"Zero hour" has several meanings depending on the context:
- Military and general usage: It refers to the scheduled time for the start of an event, especially a military operation or attack. It can also mean a critical or decisive time when an important action begins
- Historical context (Germany 1945): "Zero hour" (German: Stunde Null) specifically refers to midnight on May 8, 1945, marking the capitulation of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. It symbolizes a radical new beginning and a break from the Nazi past, as Germany faced reconstruction and denazification
- Employment context (zero-hours contracts): It describes a type of work contract where employees are on call without guaranteed hours. Workers may be asked to be available but are not guaranteed work, and they have specific rights regarding pay and availability
- Other uses: In Indian Parliament, "zero hour" is the time when members can ask questions without prior notice
In summary, "zero hour" generally denotes a starting point or critical moment, with notable historical significance related to WWII Germany and specific meanings in military, employment, and parliamentary contexts.
