Crossword Genius

This German ruler, on reflection, is no different (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

otto

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'this german' is the definition.
(common German name)

'ruler on reflection is no different' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'on' could be 'to' and 'to' is located in the answer.
'no' could be 'o' (resembles 0 - 'no' can mean 'zero') and 'o' is located in the answer.
A single letter 't' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for otto that I've seen before include "Ger. name (palindrome)" , "- Preminger, Austrian-born US film producer" , "fragrance comes from?" , "Palindromic German male Christian name" , "Something oily" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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