das / der  Skonto

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈskɔnto/

💰 What exactly is a Skonto?

Das Skonto (less commonly also der Skonto) refers to a price reduction or cash discount granted when an invoice is paid within a specific, shorter period (prompt payment). It serves as an incentive for the customer to settle their debts quickly.

Choosing the article:

• Das Skonto: This is the most common and standard German form. It is recommended by the Duden (authoritative dictionary) and is customary in business transactions. This is the one you should generally use.
• Der Skonto: This form is less frequent, considered colloquial or regional (especially in Austria and Southern Germany), and is sometimes used. ⚠️ However, it's not the standard form.

So, it's the same concept with slightly varying grammatical gender assignment, with das Skonto being clearly preferred.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das or Der Skonto?

Although both articles appear, das Skonto (neuter) is the standard form. Der Skonto (masculine) is a variant.

Declension of das Skonto (Neuter - Standard)

Note: The plural is rather rare, as Skonto is often used as a collective term. Both forms, Skonti (Italian) and Skontos, are possible.

Declension of der Skonto (Masculine - Variant)

📝 Example Sentences

1. Wir gewähren Ihnen das Skonto von 2%, wenn Sie innerhalb von 10 Tagen zahlen.
   (We grant you the cash discount of 2% if you pay within 10 days.)
2. Durch die Nutzung des Skontos konnten wir viel Geld sparen.
   (By using the cash discount, we were able to save a lot of money.)
3. Auf der Rechnung ist das Skonto deutlich ausgewiesen.
   (The cash discount is clearly indicated on the invoice.)
4. (Colloquial/Regional) Der Händler hat mir sogar den Skonto angeboten.
   (The merchant even offered me the cash discount.)
5. Die Summe aller Skonti/Skontos im letzten Quartal war beachtlich.
   (The sum of all cash discounts in the last quarter was considerable.)

💡 When and How is Skonto Used?

Das Skonto (or less commonly der Skonto) is used almost exclusively in a commercial or business context. It typically appears on:

• Rechnungen (Invoices): Often with phrasing like "Zahlbar innerhalb von 30 Tagen netto oder innerhalb von 10 Tagen unter Abzug von 2% Skonto" (Payable within 30 days net or within 10 days less 2% cash discount).
• Angeboten (Offers): To make prompt payment attractive.
• Verträgen (Contracts): As part of the payment terms.
• Buchhaltung (Accounting): Cash discounts must be booked correctly.

Context: It always relates to a financial advantage for paying quickly. It is not a general Rabatt (discount) granted regardless of the payment time.

Distinction:

• Rabatt: A price reduction given for various reasons (volume discount, loyalty discount, seasonal discount, etc.) and usually agreed upon before invoicing. It's not tied to prompt payment.
• Bonus: A retrospective payment, often at year-end, e.g., for achieving a certain sales volume.

In formal writing and most contexts, always use das Skonto to avoid misunderstandings and adhere to standard German.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article: Think of das Geld (the money) or das Konto (the account). Skonto saves money *on* the account. Therefore: das Skonto (the standard form).

Or: Think 'S' for 'Standard' -> daS Skonto.

For the meaning: Skonto sounds a bit like 'it's counted out' – money counted out as a discount for paying fast. Or think of the Italian origin sconto (discount) - a discount for the swift.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion:

• Rabatt: As explained above, not tied to payment deadline.
• Marge: (Margin) The difference between cost and selling price.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Buchhalter: "Nutzen wir eigentlich immer das Skonto?"
Antwortet der Buchhalter: "Nicht immer, Chef. Manchmal ist die Rechnung so hoch, da lohnt sich das Skonto gar nicht – da ist der Schock über den Betrag schon Rabatt genug!" 😉

Translation:
The boss asks the new accountant: "Do we actually always take the cash discount?"
The accountant replies: "Not always, boss. Sometimes the invoice is so high that the cash discount isn't even worth it – the shock from the amount is discount enough!" 😉

📜 A Little Poem about Skonto

Die Rechnung kommt, die Frist ist knapp,
Doch wer schnell zahlt, macht 'nen Schnapp.
Das Skonto lockt, ein kleiner Preis,
Für Zahlung schnell, auf kluge Weis'.
Zwei, drei Prozent, das ist doch nett,
So spart man gern im Firmen-Budget.

Translation:
The invoice arrives, the deadline's tight,
But pay quickly, get a deal just right.
The Skonto tempts, a little prize,
For rapid payment, smart and wise.
Two, three percent, oh isn't that sweet,
Saving gladly in the company budget sheet.

🧩 Who or What Am I?

Ich bin ein Nachlass, fein und klein,
Zahlst du schnell, gehör' ich dein.
Auf Rechnungen findest du mich oft,
Hab' auf schnelle Zahlung stets gehofft.
Mal 'das', mal 'der', doch meistens sächlich klar,
Ich spare Geld, Jahr für Jahr.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I am a discount, fine and small,
If you pay fast, I'm yours to call.
On invoices, you'll find me there,
Hoping for prompt payment, beyond compare.
Sometimes 'das', sometimes 'der', but mostly neuter, it's true,
I save you money, the whole year through.

Who am I?
... Das Skonto (The cash discount)

✨ Other Interesting Details

Wortherkunft (Word Origin): The word "Skonto" comes from the Italian word sconto, meaning "deduction" or "discount". This, in turn, derives from the Italian verb scontare ("to deduct", "to settle an account").

Pluralformen (Plural Forms): As mentioned in the grammar section, the plural forms die Skonti (from Italian) or die Skontos are possible, but they are rarely used in everyday business.

Wirtschaftliche Bedeutung (Economic Significance): Skonto is an important tool for improving a company's liquidity, as it motivates customers to pay faster.