Double negative

A double negation can basically have two different opinions. As a rhetorical figure (see also: litotes ), it is effectively an affirmation, as well as in logic.

In many languages , the double negation but an affirmation of the negation is ( this is called ' negative Concord '). In the German language ( in the vernacular ) is (except in dialects and a few fixed phrases ) virtually disappeared as a reaffirmation of the negation and is seen as funny or the speaker can also make it appear as uneducated. In other languages it is in this sense the normal grammatical form of denial is or is one of several normal ways of negation.

Double negation in High German in affirmation

Double negation can appear in German in connection with adjectives:

He's not untalented. means that the caregiver has talent.

Also in subordinate clauses it is commonly used:

It is not true that I have not seen that.

Means that the speaker has noticed the corresponding event.

He had no interest not to do the homework. means that the speaker wanted to do their homework very well. Designed Similarly, the example:
Just because you're paranoid, that does indeed not mean that they can not still be chasing you.

With gradual terms, the double negation can express nuances. The speaker then makes a positive statement weakened or avoids, clearly take a stand:

I'm not unhappy. includes: I'm not unhappy, but not happy.

In binary terms is a double negative, however, is not useful:

Instead I'm not alone I'm pregnant unschwanger is common.

Double negation in High German as a negation

The double negative is in lyrical words as affirmation using:

As warm as the Hans has not nobody 's (from: Christian Morgenstern: The three sparrows, see below) is to be read as: " As warm as the Hans 's really no one has. "

In addition, forms such as:

That's not a human being.
I do not know nobody.

Now obsolete in High German and will only be used for specific characterization of a speaker in direct speech.

Used ( in the colloquial ones) do sometimes the phrase Never ever will not:

You'll never, ever do not. (Gain of denial or extreme doubt on an announcement, logically it would mean. You're doing all the time and it never fails )
Never ever would I not come up with this idea.

The rock band Sharam used a double negative in their song No power for nobody.

Double negation in German dialects and regional languages

In Upper German dialects the double negative to reinforce the negation is partially standard.

Of the power- kaa man ned.

In Low German can not only ease of also double negation are. This gain does not necessarily occur; many speakers, it is the common form of negation:

Un daarüm daar keen Minsh can not help but versupen in.
Dat ik want to promote keen money nich.
So een Groten Barg hett see he still nienich.
Assa sucked before se nothin ' never assa könna. ( Lower Silesia )

In the penultimate sentence, the form never comes nich before that is "never" used mostly throughout in the sense of and therefore is also written together at most.

Threefold denial in dialects

An example from the Hessian or Bavarian - Austrian:

Has kaaner kaa knife net do?

Double negation in other languages

English

In the English language, it is similar to the German one.

Could be:

But also (logically)

Therefore it is said:

In colloquial language and in songs the double negation is often present. example:

Says:

Or what happens as well:

The negation in French consists of two words, which embrace the conjugated verb.

Literal translation:

After verbs or expressions of fear / anxiety can stand in the next sentence after a que ne. However, this does not express negation ne. If the main clause is negated, never is a ne in the que- phrase. The use of this ne is optional.

Latin

In Latin, a double negative is basically a stronger affirmation.

Scire = to know

Nescire = do not know.

Know non nescire = ( very) good

Russian

In Russian, the double negative is the ordinary expression of the denial and must be used.

Literally:

Meaning:

Serbian

In Serbian, the grammatically correct form requires the double negative.

Slovenian

In Slovenian - as in many other Slavic languages - the double negative has the correct shape, but can sometimes lead to ambiguity as to whether the positive or the negative was meant.

I do not know anyone.

Ie Slovenian:

Ne poznam nikogar.

Sorbian

As already indicated under Slovenian, is to apply the double negative in the Sorbian to negate a statement.

Literally:

Spanish

The Spanish negation consists of either two words that are prior to and after the conjugated verb or the presence of a conjugated verb participle before and after the participle.

Literal translation:

Corresponding translation:

Italian

In Italian, the double negation is often mandatory:

Literally:

Meaning:

Afrikaans

In Afrikaans the double negation is "never" formed with the word " not " and the Dutch " rivet " the German equivalent.

If the denial is not at the end of the sentence, a second negation must be added at the end of a sentence.

Other forms of negation are with the words " no " ( no ), " niks " (nothing ) " geen " (no ), " nêrens " (nothing ) " nooit " ( never ) " geensins " ( not ), " g'n " (no ) and " never " (never) formed, which always "never" end of the sentence follows.

Dutch

If a double negative is used in Dutch, the meaning is thus usually negated.

Meaning:

Confusion

Sometimes the double negative is also used for confusion and comic effect because:

This is not undumm.

This effect is also described by the stylistic device Litotes.

Application examples ( quotes )

From the language of the law: § 118 BGB to joke Declaration contains five in various ways related negatives, so it only after careful consideration should most readers will understand: A not seriously intentioned declaration of intent, which is given in the expectation of the lack of seriousness will not be misunderstood, is void. ( Negations: not, lack not, misunderstood, void )

From the language of the poet ( emphasis added ):

The three sparrows by Christian Morgenstern In an empty hazel sitting there three sparrows, belly to belly. Eric is right and left of the Franz and in the midst of naughty Hans. You have her eyes, not to, and above over it because it's snowing, ugh! They move together tightly packed. As warm as the Hans has no one 's not. You hör'n all three of her little heart Gepoch. And if they are not going away, so they sit still.