German word

Soll

Pronunciation

IPA/zɔl/

Meaning

  • neuter nountarget

Example

Das Soll wurde auf drei Prozent festgelegt.

The target was set at three percent.

Illustration for Soll (target)

More examples

Wir müssen den Sollwert bis Monatsende erreichen.

We must reach the target value by the end of the month.

Core concept

A planned target figure stands opposite the result achieved, while accounting places it on the debit side of an account.

Common phrases

  • Sollwert

    target value

  • das Soll erreichen

    reach the target

Similar words

Ziel: A defined outcome or destination that efforts seek to attain.
Plan: A planned sequence of actions for accomplishing a purpose.
Zielwert: A numerical benchmark established for measuring achievement.
Norm: A generally accepted standard or typical value.

Definition in German

Ein vorgesehener oder erwarteter Wert, der als Ziel oder Planwert gilt; in der Buchführung der auf der Sollseite geführte Betrag

Word origin

The noun Soll developed from the Germanic verb sollen and its sense of obligation or expectation, later gaining its bookkeeping sense through the idea of a required amount.

Usage tips

  • Soll is neuter and always capitalized as a noun, while the related verb is lowercase: das Soll but es soll.

Other meanings

  • debitnoun

Opposites

  • Istactual valuenoun

Related words

  • Sollwerttarget valuenoun
  • Sollbetragdebit amountnoun

Word lists with this word