die  Nullrunde

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnʊlˌʁʊndə/

🎯 What Exactly Does 'die Nullrunde' Mean?

Die Nullrunde (feminine) describes a period or a round of negotiations where there is no increase. Most commonly, this refers to wages, salaries, or pensions. So, it means standstill or stagnation regarding financial payments for a specific period.

Imagine unions and employers negotiating new contracts. If they agree on a Nullrunde, salaries remain unchanged for the agreed term.

⚠️ Occasionally, it might appear in sports, e.g., a round without goals or points, but this is less common than the economic meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Nullrunde

The word "Nullrunde" is a feminine noun. The correct article is therefore die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Gewerkschaft konnte eine Nullrunde für die Angestellten nicht akzeptieren.
   (The union could not accept a zero round for the employees.)
2. Nach zähen Verhandlungen einigte man sich auf eine Nullrunde im öffentlichen Dienst.
   (After tough negotiations, a zero round was agreed upon in the public sector.)
3. Für Rentner bedeutet die Inflation bei gleichzeitiger Nullrunde einen Kaufkraftverlust.
   (For pensioners, inflation combined with a zero round means a loss of purchasing power.)
4. Mehrere aufeinanderfolgende Nullrunden haben die Motivation der Mitarbeiter gedämpft.
   (Several consecutive zero rounds have dampened employee motivation.)

💡 Usage Context: When to Use Nullrunde?

The term die Nullrunde is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Collective Bargaining (Tarifverhandlungen): This is the most common use case. Unions and employer associations speak of a Nullrunde when no wage increase is agreed upon.
• Economy & Finance: In connection with pension adjustments, salary rounds in companies, or the general economic situation.
• Politics: When discussing civil servant salaries or social benefits where no increases are planned.
• Sports (less common): Sometimes metaphorically for a round of play with no score (e.g., 0-0 in football), but this is less frequent than the economic meaning.

It's a rather formal term often found in news, reports, and discussions about economic or political topics. It usually implies a certain level of disappointment or at least stagnation for the affected group.

🧠 Mnemonics for Nullrunde

Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Runde" (the round, e.g., a discussion round). Many German words ending in -e denoting a 'round' or 'session' are feminine. Add "Null" (zero) for 'no increase' – it stays die Nullrunde.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a stopwatch set to Null (zero). In this "Runde" (round), nothing moves upwards; everything stays at zero (no increase).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Caution - Avoid Confusion: Do not confuse with "Nullnummer" (a complete failure, a dud, a boring person/event).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seine Mitarbeiter: "Wer möchte dieses Jahr eine Nullrunde einlegen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Ich! Dann bekomme ich wenigstens nicht weniger!"

Translation:
The boss asks his employees: "Who wants to have a zero round this year?"
Little Fritz pipes up: "Me! At least that way I won't get less!"

📜 Poem about the Nullrunde

Die Kasse leer, die Hoffnung schwindet,
man wieder eine Nullrunde verkündet.
Kein Cent mehr auf dem Lohnzettel steht,
die Stimmung auf den Tiefpunkt geht.
Man hofft aufs nächste Jahr sodann,
dass die Nullrunde enden kann.

Translation:
The coffers empty, hope dwindles low,
Another zero round, they let us know.
No extra cent upon the payslip found,
The mood descends to lowest ground.
One hopes then for the coming year,
That the zero round may disappear.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin eine Runde, doch Freude bring ich nicht,
vor allem, wenn dein Lohnzettel spricht.
Die Zahl Null steht bei mir im Fokus klar,
keine Erhöhung gibt's in diesem Jahr.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a round, but bring no delight,
Especially when your payslip's in sight.
The number zero is my main feature,
No increase this year for any creature.

What am I?
(Solution: die Nullrunde)

Fodder for the Curious

Word Composition:

The word "Nullrunde" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Null: The numeral for 0, meaning 'none' or 'nothing' here.
• Runde: Refers to a round, a period, especially a round of negotiations.

Context & Origin: The term is strongly anchored in the context of collective bargaining and economic policy discussions in post-war Germany. It symbolizes phases of economic stagnation or political austerity measures during which financial gains for employees or pensioners are not possible or desired.