der
Aufpreis
💰 What does "der Aufpreis" mean?
Der Aufpreis refers to an additional amount of money that must be paid beyond the basic price for a specific service, better features, a special service, or a particular condition. It's essentially a 'price on top'.
You pay an Aufpreis for things like:
- A room with a sea view in a hotel (ein Zimmer mit Meerblick)
- Express shipping for an online order (Expressversand)
- Optional extras when buying a car (e.g., leather seats) (Sonderausstattung)
- A larger portion at a restaurant (eine größere Portion)
It always refers to costs that are zusätzlich (additional) to the normal price.
🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Der Aufpreis
"Aufpreis" is a masculine noun. The article is therefore der.
Declension (Deklination):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Aufpreis |
| Genitive | des | Aufpreises |
| Dative | dem | Aufpreis / Aufpreise (rare) |
| Accusative | den | Aufpreis |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Aufpreise |
| Genitive | der | Aufpreise |
| Dative | den | Aufpreisen |
| Accusative | die | Aufpreise |
Example Sentences (Beispielsätze):
- Der Aufpreis für die schnelle Lieferung beträgt fünf Euro.
(The surcharge for fast delivery is five euros.) - Wir mussten einen erheblichen Aufpreis für das Upgrade zahlen.
(We had to pay a significant extra charge for the upgrade.) - Ist in diesem Preis der Aufpreis für die Sonderausstattung schon enthalten?
(Is the surcharge for the optional extras already included in this price?) - Die verschiedenen Aufpreise sind in der Liste detailliert aufgeführt.
(The various surcharges are listed in detail.)
🗣️ How "Aufpreis" is used
The term "Aufpreis" is very common in economic contexts, especially in trade, services, and tourism.
- Typical Phrase: "gegen Aufpreis" - This means that something costs extra and is not included in the standard price. Example: "Eine Klimaanlage ist nur gegen Aufpreis erhältlich." (Air conditioning is only available at an extra charge.)
- Context: Whenever you have to pay more for an extra service or a better version than for the basic version.
- Distinction: An Aufpreis is not the same as a Gebühr (fee, often for an administrative act) or a Strafe (penalty, due for misconduct). It's a price increase for added value or a special service.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
For the article (der): Think: Der Preis (the price) goes up ('auf' in German sounds like 'up'). Associate the masculine 'der' with the upward direction or 'der Preis'.
For the meaning: Imagine putting something (extra cost) auf (on top of) the normal price. This additional amount is the Aufpreis.
🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Der Zuschlag: Very similar, often for additional services or under specific conditions (e.g., Nachtzuschlag - night surcharge).
- Der Mehrpreis: Emphasizes the additional price compared to the basic price.
- Die Zuzahlung: Often used in healthcare or insurance, an amount you have to pay yourself (co-payment).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Der Rabatt: A discount off the original price.
- Der Nachlass: Similar to Rabatt, a price reduction.
- Das Skonto: A discount for prompt payment.
- Die Ermäßigung: A price reduction, often for specific groups (students, seniors).
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with "Preisaufschlag", which often refers to the seller's markup added to the purchase price.
😂 A Little Joke
A customer asks at the hotel: "Ist das Frühstück im Preis inbegriffen?"
The hotelier replies: "Nein, das ist nicht inbegriffen. Aber gegen einen kleinen Aufpreis dürfen Sie gerne daran riechen!"
Translation:
Customer: "Is breakfast included in the price?"
Hotelier: "No, it's not included. But for a small surcharge, you're welcome to smell it!"
✍️ Poem about the Aufpreis
Ein kleines Extra soll es sein,
doch kostet's mehr, das ist nicht fein.
Der Grundpreis lockt, doch sei nicht blind,
oft kommt der Aufpreis noch geschwind.
Für dies und das, ein bisschen mehr,
zahlt man ihn oft, und zwar sehr.
Drum prüfe gut, bevor du kaufst,
ob nicht ein Aufpreis auf dich laufst!
Translation:
A little extra it should be,
But costs more, that's not fine, you see.
The base price tempts, but don't be blind,
Often the surcharge quickly you'll find.
For this and that, a little more,
You often pay it, that's for sure.
So check well before you buy,
Lest an extra charge on you might lie!
❓ Little Riddle
Ich bin kein Rabatt, kein Geschenk dazu,
ich mach' den Endpreis höher im Nu.
Für bess'ren Service oder mehr Komfort,
zahlst du mich extra an manchem Ort.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I'm not a discount, no free gift for you,
I make the final price higher, it's true.
For better service or more comfort's sake,
You pay me extra in many a place.
What am I?
Solution: der Aufpreis (the surcharge / extra charge)
🧩 Word Building Blocks and Other Info
Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):
The word "Aufpreis" is a compound noun, composed of:
- auf: Preposition/adverb, here meaning "additional", "on top".
- der Preis: The price, the amount of money to be paid for something.
Together, they form the meaning: a price that comes auf (on top of) the basic price.
Related terms: Mehrpreis (additional price), Zuschlag (surcharge), Grundpreis (base price).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Aufpreis?
The word "Aufpreis" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It signifies an additional charge requested on top of the base price for a specific service or feature.