01
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
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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 Gewinn
profit / prize
'der Gewinn' and 'Minus' can be opposites when it comes to a result. 'Gewinn' means something positive: financially, money is left over, or you gain a benefit from something. 'Minus', by contrast, means something negative: money is missing in a balance sheet, or something has a drawback. The contrast is especially clear with money: a company makes a 'Gewinn' when more money comes in than is spent. It is 'im Minus' when expenses or debts outweigh income.
Minus
Nach der Reparatur ist mein Konto deutlich im Minus.
After the repair, my account is clearly in the red.
Gewinn
Im letzten Jahr hat die kleine Bäckerei zum ersten Mal Gewinn gemacht.
Last year, the small bakery made a profit for the first time.
In real life
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