der
Bonus
🎁 What exactly is a Bonus?
Der Bonus (noun, masculine) generally refers to an additional benefit, an advantage, or a perk that goes beyond what is usual or agreed upon.
- In work: An additional payment to the salary (e.g., Leistungsbonus - performance bonus, Weihnachtsgeld - Christmas bonus).
- In retail: A discount, loyalty points (Treuepunkte), or an additional product with a purchase.
- In games/competitions: Extra points or advantages.
It's a loanword from Latin (bonus = good). Since it only takes the article 'der', there's no risk of confusing meanings based on different articles. ⚠️ Pay attention to the correct plural form: die Boni or less commonly die Bonusse.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-us/-uss/-uß → mostly masculine.
Including -ismus nouns (100% masculine, e.g. der Tourismus)
📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Bonus
The noun "Bonus" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Bonus |
| Genitive | des | Bonus |
| Dative | dem | Bonus |
| Accusative | den | Bonus |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Boni / Bonusse |
| Genitive | der | Boni / Bonusse |
| Dative | den | Boni / Bonussen |
| Accusative | die | Boni / Bonusse |
Note: The plural "Boni" (from Latin) is more common than "Bonusse".
Example Sentences
- Der Mitarbeiter erhielt einen unerwartet hohen Bonus. (The employee received an unexpectedly high bonus.)
- Die Berechnung des Bonus war kompliziert. (The calculation of the bonus was complicated.)
- Mit dem Bonus konnte er sich ein neues Fahrrad kaufen. (With the bonus, he could buy a new bicycle.)
- Viele Kunden freuen sich über den Bonus beim Einkauf. (Many customers are happy about the bonus when shopping.)
- Die Firma zahlte dieses Jahr großzügige Boni aus. (The company paid out generous bonuses this year.)
💡 How to Use "Bonus" Correctly
Der Bonus is often used in contexts where a reward or an additional incentive is given.
- Work environment: Often as part of the salary for good performance or as an end-of-year payment. Example: "Sein Jahresbonus hängt vom Unternehmenserfolg ab." (His annual bonus depends on the company's success.)
- Marketing & Retail: As a means of customer loyalty or sales promotion. Example: "Sammeln Sie Bonuspunkte bei jedem Einkauf!" (Collect bonus points with every purchase!) or "Beim Kauf von zwei Produkten gibt es eins als Bonus dazu." (Buy two products and get one as a bonus.)
- Games: For achieved goals or special accomplishments. Example: "Dieser Level hat einen versteckten Bonus." (This level has a hidden bonus.)
Unlike a fixed part of the salary (Gehalt) or a standard discount (Rabatt), der Bonus always implies something extra, often conditional.
🧠 Memory Aids for "Bonus"
Article Mnemonic: Think of things often associated with reward or finance that are masculine in German: der Euro, der Lohn (wage), der Gewinn (profit). A Bonus fits right in as der Bonus.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Bonus" sounds like the English word "bonus"! It's a direct borrowing with the same core meaning of something extra or good received.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Words
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Prämie: Premium, bonus; often for insurance or special achievements.
- Die Zulage: Allowance, supplement; an addition to wages for specific conditions (e.g., night shift).
- Die Vergütung: Remuneration, compensation; general term for payment, can include a bonus.
- Der Zuschuss: Subsidy, grant; financial support, often from the state.
- Der Vorteil: Advantage, benefit; general positive aspect.
- Das Extra: Extra; something additional, non-obligatory.
🚨 Caution: Not all synonyms are interchangeable in every context. A Prämie isn't always the same as a Bonus, although they are similar.
😄 A Little Bonus Joke
Fragt der Chef den Mitarbeiter: "Möchten Sie lieber einen einmaligen Bonus von 1000 Euro oder eine Gehaltserhöhung von 50 Euro pro Monat?"
Mitarbeiter: "Den Bonus, Chef! Der ist auf einen Schlag weg, da muss ich mich nicht jeden Monat ärgern!"
Translation:
The boss asks the employee: "Would you prefer a one-time bonus of 1000 Euros or a salary increase of 50 Euros per month?"
Employee: "The bonus, boss! It's gone in one go, then I don't have to get annoyed every month!"
📜 Bonus Poetry
Am Ende vom Jahr, die Arbeit getan,
hofft jeder im Stillen auf den Bonus dann.
Ein Extra zum Lohn, der Freudenschein,
ach, könnt' doch das ganze Jahr Bonus-Zeit sein!
Translation:
At the end of the year, the work is done,
everyone secretly hopes for the bonus then.
An extra to the wage, the ray of joy,
oh, if only the whole year could be bonus time!
❓ Fun Riddle
Ich bin ein Plus, doch keine Zahl im Sinn,
ein Extra, ein süßer Gewinn.
Mal Geld, mal Punkte, mal ein freier Tag,
wer Leistung bringt, mich gerne mag.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I am a plus, but not a number in mind,
An extra, a sweet gain you find.
Sometimes money, sometimes points, sometimes a day off free,
Whoever performs well, likes me.
What am I?
(... Der Bonus / The Bonus)
🤓 More Tidbits
Word Origin: The word "Bonus" comes directly from Latin, where the adjective "bonus" means "good". It was adopted into German meaning "something good", "a good gift".
Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Bonus" is part of many compound words in German, e.g.:
- Bonuspunkt (bonus point)
- Bonuszahlung (bonus payment)
- Bonussystem (bonus system)
- Treuebonus (loyalty bonus)
- Schadensfreiheitsbonus (no-claims bonus - insurance)
Summary: is it der, die or das Bonus?
The German word "Bonus" is always masculine. The correct form is "der Bonus". The most common plural form is "die Boni".