NeutrumMaskulin

NeutrumMaskulin is a term used in linguistic typology to describe a two-gender system that combines elements of neuter (neutrum) and masculine (maskulin) gender. The designation is not tied to a single language but represents a theoretical category used to discuss how some languages categorize nouns and mark agreement.

In a NeutrumMaskulin system, nouns are assigned to one of two grammatical genders: masculine or neuter. Determiners, adjectives, pronouns, and sometimes verbs show agreement corresponding to the noun’s gender. The criteria for assigning nouns to the two classes may be based on semantic factors (such as animacy or natural gender), historical tradition, or diachronic sound changes. Some nouns may shift gender across dialects or historical periods, reflecting variation in the system rather than a fixed rule.

Typologically, NeutrumMaskulin contrasts with languages that have more or fewer gender categories or with systems that distinguish masculine, feminine, and neuter. The specific patterns of agreement—such as determiners and adjectives taking masculine versus neuter endings—depend on the language’s established morphosyntax. The system can also influence pronoun selection and, in some languages, verb agreement within certain constructions.

The concept is mainly used as a descriptive or hypothetical construct in linguistic discussions about gender systems and morphological agreement. It helps typologists explore how languages achieve noun-class distinction with a reduced or differently organized set of gender categories.

See also: grammatical gender, neuter, masculine, language typology