-hood
The suffix ( suffix ) -keit used in the German language in addition to the suffix -ness for substantiation of adjectives ( adjectives ). Nouns in -eness are always feminine and form the plural in -en .
use
The suffix -heit is a variant of -heit and developed in Middle High German from words with the end syllables -ic-heit and ec-neity. Therefore, in some formations, intermediate syllables such as -lich , -ig etc. are inserted if they are not already contained in the adjective:
- a quick ig ness, multiple quick ig ness s
Some formations have developed an independent meaning that can no longer or only indirectly be traced back to the adjective:
- a Geschwind accuracy, several Geschwind accuracy en
Substantivating nouns already adjective with the suffix -like adjective through -keit (or -heit ) is generally regarded as a bad style of speech. Formations like
- an image by way of accuracy, multiple image by way of accuracy s
should therefore be avoided if possible. In cases in which an adequate replacement with another German noun does not seem possible, the sentence should either be reformulated or a generally understandable foreign word should be used:
- Her seriousness was impressive. (bad style)
- She looked impressively serious . (better)
- Your seriousness was impressive. (also better, but in a special case only makes sense in a clear context due to the pragmatic use of the foreign word )
See also
Web links
- ness in Duden
- The noun derivation with -heit / -keit, -ida, -î in early New High German, p. 36 [1]
- Entry via the suffix -keit on Canoonet