When mixing exact amounts in a laboratory or a perfume masterclass, German simplifies how you talk about quantities.
Measuring Amounts: The Zero-Plural
If a unit of measurement is a masculine (der) or neuter (das) noun, it does not take a plural ending when it comes after a number. It stays in its exact singular form, creating a "zero-plural."
Even when measuring out five milliliters or ten milligrams, the German units stay exactly the same.
Drops, Splashes, and Glasses
This zero-plural rule applies to nearly all masculine and neuter measurement words, not just the metric system. Words like der Tropfen (the drop), der Spritzer (the splash), and das Glas (the glass) all follow this pattern.
(Note: Feminine units of measurement, like "die Tasse" for "the cup", do take normal plural endings—but for masculine and neuter units, you can enjoy this straightforward shortcut!)
Skipping the "Of"
You may have noticed another helpful difference in these sentences. In English, we say "five milliliters of extract" or "three glasses of water." In German, you skip the "of" entirely.
Simply place the substance directly after the unit of measurement.
