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
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Meanings
neutral
With regard to colors, smells, or tastes: unobtrusive, not pronounced or intense.
EXAMPLE
Für die Wände haben wir eine neutrale Farbe wie Grau oder Beige gewählt.
For the walls, we chose a neutral color like gray or beige.
neutral
In chemistry, describing a substance that is neither acidic nor basic and has a pH value of 7.
EXAMPLE
Reines Wasser ist chemisch neutral.
Pure water is chemically neutral.
neutral
In physics, describing a state in which there is no net electric charge because positive and negative charges balance each other out.
EXAMPLE
Ein Atom ist im Normalzustand elektrisch neutral.
An atom is electrically neutral in its normal state.
neutral
neuter
In grammar, referring to the neuter gender.
EXAMPLE
Das Pronomen 'es' ist neutral.
The pronoun 'es' is neuter.
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
For an assessment, both unabhängig and neutral can be appropriate. Unabhängig emphasizes that no outside interests or influences determine the assessment; neutral emphasizes that no side is favored. Use unabhängig for the way the assessment is carried out and neutral for a stance in a dispute or conflict.
neutral
Die Kommission bleibt im Streit zwischen den Unternehmen neutral.
The commission remains neutral in the dispute between the companies.
unabhängig
Die Kommission beurteilt den Fall unabhängig von den beteiligten Unternehmen.
The commission assesses the case independently of the companies involved.
In real life
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