German word

weder

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈveːdɐ/

Meaning

  • conjunctionneither

Example

Das Ergebnis ist weder positiv noch negativ.

The result is neither positive nor negative.

Illustration for weder (neither)

More examples

Wir haben weder Zeit noch Lust.

We have neither time nor desire.

Core concept

A choice has two separate doors, but both doors are closed by the same negative statement.

Common phrases

  • weder Zeit noch Geld

    neither time nor money

  • weder Lust noch Interesse

    neither desire nor interest

Similar words

noch: Connects the second or a later negated element.
sondern: Presents a contrasting point after something has been negated.
und: Connects multiple elements that all apply together.
oder: Connects two alternatives when only one is to be chosen.

Definition in German

'weder ... noch ...' bedeutet, dass beide Alternativen ausgeschlossen sind.

Word origin

Weder is an inherited Germanic word recorded in Old High German as weder, with its modern paired use developing in German.

Usage tips

  • The elements after weder and noch are usually parallel, such as two nouns, two adjectives, or two clauses.

Opposites

  • sowohl ... als auchboth ___ and ___conjunction

Word lists with this word