das  Entgelt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛntɡəlt/

💰 What exactly does "das Entgelt" mean?

Das Entgelt refers to a consideration or payment, usually in the form of money, given in return for a service rendered, a delivery made, or the use of an item. It's a rather formal or legal term.

• Main meaning: Payment, remuneration, fee, charge, consideration.
• Context: Often used in contracts, terms and conditions, labor law, or for public charges.

⚠️ It's a broader term than, for example, Lohn (wages for workers) or Gehalt (salary for employees), but it can encompass both.

🧐 Grammar of 'das Entgelt' in detail

The word "Entgelt" is a neuter noun. The article is therefore always "das". It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das vereinbarte Entgelt wird am Monatsende fällig.
   (The agreed remuneration is due at the end of the month.)
2. Die Höhe des Entgeltes richtet sich nach dem Aufwand.
   (The amount of the fee depends on the effort involved.)
3. Mit diesem Entgelt sind alle Leistungen abgegolten.
   (This payment covers all services rendered.)
4. Die Firma zahlt ihren Mitarbeitern faire Entgelte.
   (The company pays its employees fair wages/salaries.)

🏢 When to use "das Entgelt"?

"Das Entgelt" belongs more to written language and formal usage. You often find it in:

• Arbeitsverträge (Employment contracts): Here it refers to the total compensation (wages/salary, bonuses, etc.). For instance, people talk about Arbeitsentgelt.
• Dienstleistungsverträge (Service contracts): As payment for a rendered service (e.g., Honorar - fee, Gebühr - charge).
• Miet- oder Pachtverträge (Rental or lease agreements): As consideration for the use of an item (e.g., Mietzins - rent).
• Behördliche Kontexte (Official contexts): For fees related to public services (e.g., Benutzungsentgelt - usage fee).

Distinction from other terms:

• Lohn: Usually for workers, often calculated hourly.
• Gehalt: Usually for employees, fixed monthly amount.
• Gebühr: Often for a specific (official) service or usage right.
• Honorar: Remuneration for freelance work (doctors, lawyers, artists).

"Entgelt" can serve as an umbrella term for many of these specific payments, but often sounds stilted in everyday conversation. People are more likely to say "Was kostet das?" (What does that cost?) or "Wie viel verdiene ich?" (How much do I earn?) instead of "Wie hoch ist das Entgelt?".

💡 Mnemonics for "das Entgelt"

For the article: Think of das Geld (the money). You need das Geld for das Entgelt. (Both are neuter).

For the meaning: "Entgelt" sounds a bit like "end-gelt" or "get-gelt". Think of it as the money (Geld) you get at the end for your work, or the money that makes your effort gelten (valid/worth something).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Entgelt

🚨 Beware of similar words:

• Trinkgeld: Tip (voluntary extra payment, not contractual).
• Spende: Donation (voluntary gift without direct return service).

😂 A little joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sind Sie mit Ihrem Entgelt zufrieden?"
Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, geht so. Aber ohne wäre ich zufriedener!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Are you satisfied with your remuneration (Entgelt)?"
The employee replies: "Yeah, it's okay. But I'd be more satisfied without it!" (Play on words: 'zufrieden mit' = satisfied with, 'ohne' = without; the employee jokingly implies they'd rather not have the 'Entgelt' itself, maybe confusing it with something negative).

📜 Poem about das Entgelt

Für Müh' und Fleiß, für Zeit und Kraft,
wird Leistung gern entgegengerafft.
Am End' des Monats, das ist nett,
kommt pünktlich dann das Entgelt aufs Brett.
Mal Lohn, mal Honorar genannt,
als Gegenwert wohlbekannt.

Translation:
For effort and diligence, for time and strength,
performance is gladly received in return.
At the end of the month, which is nice,
punctually then comes the payment to the table.
Sometimes called wage, sometimes fee,
well-known as equivalent value.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin die Antwort auf die Müh',
man zahlt mich spät, man zahlt mich früh.
Mal heiß ich Lohn, mal heiß ich Preis,
doch im Vertrag steh' ich ganz weiß auf schwarz, als ...?

Translation:
I am the answer to the effort,
I'm paid late, I'm paid early.
Sometimes I'm called wage, sometimes price,
But in the contract, I stand in black and white, as...?
(Solution: das Entgelt)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Entgelt" is composed of:

• ent-: Prefix, here meaning "counter-", "in exchange for".
• Gelt: Derived from the verb "gelten" (to be valid, to be worth).

So, "Entgelt" literally means something that 'stands against' or 'is valid for' the value of a service.

Related Terms (Verwandte Begriffe):

• Entgeltabrechnung: Payslip, payroll statement (detailed breakdown of earnings).
• Entgeltfortzahlung: Continued pay during sickness.
• Entgeltgruppe/Entgeltstufe: Pay grade/pay scale (classification in a collective agreement system determining the pay level).