-nis

The -nis Suffix

Level 4

The suffix -nis creates nouns from verbs (like kennis), adjectives (like wildernis), or other nouns (like getuigenis). It describes a result, state, or entity. While most are de-words, common neuter exceptions include het vonnis, het vuilnis, and het getuigenis.

How It Works

The suffix -nis serves several functions in Dutch morphology:

  • Function: It transforms verbs, adjectives, and occasionally other nouns into new nouns representing a result (e.g., de begrafenis), a state (e.g., de duisternis), or a concept derived from a person (e.g., het getuigenis from getuige).
  • Gender: Most are de-words. Key exceptions that take het are het vonnis (verdict), het vuilnis (trash), het getuigenis (testimony), and het geheimenis (mystery).
  • Spelling and Consonants: In older words, a stem-final -v or -z often hardened to -f or -s (e.g., begrafenis). However, in more modern formations, the original consonant is often retained (e.g., belevenis).
  • Suffix Variants: The variant -enis is often found in words where a -t- has been inserted between the stem and the suffix, such as gebeurtenis or bekentenis.
  • The 't' Insertion: Many nouns with this suffix include a -t- that is not in the infinitive. This 't' is often derived from the past participle form or an older verbal base (e.g., bekennen becomes bekentenis).
  • Stress Pattern: The suffix -nis is unstressed; the stress remains on the syllable that was stressed in the original word.
  • Pluralization: To keep the 'i' short, the 's' is always doubled in the plural: -nissen (e.g., vonnissen, gebeurtenissen).
  • Register: While common in daily life, this suffix is also frequent in formal, legal, and religious contexts. For new nouns, modern Dutch often prefers -heid or -ing.

Examples (6)

  1. Zij heeft een brede kennis van de Nederlandse cultuur.

    She has a broad knowledge of Dutch culture.

    Word by Word: She has a broad knowledge of the Dutch culture.

    'Kennis' is derived from the verb 'kennen' (to know) and is a very common 'de-word'.

  2. Het vonnis van de rechter was erg streng.

    The judge's verdict was very strict.

    Word by Word: The verdict of the judge was very strict.

    'Vonnis' (verdict) is one of the few neuter nouns (het) with this suffix, along with 'het geheimenis'.

  3. De safari was een geweldige belevenis.

    The safari was a wonderful experience.

    Word by Word: The safari was a wonderful experience.

    Unlike older words like 'begrafenis', modern formations like 'belevenis' (from 'beleven') retain the 'v' before the suffix.

  4. Het vuilnis wordt elke donderdag opgehaald.

    The trash is collected every Thursday.

    Word by Word: The trash becomes every Thursday up-fetched.

    'Vuilnis' is a concrete noun derived from the adjective 'vuil' (dirty) and is a 'het-word'.

  5. Dat was een historische gebeurtenis.

    That was a historical event.

    Word by Word: That was a historical event.

    'Gebeurtenis' (event) uses the variant suffix '-enis' following a 't' that is added to the verb stem 'gebeur-'.

  6. De begrafenis vindt morgen plaats.

    The funeral takes place tomorrow.

    Word by Word: The funeral finds tomorrow place.

    In older derivations like 'begrafenis' (from 'begraven'), the 'v' hardened to 'f'. Modern Dutch usually keeps the 'v'.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming all -nis words are feminine (de-words).

    De vonnis is uitgesproken.
    Het vonnis is uitgesproken.

    Unlike '-heid', which is always 'de', '-nis' words can be 'het'. You must learn the gender for each specific word.

  • Trying to create new words using -nis.

    Ik waardeer je werkennis.
    Ik waardeer je werkzaamheid.

    The suffix -nis is non-productive. You cannot attach it to new verbs to create nouns; use '-heid' or '-ing' instead.

How It Connects

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

-nisLevel 4The -nis Suffix

Learn This First

To understand the -nis suffix, you need to know how to identify the stem of a verb and the root of an adjective. Additionally, since this suffix creates nouns, you must be familiar with the Dutch gender system (de/het) and basic spelling rules regarding syllable structure, as these affect how the suffix is attached and how the resulting noun is used.

Words in This Pattern

-nis