der  Erlag

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛɐ̯ˈlaːk/

💰 What exactly is 'der Erlag'?

Der Erlag (masculine) refers to an amount paid, a sum that has been settled, or the proceeds from a transaction. It is a rather formal or archaic term, primarily used today in Austria and in legal or commercial contexts.

The word derives from the verb erlegen, meaning “to pay,” “to settle,” or “to lay down” (historically also “to hunt down/kill”). ⚠️ In Germany, the term is rarely used; common alternatives are „Zahlung“ (payment), „Betrag“ (amount), or „Erlös“ (proceeds).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Erlag

The noun „der Erlag“ is masculine and follows the strong declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der gesamte Erlag aus dem Verkauf wird gespendet.
   (The entire proceeds from the sale will be donated.)
2. Bitte bestätigen Sie den Erlag der Gebühr schriftlich.
   (Please confirm the payment of the fee in writing. - Austrian context)
3. Nach Erlag der Kaution erhalten Sie die Schlüssel.
   (Upon payment of the deposit, you will receive the keys. - Formal/Legal context)

✅ When to Use 'der Erlag'?

The term der Erlag is specific and not commonly used in everyday language. Here are its typical contexts:

• 🇦🇹 Austrian German: In Austrian usage, „Erlag“ is more common, especially in official language (Amtsdeutsch) and banking (e.g., „Erlagschein“ for a payment slip/transfer form).
• ⚖️ Legal/Commercial Settings: In contracts, deeds, or official correspondence, „Erlag“ can be used as a synonym for the payment or receipt of an amount (e.g., „nach Erlag der Summe“ - after payment of the sum).
• 🕰️ Historical Context: You might encounter the term in older texts.

In general German usage, Zahlung (payment), Betrag (amount), Summe (sum), or Erlös (proceeds) are much more common and sound more natural. Using „Erlag“ outside these specific contexts might seem stiff or be misunderstood.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a formal gentleman (masculine -> der) solemnly 'laying down' (erlegen) a payment. Der gentleman makes der Erlag.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word comes from erlegen (to pay/settle). Think of 'laying down' the money successfully. The Erlag is the result of this 'laying down' – the amount paid.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

⚠️ Watch out for confusion:

• Der Verlag: A publishing house. Sounds similar but is unrelated to payment.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der österreichische Beamte den Antragsteller: „Haben Sie den Erlag schon getätigt?“ Antwortet der Deutsche verwirrt: „Nein, ich habe noch nicht einmal gejagt!“

English: The Austrian official asks the applicant: "Have you already made the payment (Erlag getätigt)?" The German replies confused: "No, I haven't even hunted anything down yet!"

(This plays on the double meaning of „erlegen“ - to pay vs. to hunt down/kill.)

📜 A Little Poem

German:
Im Amt, da zählt mit strengem Blick,
der Beamte jeden Glückspfennig zurück.
Die Summe stimmt, kein Fehlbetrag,
bestätigt wird nun der Erlag.

English Translation:
In the office, counts with a stern gaze,
the official every lucky penny back.
The sum is right, no deficit,
confirmed now is the payment made.

🧩 Who am I? A Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Wort, recht alt und karg,
man kennt mich gut in Österreichs Mark.
Ich steh' für Geld, das man gezahlt,
eine Summe, die im Buche prangt.

Wie heiße ich, wenn Schuld beglichen ward?

English Translation:
I am a word, quite old and spare,
well-known in Austria's market square.
I stand for money that's been paid,
a sum upon the ledger displayed.

What am I called, when debt is cleared?

Solution: Der Erlag

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Formation: Der Erlag is a nominalization (Substantivierung) of the verb stem of „erlegen“ (similar to how der Wurf comes from werfen, or der Zug from ziehen).

Erlagschein: Especially in Austria, the „Erlagschein“ was a common form for bank transfers or cash deposits, often featuring a perforated section as a receipt. Although online banking is dominant today, the term is still recognized.