das  Plus

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/plʊs/

➕ What exactly is 'das Plus'?

The German word 'das Plus' (noun, neuter) primarily has two meanings:

1. The mathematical symbol (+): It symbolizes addition in mathematics. Example: Zwei plus zwei ist vier (2 + 2 = 4). Here, 'plus' is often written in lowercase, but as a noun ('das Plus'), it refers to the symbol itself.
2. An advantage, a gain, a positive aspect: It describes something additional, positive, or a surplus. Example: Die zentrale Lage ist ein großes Plus dieser Wohnung. (The central location is a big plus/advantage of this apartment.) or Die Firma hat dieses Jahr ein Plus erwirtschaftet. (The company generated a surplus/profit this year.)

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse the noun 'das Plus' with the preposition/conjunction 'plus' (e.g., in Reisekosten plus Spesen - travel costs plus expenses), although the meaning (adding something) is similar.

🧐 Grammar of 'das Plus' in Detail

'Das Plus' is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is often used without an article when referring to the mathematical sign, but with an article when talking about an advantage or naming the sign itself. The plural form ('die Plus') is rare and usually refers to multiple advantages or 'plus points'.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Lehrer zeichnete ein großes Plus an die Tafel.
   (The teacher drew a large plus sign on the board.)
2. Die Erfahrung im Ausland war ein echtes Plus für seine Bewerbung.
   (The experience abroad was a real advantage/plus for his application.)
3. Wir müssen die Einnahmen und Ausgaben vergleichen, um das Plus zu ermitteln.
   (We need to compare income and expenses to determine the surplus/profit.)
4. Dank des finanziellen Plus konnten neue Maschinen angeschafft werden.
   (Thanks to the financial surplus, new machines could be purchased.)
5. Neben vielen Nachteilen gibt es auch einige Plus (selten: Pluspunkte).
   (Besides many disadvantages, there are also some pluses/advantages.)

✅ When to use 'das Plus'?

• Mathematics & Calculation: When talking about the addition sign (+). "Setze hier ein Plus." (Put a plus sign here.)
• Evaluation & Comparison: To express an advantage, a positive aspect, or a gain. "Seine Zweisprachigkeit ist ein klares Plus." (His bilingualism is a clear advantage/plus.) Often synonymous with 'Vorteil' (advantage).
• Business & Finance: To describe a profit, surplus, or positive balance. "Das Unternehmen verzeichnete ein deutliches Plus." (The company recorded a significant surplus/profit.) Here, it's the opposite of 'Minus' (minus) or 'Verlust' (loss).
• Temperature: Sometimes used for temperatures above zero degrees Celsius. "Wir hatten heute 5 Grad Plus." (We had 5 degrees above zero / plus 5 degrees today.) (Often without an article and lowercase here, but 'das Plus' refers to the positive range).

Compared to 'Vorteil' (advantage), 'Plus' often sounds a bit more concrete, measurable, or even more modern/economical.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Plus'

For the article 'das': Think of das Plus sign (+) on a calculator. It's neutral, just the sign. Or: Das Ergebnis (the result - which is neuter) often gets bigger with a Plus sign.

For the meaning: A Plus (+) is always something Positive (advantage) or something that is added (addition).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of 'das Plus'

🚨 Potential for confusion: Sometimes 'Plus' is used colloquially for 'Pluspunkt' (plus point), which is very similar.

😂 A Little Plus Joke

Fragt der Mathematiklehrer: "Was ist das Gegenteil von 'einem Plus an Wissen'?"
Schüler: "Ein Minus im Zeugnis?"

(Math teacher asks: "What is the opposite of 'a plus in knowledge'?"
Student: "A minus on the report card?")

✍️ Poem about 'das Plus'

Ein kleines Kreuz, ganz schlicht,
es bringt oft Licht ins Angesicht.
Beim Rechnen steht's für 'mehr davon',
als Vorteil ist's der süße Lohn.
Ein Plus an Freude, Glück, Gewinn,
steckt oft in kleinen Dingen drin.
Ob Zahl, ob Wert, ob Eigenschaft –
das Plus hat positive Kraft.

(A little cross, quite plain,
often brings light to the face again.
In math, it stands for 'more of it',
as an advantage, it's the sweet benefit.
A plus in joy, luck, gain,
is often found in small things, it's plain.
Whether number, value, or trait –
das Plus has positive weight.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Zeichen, kurz und klein,
addiere Zahlen, groß und fein.
Ich steh' für Vorteil und Gewinn,
hab oft 'nen positiven Sinn.

Was bin ich?
... Das Plus

(I am a sign, short and small,
I add up numbers, big and tall.
I stand for advantage and for gain,
often have a positive vein.

What am I?
... Das Plus (The Plus sign / advantage))

ℹ️ More about 'das Plus'

Etymology: The word 'Plus' comes directly from Latin, where 'plus' means 'more'. It is the comparative of 'multum' (much/many).

Compounds: 'Plus' is also found in compound words like 'Pluspunkt' (plus point), 'Pluspol' (positive pole in physics/electrical engineering), or 'Plus-Minus-Rechnung' (plus-minus calculation / simple calculation).

Idiom: "Ein Plus machen" means to make a profit.