-nis

EtymologyEdit

From Old Dutch -nissi, -nussi, from Proto-Germanic *-nassuz.

SuffixEdit

-nis f (plural -nissen)

1. -ness

Derived termsEdit

Alternative formsEdit

• -niß

EtymologyEdit

Cognate to English -ness. More there.

PronunciationEdit

• IPA^(key): /nɪs/

SuffixEdit

-nis n (genitive -nisses, plural -nisse)

1. A noun suffix, for derivation from a verb or adjective

   hindern (“to hamper”) → Hindernis (“an obstacle”)

   geheim (“secret”) → Geheimnis (“a secret”)

Derived termsEdit

SuffixEdit

-nis f (genitive -nis, plural -nisse)

1. A noun suffix, for derivation from a verb or adjective (the same as suffix 1)

   erlauben (“to permit”) → Erlaubnis (“permission”)

   finster (“dark”) → Finsternis (“darkness”)

Derived termsEdit

Usage notesEdit

There is no perfect rule to determine whether a noun with the suffix -nis is neuter (→ suffix 1) or feminine (→ suffix 2). The former may be concrete or abstract, whereas the latter are almost exclusively abstract.

Alternative formsEdit

• -nes

SuffixEdit

-nis f

1. Used to form abstract nouns, usually from adjectives, denoting quality or state. See -nes