01
neutral
Impartial; not taking any side in a dispute, conflict, or discussion.
example
Die Schweiz ist bekannt dafür, in internationalen Konflikten neutral zu bleiben.
Switzerland is known for remaining neutral in international conflicts.
neutral
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Word family
The word family of 'neutral' includes the noun 'die Neutralität' (neutrality, the state of being neutral) and the verb 'neutralisieren' (to neutralize, to make something neutral or cancel out an effect).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung betonte die politische Neutralität des Landes.
The government emphasized the country's political neutrality.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'neutral' always becomes clear from the context. Pay attention to keywords: 'Konflikt' (conflict, impartial), 'Farbe' (color, unobtrusive), 'pH-Wert' (pH value, chemical), or 'Genus' (gender, grammatical).
EXAMPLE
Als Journalist muss man versuchen, neutral über Ereignisse zu berichten.
As a journalist, you have to try to report on events neutrally.
Usage pattern
When it comes to impartiality, 'neutral' is often combined with the verbs 'bleiben' (to remain), 'sein' (to be), or the reflexive expression 'sich verhalten' (to behave).
EXAMPLE
In diesem Familienstreit versuche ich, neutral zu bleiben.
In this family dispute, I am trying to remain neutral.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'unauffällig' (unobtrusive), 'neutral' usually describes sensory perceptions. Typical combinations are 'neutrale Farben' (neutral colors), 'ein neutraler Geschmack' (a neutral taste), or 'ein neutraler Geruch' (a neutral smell).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Waschmittel hat einen sehr neutralen Geruch.
This laundry detergent has a very neutral smell.
Technical language: chemistry
In a chemical context, 'neutral' has an exact scientific meaning. It describes a liquid with a pH value of exactly 7.
EXAMPLE
Destilliertes Wasser sollte chemisch neutral sein.
Distilled water should be chemically neutral.
Compare with
neutral vs unabhängig
independent
'unabhängig' and 'neutral' can both mean that someone does not let themselves be influenced by one side. 'neutral' is used especially when there are two or more sides in a dispute, conflict, or discussion. A neutral person does not take sides. 'unabhängig' emphasizes more strongly that someone is free from other people's influence, pressure, or interests. The words can be confused because an independent person can often also seem neutral. But neutral mainly means: not choosing a side. Independent means: not being influenced or dependent.
neutral
Herr Hofmann bleibt in der Diskussion neutral, weil beide Seiten gute Argumente haben.
Mr. Hofmann remains neutral in the discussion because both sides have good arguments.
unabhängig
Die Untersuchung soll unabhängig sein, damit niemand das Ergebnis beeinflusst.
The investigation should be independent so that no one influences the result.
In real life
Loading video examples...