weder noch

Definition & meaning

The phrase weder noch is a correlative conjunction in German used to negate two or more options. It is the equivalent of the English "neither... nor".

• It is used to express that neither the first option nor the second option is true, applicable, or desired.
• Example: "Ich mag weder Kaffee noch Tee." (I like neither coffee nor tea.)

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: The phrase functions as a correlative conjunction. When used in a sentence, the part following "weder" and the part following "noch" should ideally be grammatically parallel (e.g., both nouns, both prepositional phrases, or both clauses).
• Word origin:
  • weder: Derived from the Middle High German "wedere," which was a comparative form indicating "which of the two."
  • noch: An adverb that has evolved from Old High German "noh," used to mean "and not" or "neither."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Nicht das eine und auch nicht das andere ↗

Antonyms:

• Sowohl als auch ↗ (Both... and...)