null
zero
The number 0, which expresses the absence of a quantity when counting. It also denotes the starting point of a number scale.
EXAMPLE
Fünf minus fünf ist null.
Five minus five is zero.
null
zero
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Meanings
null
zero
Colloquially used for emphasis: absolutely no or not at all.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe null Ahnung, wie dieses Gerät funktioniert.
I have zero idea how this device works.
gleich null
next to zero
So small that it is practically insignificant or barely exists.
EXAMPLE
Die Chancen auf eine Einigung sind gleich null.
The chances of reaching an agreement are next to zero.
in null Komma nichts
in no time
Colloquially: in a very short time; extremely quickly.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder hatten den Kuchen in null Komma nichts aufgegessen.
The children had eaten the cake in no time.
die Stunde null
zero hour
The point in time when a fundamental new beginning takes place. In particular, the expression refers to the end of World War II in 1945 as the beginning of a new political and social order in Germany.
EXAMPLE
Das Kriegsende im Mai 1945 wird häufig als die Stunde null bezeichnet.
The end of the war in May 1945 is often referred to as the zero hour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
With scales and measurements, 'null' (zero) is often used with terms such as 'Grad' (degrees), 'Prozent' (percent), or 'Euro' (euros). Fixed expressions such as 'bei null beginnen' (to start from zero) and 'auf null setzen' (to reset to zero) are also very common.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Zurücksetzen steht der Zähler wieder auf null.
After being reset, the counter is back at zero.
Starting point
With a scale or process, 'null' (zero) often denotes the starting point. That is why it is frequently used with verbs such as 'beginnen' (to begin), 'starten' (to start), or 'zurücksetzen' (to reset).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Messung beginnt bei null.
The new measurement starts at zero.
Colloquial emphasis
When used for colloquial emphasis, 'null' (zero) comes directly before a noun or fixed expression. Common examples include 'null Ahnung' (no idea), 'null Interesse' (no interest), and 'null Bock' (no desire).
EXAMPLE
Er hat null Interesse an Fußball.
He has zero interest in soccer.
Fixed expression
'Gleich null' (next to zero) is often used as a predicate with 'sein' (to be). With 'liegen' (to lie), the expression 'bei null liegen' (to be at zero) is used. Common words it describes include 'Chance' (chance), 'Nutzen' (benefit), 'Wirkung' (effect), and 'Interesse' (interest).
EXAMPLE
Der Nutzen dieser Maßnahme ist gleich null.
The benefit of this measure is next to zero.
Colloquial expression
'In null Komma nichts' (in no time) is a fixed, colloquial expression of time. It usually appears with verbs that express a very fast action or change.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker reparierte das Fahrrad in null Komma nichts.
The mechanic repaired the bicycle in no time.
Historical context
In historical texts about Germany, 'die Stunde null' (the zero hour) most often refers to the period after the end of World War II. The expression therefore often appears together with topics such as reconstruction, a new beginning, and political reorganization.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Stunde null mussten viele Städte fast vollständig neu aufgebaut werden.
After the zero hour, many cities had to be almost completely rebuilt.
In real life
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