null
/nʊl/
The German word for zero is null. Wiktionary also lists zero and Zero.
Meaning: cardinal number before 1, denoting nothing (num)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| null | /nʊl/ | |
| zero | ||
| Null | [nʊl] (narrow) | feminine |
| Zero | feminine, neuter |
The term is used to denote the cardinal number before 1, representing nothing. In mathematical contexts, such as reciting numbers or stating a mathematical value, the standard term is Null.
Which one should you use?
The forms null and Null are both used for zero. Null is the standard noun form. The form Zero is also available.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning 'the number zero', the word is capitalized as Null.
How do you pronounce it?
/nʊl/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Null can be used as a derogatory slang term for a person, implying they are a 'nobody' or a person of no consequence.
- The phrase null und nicht nichts is used to describe something that is very small or insignificant but still exists.
- The German word Null shares its ancestry with the English word 'null', meaning both words trace back to the Latin 'nullus', which signifies 'none' or 'no one'.
Examples in context
- Null ist eine Zahl.Zero is a number.This sentence is useful for stating that null is a number.Tatoeba #11973646 by Naina, translation #11161481 by carlosalberto
- Das hat null Kalorien.This has zero calories.This sentence shows how to use null to describe a quantity of calories.Tatoeba #13189169 by Yorwba, translation #9300174 by DJ_Saidez
- Der Standardwert ist Null.The default value is zero.This sentence demonstrates using null to indicate a default value.Tatoeba #1684150 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1669565 by Spamster
- In der Statistik gab es null Unfälle im letzten Jahr.There were zero accidents in the statistics last year.
- Ich habe keine Ahnung.I have zero idea.
- Ich habe gar nichts gewonnen.I didn't win anything at all.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are checking the score of a game.
- MaximilianWie steht es?What is the score?
- JuliaEs ist null zu null.It is zero to zero.
- MaximilianDas Spiel ist sehr langweilig.The game is very boring.
- JuliaJa, es passiert gar nichts.Yes, nothing is happening at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zero” translations and entries null, Null, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Null, null, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
