on-

Negative Prefix

Level 3

The Dutch prefix on- is the equivalent of the English 'un-' or 'in-'. It attaches to adjectives and nouns to create a fixed lexical opposite (e.g., mogelijk → onmogelijk).

How It Works

The prefix on- is one of the most common ways to form negatives in Dutch. Here is how to use it effectively:

  • Adjectives: It most frequently attaches to adjectives to reverse their meaning. For example, aardig (kind) becomes onaardig (unkind).
  • Nouns: When attached to nouns, it often creates an opposite or indicates something 'bad' or 'wrong'. For example, geluk (luck/happiness) becomes ongeluk (accident/misfortune). It can also have a pejorative (negative) sense to describe something monstrous or sub-standard, such as onmens (a cruel, inhuman person) or ondier (a beast/monster).
  • Past Participles: It is often used with past participles used as adjectives, such as onbeperkt (unlimited) from beperken (to limit).
  • Stress: In Dutch, on- is usually stressed. You say ON-gelukkig, not on-ge-LUK-kig.
  • No Assimilation: Unlike the Latin prefix 'in-' (which changes to 'im-' before a 'p'), the Dutch on- never changes its spelling. It remains on- even before 'm', 'b', or 'p' (e.g., onmisbaar, not *ommisbaar).

While on- is the standard for Germanic roots, Dutch uses other prefixes like in-, a-, or non- for words of Latin or Greek origin.

Examples (4)

  1. Het is onmogelijk om deze puzzel in één minuut op te lossen.

    It is impossible to solve this puzzle in one minute.

    Word by Word: It is impossible for this puzzle in one minute up to solve.

    'Onmogelijk' is the opposite of 'mogelijk' (possible).

  2. Zijn gedrag was gisteravond erg onaardig.

    His behavior was very unkind last night.

    Word by Word: His behavior was yesterday evening very unkind.

    'Onaardig' is the lexical opposite of 'aardig' (kind/nice).

  3. Wat een onzin vertel je nu weer!

    What nonsense are you talking about now!

    Word by Word: What a non-sense tell you now again!

    'Onzin' (nonsense) uses the prefix to negate 'zin' (sense/meaning).

  4. Zij voelt zich erg ongemakkelijk in grote groepen.

    She feels very uncomfortable in large groups.

    Word by Word: She feels herself very un-easy in large groups.

    'Ongemakkelijk' comes from 'gemakkelijk' (easy/comfortable).

Common Mistakes

  • Changing 'on-' to 'om-' before the letter 'm' or 'p'.

    Dit product is ommisbaar.
    Dit product is onmisbaar.

    In Dutch, the prefix 'on-' is stable and does not undergo assimilation like the English/Latin 'in-' does.

  • Confusing 'on-' with the verb prefix 'ont-'.

    Ik heb veel onspanning nodig.
    Ik heb veel ontspanning nodig.

    'On-' is used for negation in adjectives and nouns, while ont- is a verb prefix that often indicates a process, removal, or beginning.

  • Using 'on-' to negate a verb directly.

    Ik onwil dat doen.
    Ik wil dat niet doen.

    You cannot attach 'on-' to a verb to negate the action. Use the adverb 'niet' for verb negation.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

on-Level 3Negative Prefix

Learn This First

The prefix 'on-' is a morphological way to negate adjectives. To use it correctly, a learner should already be familiar with basic Dutch adjectives and the general concept of negation.

Words in This Pattern

on-