Minus
minus
The mathematical sign (-) for subtraction or for negative numbers.
EXAMPLE
Das Ergebnis von 5 minus 8 ist -3.
The result of 5 minus 8 is -3.
Minus
minus
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Meanings
Minus
minus / drawback
A disadvantage, flaw, or negative aspect of something.
EXAMPLE
Ein großes Minus der Wohnung ist das Fehlen eines Balkons.
A big drawback of the apartment is the lack of a balcony.
Minus
minus
Used to indicate temperatures below zero degrees Celsius.
EXAMPLE
Im Winter hatten wir oft Temperaturen von minus 10 Grad.
In winter, we often had temperatures of minus 10 degrees.
Minus
loss / deficit
A financial loss or a deficit in a balance sheet.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen hat das Quartal mit einem deutlichen Minus abgeschlossen.
The company ended the quarter with a significant loss.
Usage tips
Latin origin
The word 'Minus' (minus) comes directly from Latin and means 'less.' This basic meaning helps you understand all its uses: less money (deficit), less warmth (cold temperatures), or a point that makes something 'less good' (drawback).
EXAMPLE
Ein Minus von fünf Grad bedeutet, dass es sehr kalt ist.
A minus of five degrees means that it is very cold.
Context clue
When 'Minus' (minus/drawback) describes a disadvantage or a deficit, it is used as a neuter noun ('das Minus') and can have an article. When it refers to calculations or temperatures, it stands without an article like a numeral.
EXAMPLE
Das größte Minus an diesem Job sind die langen Arbeitszeiten.
The biggest drawback of this job is the long working hours.
Invariable form
When 'Minus' (minus) is used in mathematics or with temperatures, it is invariable (indeclinable). It is not declined and always keeps the form 'Minus'.
EXAMPLE
Zwölf minus sieben ist fünf.
Twelve minus seven is five.
Use as a drawback
When 'Minus' (drawback) refers to a disadvantage, it is often combined with adjectives like 'groß' (big), 'klein' (small), or 'entscheidend' (decisive). It describes a negative point in an evaluation.
EXAMPLE
Ein entscheidendes Minus ist die fehlende Garage.
A decisive drawback is the missing garage.
Typical collocations
In a financial context, there are fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'ein Minus machen' (to make a loss), 'im Minus sein' (to be overdrawn / to be in debt), or 'mit einem Minus abschließen' (to end a period with a loss).
EXAMPLE
Mein Konto ist diesen Monat leider im Minus.
Unfortunately, my account is overdrawn this month.
Compare with
Minus vs Verlust
loss
Verlust and Minus can both refer to a financially negative result. Verlust tends to emphasize the deficit that actually arose, while Minus often refers to a negative balance or a calculated result. Verlust is usually appropriate for annual financial statements, while Minus is more suitable for an account balance or a bill.
Minus
Nach den vielen Ausgaben stand auf dem Konto ein deutliches Minus.
After all the expenses, the account showed a substantial deficit.
Verlust
Wegen der hohen Kosten machte das Unternehmen im letzten Jahr einen Verlust.
Because of the high costs, the company made a loss last year.
In real life
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