der  Zoll

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/t͡sɔl/

📖 What does "der Zoll" mean exactly?

The German word der Zoll has two main meanings:

1. 🛂 Customs Duty / Customs Authority: This refers to the fee (Zollgebühr) levied when importing (and sometimes exporting) goods across a national border. It can also refer to the responsible authority (das Zollamt, die Zollverwaltung) that collects these duties and monitors compliance with customs regulations.
2. 📏 Inch (Unit of Measurement): This refers to a unit of length primarily used in Anglo-American countries. One Zoll corresponds exactly to 2.54 centimeters. This meaning is often used for screen diagonals, pipe diameters, or tool sizes.

⚠️ Attention: Although both meanings use the article "der", it's important to distinguish them clearly based on the context.

🧐 Grammar of "der Zoll" in Detail

"Zoll" is a masculine noun and is used with the article "der".

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural form depends on the meaning:

• Meaning 1 (Duty/Authority): The plural is die Zölle.
• Meaning 2 (Unit of Measurement): The plural is usually die Zoll (unchanged), sometimes also "die Zolle".

💡 Example Sentences

1. (Duty/Authority) Beim Grenzübertritt mussten wir Zoll für die eingeführten Waren bezahlen.
   (At the border crossing, we had to pay customs duty for the imported goods.)
2. (Duty/Authority) Der Zoll kontrollierte unser Gepäck sehr genau.
   (The customs authorities checked our luggage very carefully.)
3. (Unit of Measurement) Der Fernseher hat eine Bildschirmdiagonale von 55 Zoll.
   (The television has a screen diagonal of 55 inches.)
4. (Unit of Measurement) Dieses Rohr hat einen Durchmesser von einem Zoll.
   (This pipe has a diameter of one inch.)
5. (Duty/Authority - Plural) Die Regierung hat neue Zölle auf Importwaren erhoben.
   (The government has imposed new tariffs/duties on imported goods.)
6. (Unit of Measurement - Plural) Die Schrauben sind in verschiedenen Größen erhältlich, gemessen in Zoll.
   (The screws are available in different sizes, measured in inches.)

🗣️ How to use "der Zoll"?

The usage of "der Zoll" strongly depends on the context:

• In the context of borders and trade: Here, "Zoll" always means the duty or the authority. People talk about "Zoll zahlen" (to pay customs duty), "Waren beim Zoll anmelden" (to declare goods at customs), or "vom Zoll kontrolliert zu werden" (to be checked by customs). The authority itself is often referred to simply as "der Zoll" (e.g., "Ich arbeite beim Zoll." - I work for the customs authority.)
• In a technical or measurement context: Here, "Zoll" refers to the unit of measurement 'inch'. Lengths, diameters, or diagonals are specified "in Zoll" (in inches). Example: "Ein 1/2-Zoll-Schraubenschlüssel" (A 1/2-inch wrench). A typical tool is the "Zollstock" (folding ruler), although it often displays centimeters as well.

Potential for Confusion:

• zollen (verb): Don't confuse it with the noun. "Jemandem Respekt zollen" means to pay respect to someone. It has nothing to do with border duties.
• Gebühr vs. Steuer: Zoll (customs duty) is a specific type of levy on cross-border goods, whereas Steuern (taxes, e.g., VAT - Mehrwertsteuer) are broader.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Zoll"

Remembering the Article: Think of der Zöllner (the male customs officer) who stands at the border demanding den Zoll (the duty). The traditionally male role helps remember "der".

Remembering the Meanings: Imagine der Zöllner measuring with a Zoll (inch) ruler how much Zoll (duty) you have to pay.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Zöllner den Autofahrer: "Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?"
Antwortet der Autofahrer: "Nein, nur gute Laune!"
Zöllner: "Okay, dann geben Sie mir mal 19% davon ab!" 😉

English Translation: The customs officer asks the driver: "Do you have anything to declare?"
The driver replies: "No, only a good mood!"
Officer: "Okay, then give me 19% of that!" 😉

✒️ Poem about "der Zoll"

German:
An der Grenze, streng und klar,
steht der Zoll, Jahr für Jahr.
Für die Ware, neu und fremd,
wird die Abgabe gleich getrennt.

Doch misst man Schirme, groß und breit,
ist der Zoll die Einheit weit.
Zwei Bedeutungen, merk sie dir,
maskulin, das sagen wir!

English Translation:
At the border, strict and clear,
stands the customs, year by year.
For the goods, both new and strange,
the duty's taken, quick exchange.

But measuring screens, wide and tall,
the inch is the unit for all.
Two meanings, remember this well,
masculine, as stories tell!

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin eine Gebühr an der Grenze, die man zahlt,
und eine Einheit, mit der man Längen ausmalt.
Ich bin stets männlich, das ist mein Los.
Wie heiße ich bloß?

English Translation:
I am a fee at the border that one must pay,
And a unit used to measure length along the way.
I am always masculine, that is my fate.
What is my name, before it's too late?

Solution: der Zoll (customs/inch)

✨ Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Zoll" derives from the Old High German "zol", which originally meant "cut piece of wood for counting" or "tally stick". From this, the meaning of a levy or fee developed, which was essentially "counted off". The meaning as a unit of length (thumb width) was added later.

Compound Words: There are many compound words (Komposita) with "Zoll":

• Zollamt (customs office)
• Zollbeamter/Zollbeamtin (customs officer)
• Zollkontrolle (customs check)
• Zollstock (folding ruler, measuring stick - literally 'inch stick')
• Zollfrei (duty-free)
• Zollformalitäten (customs formalities)
• Zollunion (customs union)

International Significance: The concept of customs duties (Zoll) is international and plays a crucial role in global trade and economic policy.