das  Minus

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmiːnʊs/

➖ What does 'das Minus' mean?

The German word das Minus (noun, neuter gender) has several meanings:

• Mathematical Sign: It refers to the arithmetic sign (−) used for subtraction or for negative numbers. Example: Fünf minus drei ist zwei (5 − 3 = 2). Die Temperatur beträgt minus fünf Grad (−5 °C) (The temperature is minus five degrees).
• Shortfall, Deficit: It can describe a lack, loss, or deficit, often in a financial context. Example: Die Firma hat dieses Quartal ein Minus erwirtschaftet (The company generated a loss this quarter). Auf dem Konto ist ein Minus (There's a negative balance on the account).
• Disadvantage, Negative Point: Figuratively, it can also represent a disadvantage or a negative evaluation. Example: Ein großes Minus bei diesem Plan ist der hohe Kostenaufwand (A big drawback of this plan is the high cost). Er hat für die falsche Antwort ein Minus bekommen (He received a minus for the wrong answer).

🚨 Attention: Although it can be used like an adjective ("minus fünf Grad"), the noun das Minus discussed here takes the article 'das'.

📊 Grammar of 'das Minus' in Detail

Das Minus is a noun of neuter gender. It's typically used only in the singular; the plural form is rare but possible (often meaning 'negative points' or 'losses').

💡 Example Sentences

1. Das Minus vor der Zahl zeigt an, dass sie negativ ist.
   (The minus sign in front of the number indicates that it is negative.)
2. Wegen des hohen Minus musste das Unternehmen Mitarbeiter entlassen.
   (Because of the large deficit, the company had to lay off employees.)
3. Der Lehrer notierte ein Minus neben die falsche Antwort.
   (The teacher noted a minus next to the wrong answer.)
4. Die vielen Minus auf der Pro-Contra-Liste sprachen gegen das Projekt.
   (The many cons/negative points on the pro-con list argued against the project.)

💬 How is 'das Minus' used?

Das Minus is used in various contexts:

• Mathematics & Science: As an arithmetic operator (Subtraktionszeichen) or to indicate negative values (e.g., temperature, charge). Often synonymous here with "Subtraktionszeichen" or the word "negativ".
• Business & Finance: To denote losses, debts, or deficits. Example: Phrases like "in den roten Zahlen sein" (to be in the red) or "ein Minus machen" (to make a loss) are related expressions.
• Evaluation & Grading: As a marker for a disadvantage, error, or a poorer grade. Example: A "2-" (Zwei minus) is a lower grade than a plain "2".
• Everyday Language: Also used figuratively for disadvantages or negative aspects. Example: "Das größte Minus an der Sache ist..." (The biggest drawback/minus point about the matter is...).

Distinction: While das Minus often refers to the result (the deficit, the negative value), die Subtraktion is the calculation process.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Minus'

Article 'das': Imagine DAS small, neutral sign (-) making things less. It's neither strongly masculine (der) nor feminine (die), it's just DAS neutral Minus. Think of it like 'dash' - the minus looks like a dash and takes 'das'.

Meaning: Think of 'minus' in English – it means subtraction or less than zero. It's a direct equivalent for the mathematical and deficit meanings.

🔄 Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Gedankenstrich (– or —): En dash or em dash; looks similar but is a punctuation mark, not an arithmetic operator.
• Bindestrich (-): Hyphen; even shorter, connects words.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum ist das Minuszeichen so pessimistisch?

Weil es immer etwas Negatives sieht!

(Why is the minus sign so pessimistic?)
(Because it always sees something negative!)

📜 A Poem about 'das Minus'

Ein kleiner Strich, ganz unscheinbar,
macht Zahlen klein, das ist doch klar.
Ob Kältegrad, ob Schuldenstand,
das Minus reist durchs ganze Land.
Nimmt hier was weg, zieht dort was ab,
hält manchen Plan ganz schön auf Trab.
Doch ohne Minus, das ist wahr,
wär' Rechnen längst nicht mehr so klar.

(A little dash, quite plain to see,
Makes numbers small, naturally.
Be it cold degrees or debts so grand,
The minus travels through the land.
Takes something here, subtracts something there,
Keeps many a plan in busy care.
But without the minus, it is true,
Calculating wouldn't be clear for you.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich mache groß zu klein,
und warm zu kalt, so soll es sein.
Im Rechnen zieh ich ab geschwind,
beim Geld zeig' ich, wo Schulden sind.

Was bin ich?

(I make big into small,
And warm into cold, standing tall.
In math, I swiftly subtract,
With money, I show where debts have stacked.

What am I?)

Solution: das Minus (the minus)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

• Word Origin: The word "Minus" comes from Latin and means "less".
• Compounds: It often forms compound words in German, such as das Minusgeschäft (a loss-making business), der Minuspunkt (a negative point, demerit), or das Minuswachstum (negative growth, e.g., in the economy).
• Typography: The correct minus sign (−) is often typographically slightly longer and vertically centered compared to the hyphen (-). However, they are frequently confused in everyday use.