Word Formation

Question 1

Noun compounds

Answer 1

German uses compounds more often than English and they are formed by simply putting the two words together (sometimes adding an -n or -s in between), and using the gender of the last word. Die Woche(week) +derTag(day) = derWochentag(Days of the week)

Question 2

The prefix un-

Answer 2

As in English, the prefix un- gives a word a negative or opposite meaning. klar(clear) -unklar(unclear)

Question 3

The suffix -los

Answer 3

This suffix is often the equivalent of the English suffix -less, and is used to form adjectives and adverbs from nouns. das Ende(the end) -endlos(endless)

Question 4

The suffix -haft

Answer 4

The suffix -haft is used to form adjectives from nouns so as to designate related qualities. das Kind(the child) -kindhaft(childlike)

Question 5

The suffix -ung

Answer 5

This suffix may be added to the stem of a verb to form a noun. All nouns ending in -ung are feminine. wandern(to hike) -die Wanderung(the hike)

Question 6

The suffix -er

Answer 6

This suffix designates a person is from a certain place. Frankfurt(a city) -Frankfurter(a person from Frankfurt)

Question 7

The suffix -in

Answer 7

This suffix designates a female person and is added to the male counterpart. Architekt(male architect) -Architektin(female architect)