minus
Refers to a number or value below zero, or to a negative number or temperature.
EXAMPLE
Heute Nacht sinken die Temperaturen auf minus fünf Grad.
Tonight, temperatures will drop to minus five degrees.
minus
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
minus
In arithmetic: less; reduced by.
EXAMPLE
Zehn minus drei ist sieben.
Ten minus three is seven.
Usage tips
Position before numbers
'Minus' comes directly before the number. A unit of measurement such as 'degrees' follows the number; 'minus' remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Das Thermometer zeigt minus zwölf Grad an.
The thermometer reads minus twelve degrees.
Giving temperatures
For an existing temperature, 'bei minus … Grad' (at minus … degrees) is often used. The value reached after a temperature change is expressed with 'auf minus … Grad' (to minus … degrees), for example after 'sinken' (to drop) or 'steigen' (to rise).
EXAMPLE
Bei minus acht Grad warten wir auf den Bus.
We are waiting for the bus at minus eight degrees.
Am Nachmittag steigt die Temperatur auf minus zwei Grad.
In the afternoon, the temperature will rise to minus two degrees.
Giving ranges
For a range with two negative limits, the pattern 'von minus … bis minus …' (from minus … to minus …) is helpful. Placing 'minus' before both numbers makes it clear that both values are below zero.
EXAMPLE
Morgen erwarten wir Temperaturen von minus sechs bis minus zwei Grad.
Tomorrow, we expect temperatures from minus six to minus two degrees.
In real life
Loading video examples...