'. 'Weder' already carries the negative meaning. Adding another negative word would create a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect in German. For example, say 'Ich habe weder Zeit noch Geld', not 'Ich habe keine weder Zeit noch Geld'.

'Kein' is a simple negation for nouns (e.g., 'Ich habe kein Brot'). 'Weder ... noch' is used specifically when you want to negate two or more specific options and contrast them. It is a correlative structure. You use 'kein' for a single negation and 'weder ... noch' for a balanced, double negation of specific items.

You would not use 'weder' for this. Instead, use 'Keiner von beiden' (for people/masculine nouns), 'Keine von beiden' (feminine), or 'Keines von beiden' (neuter/general). 'Weder' is a conjunction used to link words, not a pronoun used to replace them. This is a key distinction between English 'neither' and German 'weder'.

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