zero point
Loading your saved state.
zero point
The point on a scale or in a coordinate system that has the value zero; the origin.
Auf der Celsius-Skala ist der Nullpunkt der Gefrierpunkt von Wasser.
On the Celsius scale, the zero point is the freezing point of water.
The word is simply made up of 'Null' (zero) and 'der Punkt' (point). So it literally refers to the point at which the value is zero.
Der Nullpunkt des Koordinatensystems befindet sich dort, wo sich x- und y-Achse treffen.
The zero point of the coordinate system is located where the x-axis and y-axis meet.
The literal meaning (scale, temperature) is found in technical or scientific texts. The figurative meaning (low point) is used for personal feelings, careers, or crises.
Die Temperatur sank auf den Nullpunkt.
The temperature fell to zero.
In the figurative meaning, 'Nullpunkt' (zero point) is often used with verbs that describe a state or development. Typical phrases are 'an einem Nullpunkt sein' (to be at a zero point), 'einen Nullpunkt erreichen' (to reach a zero point), or 'am Nullpunkt ankommen' (to arrive at a zero point).
Nach wochenlangem Stress war sie mit ihrer Energie am Nullpunkt.
After weeks of stress, her energy was at zero point.
'Der absolute Nullpunkt' (absolute zero) is a fixed term from physics. It refers to the lowest possible temperature of 0 Kelvin (−273.15 °C).
Es ist physikalisch unmöglich, den absoluten Nullpunkt exakt zu erreichen.
It is physically impossible to reach absolute zero exactly.
origin
'der Ursprung' and 'der Nullpunkt' can mean the same point in mathematics: the point from which a coordinate system starts. In this context, they are often interchangeable. However, 'der Nullpunkt' places more emphasis on the value zero on a scale or in a coordinate system. 'der Ursprung' sounds more general and can also mean the beginning or cause of something outside mathematics. The words can be confused because in mathematics, 'Ursprung' can be exactly the 'Nullpunkt'. Outside this technical context, however, you should check carefully: for causes or beginnings, 'Ursprung' usually fits; for scales and measured values, 'Nullpunkt' is more likely.
Vor der Messung stellt die Technikerin den Zeiger genau auf den Nullpunkt.
Before the measurement, the technician sets the pointer exactly to the zero point.
Im Koordinatensystem liegt der Ursprung dort, wo sich die beiden Achsen schneiden.
In the coordinate system, the origin is where the two axes intersect.