noun
inch, customs
A1
Zoll (der) has two main meanings: an 'inch' (unit of length) and 'customs' (border/customs authority). Masculine noun with plural Zölle (umlaut + -e). Use 'beim Zoll' or 'am Zoll' to indicate 'at customs'. Declension irregular in plural: die Zölle, genitive des Zolls.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die Türöffnung war nur dreißig Zoll breit, sodass der neue Schrank nicht hineinpasste.
The doorway was only thirty inches wide, so the new wardrobe did not fit through.
Die Waren wurden vom Zoll kontrolliert.
The goods were inspected by customs.
Ein Zoll entspricht 2,54 Zentimetern.
An inch equals 2.54 centimeters.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
a ruler marking an inch and a customs officer at a border
Zoll ~ 'wall' (measurement) or think 'zoll' as 'toll' at border
der (masculine): imagine a strong 'der' stamp at customs
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Multiple meanings: unit of measure and customs authority. Plural often 'Zölle' for duties/customs.