der Millimeter
millimeter
A unit of measurement for length equal to one thousandth of a meter. The official unit symbol is 'mm'.
EXAMPLE
Diese Schraube hat einen Durchmesser von fünf Millimetern.
This screw has a diameter of five millimeters.
der Millimeter
millimeter
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Meanings
der Millimeter
millimeter
In a figurative sense, a very small distance or a very small amount. Often used to express that someone does not give in.
EXAMPLE
Er wich in der Verhandlung keinen Millimeter von seiner Forderung ab.
In the negotiation, he did not move a millimeter from his demand.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the Latin prefix 'Milli-' (one thousandth) and the base word 'Meter' (meter). So a 'Millimeter' is literally 'one thousandth of a meter.'
EXAMPLE
Das Brett ist um wenige Millimeter zu kurz.
The board is a few millimeters too short.
Use with numbers
As with many units of measurement, 'Millimeter' (millimeter) stays in the singular or in an endingless plural form after numbers greater than one. You say 'zwei Millimeter' (two millimeters), not 'zwei Millimeteren'.
EXAMPLE
Die Toleranz bei diesem Bauteil beträgt nur zwei Millimeter.
The tolerance for this component is only two millimeters.
Abbreviation
In technical texts, on packaging, or in scientific contexts, the official abbreviation 'mm' is almost always used.
EXAMPLE
Die Schraube hat einen Kopf von 10 mm Durchmesser.
The screw has a head with a diameter of 10 mm.
Typical combinations
In the figurative meaning, 'Millimeter' (millimeter) is often used in negative expressions to express stubbornness. Typical phrases are 'keinen Millimeter nachgeben' (not to give in a millimeter) or 'keinen Millimeter abweichen' (not to deviate a millimeter).
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker wollte in der Debatte keinen Millimeter von seiner Position abrücken.
The politician did not want to move a millimeter from his position in the debate.
Compare with
Millimeter vs Zentimeter
centimeter
Both Zentimeter and Millimeter are units of length. A Zentimeter refers to a larger measurement, while a Millimeter is one tenth of a Zentimeter and is therefore suitable for very small lengths. Use Zentimeter for ordinary small distances and Millimeter for especially fine measurements.
Millimeter
Der feine Riss am Glas ist nur ungefähr zwei Millimeter lang.
The fine crack in the glass is only about two millimeters long.
Zentimeter
Der Riss an der Wand ist ungefähr zwei Zentimeter lang.
The crack in the wall is approximately two centimeters long.
In real life
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