der  Ausgleich

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊsˌɡlaɪ̯ç/

⚖️ What does "der Ausgleich" mean?

Der Ausgleich is a masculine noun encompassing several related meanings, all revolving around the concept of creating balance or compensation.

• Compensation/Recompense: Something given or done to make up for a deficiency, loss, or disadvantage (e.g., finanzieller Ausgleich - financial compensation).
• Equilibrium/Balance: A state where different elements or forces are evenly distributed or cancel each other out (e.g., der Ausgleich zwischen Arbeit und Freizeit - the balance between work and leisure).
• Settlement/Agreement: An arrangement or agreement that resolves a dispute or difference.
• Sports (Equalizer): Scoring a goal or point that makes the score even again (e.g., das Ausgleichstor - the equalizing goal).

The only article for "Ausgleich" is der. 🚨 Don't confuse it with the verb ausgleichen (to compensate, to balance).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar in Detail: Der Ausgleich

"Ausgleich" is a masculine noun. It declines as follows:

Note: The Genitive Singular can be "Ausgleichs" or "Ausgleiches"; the Dative Singular "Ausgleich" or "Ausgleiche". The forms without the extra "e" are more common today.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Als Ausgleich für die Überstunden bekam sie einen zusätzlichen Urlaubstag.
   (As compensation for the overtime, she received an extra day off.)
2. Er sucht einen Ausgleich zum stressigen Berufsalltag im Sport.
   (He seeks a balance to his stressful professional life in sports.)
3. Kurz vor Schluss fiel der erlösende Ausgleich zum 2:2.
   (Shortly before the end, the redeeming equalizer was scored, making it 2-2.)
4. Die Parteien einigten sich auf einen finanziellen Ausgleich.
   (The parties agreed on a financial settlement.)
5. Ein fairer Ausgleich der Interessen ist wichtig für den sozialen Frieden.
   (A fair balancing of interests is important for social peace.)

🤔 How is "Ausgleich" used?

"Der Ausgleich" is used in various contexts:

• Finance & Law: Often related to payments (Ausgleichszahlung - compensation payment), reparations, or settling claims (Schuldnerausgleich - composition with creditors). You talk about an "Ausgleich für" (compensation for) something.
• Sports: Refers to the goal or point that leads to a tie (der Ausgleichstreffer - the equalizing goal).
• Everyday Life & Psychology: Concerns balance, e.g., between work and leisure (Work-Life-Balance), stress and relaxation. One seeks or finds an "Ausgleich zu" (balance to) something stressful.
• Technology & Science: Can also describe physical or technical processes of balancing (e.g., Druckausgleich - pressure equalization, Temperaturausgleich - temperature equalization).

Compared to Kompensation or Entschädigung, Ausgleich often more strongly emphasizes the aspect of restoring balance or fairness, not just replacing a loss.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Ausgleich"

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of things traditionally associated with 'the man' (der Mann) needing balance or compensation: der Stressausgleich (stress balance), der Lohnausgleich (wage compensation). Or think of 'der Sport' where you score 'der Ausgleich' (the equalizer).

2. Meaning Mnemonic: "Ausgleich" sounds like "out-glide" or maybe "house-like". Imagine someone stressed 'gliding out' to find balance. Or think of making things 'like' (gleich) again, smoothing things 'out' (aus). Picture scales ⚖️ being brought 'out' of imbalance into being 'like' (equal) again. This fits compensation, balance, and a tie in sports.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Abgleich: (Comparison, reconciliation) Means comparing or synchronizing data/information. Not the same as Ausgleich!

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Suchen Sie eigentlich noch einen Ausgleich zur Arbeit?" Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Wieso? Ist das Gehalt so schlecht?"

English: The boss asks his new employee: "Are you actually looking for a balance (Ausgleich) to work?" The employee replies: "Why? Is the salary that bad?" (Playing on 'Ausgleich' as balance vs. financial compensation)

✒️ Poem about Ausgleich

German:
Mal Stress, mal Ruhe, hin und her,
das Leben fordert oft so sehr.
Doch suchst du weise, findest du,
den Ausgleich für die Seelenruh.

Im Sport, im Hobby, leis' und sacht,
wird neues Gleichgewicht entfacht.
Ein Lastausgleich, ein fairer Deal,
erreichen wir das hohe Ziel.

English Translation:
Sometimes stress, sometimes calm, back and forth,
life often demands so much.
But if you seek wisely, you will find,
the balance for peace of mind.

In sports, in hobbies, soft and gentle,
new equilibrium is kindled.
A load balance, a fair deal,
we reach the lofty goal.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin mal Geld, mal Sport, mal Ruh',
bring' ins Lot, was aus dem Fugen fuhr.
Im Spiel mach' ich den Stand oft pari,
bei Stress helf' ich – na, wer bin i'?

English:
Sometimes I'm money, sports, or rest,
I bring back order, put things to the test.
In games, I often make the score even,
With stress, I help – well, who am I, then?

(Solution: der Ausgleich)

🧩 Other Information

• Word Composition: The word is composed of the prefix aus- (often indicating completion or an end) and the verb gleichen (to make equal, to resemble).
• Related Terms: Ausgleichszahlung (compensatory payment), Ausgleichssport (compensatory sport, e.g., for stress relief), Ausgleichsmasse (leveling compound in construction), Finanzausgleich (financial equalization between government levels).
• International Context: The concept of "Ausgleich" (balancing, compensation) is an important principle in many fields internationally (law, economics, social affairs).