zero
die Null, die Nullen
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zero
The number 0, expressing that none of a particular quantity exists. When added, it does not change the value of another number.
Die Null ist weder eine positive noch eine negative Zahl.
Zero is neither a positive nor a negative number.
zero
The symbol 0 used to represent the number zero. In a multi-digit number, it indicates an unfilled place.
Du hast eine Null zu viel geschrieben: Auf der Rechnung steht 5000 statt 500.
You wrote one zero too many: the bill says 5,000 instead of 500.
zero
A derogatory term for a person considered to have no abilities or importance.
Als Handwerker ist er eine völlige Null.
As a tradesperson, he is a complete zero.
a balanced budget
A financial result in which income covers expenses and no loss is incurred. For a public budget, this usually means that no new debt is taken on.
Nach zwei Verlustjahren erreichte das Unternehmen endlich wieder eine schwarze Null.
After two years of losses, the company finally achieved a balanced budget again.
zero
The space marked 0 on a roulette wheel.
Die Kugel blieb beim Roulette auf der Null liegen.
The ball came to rest on zero in roulette.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Nullen |
| genitive | der Null |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Null | die Nullen |
| accusative | die Null | die Nullen |
| dative | der Null | den Nullen |
| genitive | der Null | der Nullen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Nulls |
| genitive | des Null |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Null | die Nulls |
| accusative | den Null | die Nulls |
| dative | dem Null | den Nulls |
| genitive | des Null des Nulls | der Nulls |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The prepositions 'bei' (at) and 'auf' (to/on) frequently occur with 'Null' (zero): you can start bei null (from zero) or set something auf null (to zero). These expressions often refer to a starting point or a complete restart; 'null' is written in lowercase in them.
Nach dem Streit mussten die beiden bei null anfangen.
After the argument, the two of them had to start from zero.
Der Techniker setzte den Zähler auf null.
The technician set the meter to zero.
A zero at the beginning of a number does not change the numerical value of ordinary numbers, but it can be important in codes, telephone numbers, or postal codes. You must not simply leave it out in these cases.
Die Null am Anfang der Postleitzahl gehört unbedingt dazu.
The zero at the beginning of the postal code is essential.
Bitte schreiben Sie die Null vor der Telefonnummer mit.
Please include the zero before the telephone number.
In this meaning, 'Null' (zero) is colloquial and strongly derogatory. The word directly attacks a person's abilities or importance, so it should be used with caution.
Er hält seinen Kollegen für eine völlige Null.
He considers his colleague a complete zero.
Niemand möchte im Team als Null bezeichnet werden.
Nobody wants to be called a zero on the team.
The expression 'schwarze Null' (balanced budget) is especially often used with the verbs 'erreichen' (to achieve) and 'halten' (to maintain). The expression frequently appears in news reports about companies, cities, or the government.
Die Stadt will im nächsten Jahr eine schwarze Null erreichen.
The city wants to achieve a balanced budget next year.
Trotz steigender Kosten konnte der Verein die schwarze Null halten.
Despite rising costs, the association managed to maintain a balanced budget.
In roulette, the expression 'auf die Null setzen' (to bet on zero) is commonly used. Zero is a single number on the roulette table, and it is neither red nor black.
Beim Roulette setzte er fünf Euro auf die Null.
He bet five euros on zero in roulette.
Sie setzte ihre letzten Chips auf die Null und gewann.
She bet her last chips on zero and won.
