Both noch and nohch can mean after. They also sound very, very similar. So how can you tell them apart and use them correctly in conversation?
How to Pronounce Noch and Nohch
Both words sound very similar.
Noch is said with less of a long ‘o’ sound (like in English words of and love).
Nohch is said with a stronger long ‘oh’ sound (like in English words Kohls or coherent).
After
While both noch * and nohch † can mean after, it’s what you mean by after that’s important.
Noch
Use noch when talking about something that happens at some point later in time, without mention of specifically when.
Nohch
Use nohch when talking about something that happens right after or immediately after or following next in order.
When to use Noch in a sentence
PDC: Vass fa plans hosht du noch dess?
EN: What plans do you have after this?
PDC: Du kansht en buch laysa noch shool.
EN: You can read a book after school.
PDC: Ich vesh di ksharra eb un noch alli meal.
EN: I wash the dishes before and after every meal.
When to use Nohch in a sentence
PDC: Vass hott kaebbend nohch es da Johnnie dihaym kumma is?
EN: What happened right after Johnnie came home?
PDC: Miah zayla en gebayt sawwa eb un nohch da shtoddi.
EN: We will say a prayer (right) before and (right) after the study.
PDC: Leit braucha hilf nohch en disaster.
EN: People need help (following) after a disaster.
Summary
Both noch and nohch can be used to say after. But nohch mentions time and makes it clear that you’re talking about something happening immediately after or next.
* Footnote 1: The word noch has other meanings, such as another, and still (to come).
See the Pennsylvania Dutch Words List for more info.
† Footnote 2: The word nohch is also sometimes used along with other verbs in phrases.
- nohch gay (go after)
- nohch gukka (look after)