der  Gesamtbetrag

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈzamtbəˌtʁaːk/

💰 What does "der Gesamtbetrag" mean?

Der Gesamtbetrag refers to the total sum of all individual amounts, essentially the final result of an addition or calculation. It's the amount shown at the bottom of an invoice, quote, or statement that needs to be paid or credited.

The word is composed of:

• gesamt: meaning 'total', 'entire', 'complete'.
• der Betrag: meaning 'the amount', 'the sum (of money)'.

Since der Betrag is masculine, der Gesamtbetrag is also masculine. There are no other articles for this word. 🥳

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Declension of Gesamtbetrag

"Gesamtbetrag" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Bitte überweisen Sie den Gesamtbetrag bis zum Monatsende.
   Please transfer the total amount by the end of the month. (Accusative Singular)
2. Der Gesamtbetrag auf der Rechnung stimmt nicht.
   The total amount on the invoice is incorrect. (Nominative Singular)
3. Wir summieren nun alle Posten, um zum Gesamtbetrag zu gelangen.
   We are now summing up all items to arrive at the total amount. (Dative Singular)
4. Die Firma rechnet die Gesamtbeträge der verschiedenen Abteilungen zusammen.
   The company adds up the total amounts from the different departments. (Accusative Plural)

✅ When to use "Gesamtbetrag"?

Der Gesamtbetrag is a very common word in financial and commercial contexts. Here are typical scenarios:

• 🧾 Invoices and Receipts: It indicates the final amount due, labeled as "Gesamtbetrag".
• 🛒 Shopping Carts (Online Shops): Before checkout, the "Gesamtbetrag" for all items is often displayed.
• 📊 Budgeting and Accounting: Used to summarize costs or revenues over a specific period.
• 📄 Quotes/Estimates: Shows the expected final sum for a service or product.

Essentially, der Gesamtbetrag is used whenever multiple individual items are added up to a final sum. It's the result of addition (sometimes including deductions like discounts).

Difference from "Summe": While "Summe" (sum) can often be used synonymously, "Gesamtbetrag" is more specific to monetary amounts in billing contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the Article (der):

Remember: der Betrag (the amount) is masculine. When you make it 'total' (gesamt), it stays masculine – der Gesamtbetrag. Think of 'der' as the default for many 'amount' related words derived from 'Betrag'.

Mnemonic for the Meaning (Total sum):

Imagine getting Sam (from gesamt) to bring you the total amount (Betrag) – that's the Gesamtbetrag! He brings the 'whole lot'. 💰

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Gesamtbetrag

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Der Betrag: Amount - Can mean a single amount or the total amount, context is key.
• Die Gesamtsumme: The total sum - Almost identical to Gesamtbetrag, perhaps slightly more formal.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Buchhalter: "Können Sie mir schnell den Gesamtbetrag unserer Ausgaben für Büroklammern im letzten Jahr nennen?"

Antwortet der Buchhalter trocken: "Sofort, Chef! Soll ich es auf die nächste Büroklammer genau berechnen oder reicht auf den nächsten Euro gerundet?" 😉

The boss asks the accountant: "Can you quickly tell me the total amount we spent on paperclips last year?"

The accountant replies dryly: "Right away, boss! Should I calculate it down to the last paperclip, or is rounding to the nearest Euro sufficient?" 😉

📜 Poem about the Gesamtbetrag

Ein Euro hier, zwei Euro dort,
Die Posten sammeln sich sofort.
Rabatt zieht ab, die Steuer drauf,
So nimmt die Rechnung ihren Lauf.
Am Ende steht, ganz unumwunden,
Der Gesamtbetrag – nun klar befunden!

One Euro here, two Euros there,
The items gather everywhere.
Discount off, the tax applied,
The invoice takes its lengthy stride.
At the end, it stands profound,
The total amount – now clearly found!

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin das Ende einer langen Liste,
steh' auf der Rechnung, in der Kiste.
Alle Zahlen führ' ich an,
bin das, was man bezahlen kann (oder muss!).

Was bin ich?

I am the end of a long list,
I stand on the invoice, can't be missed.
I lead all the numbers, big and small,
I'm what you pay (or must pay all!).

What am I?

Solution: Der Gesamtbetrag (The total amount)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

Gesamtbetrag is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of:

• The adjective/adverb gesamt (total, entire)
• The noun der Betrag (amount, sum)

This composition directly shows the meaning: the 'total amount'.

Abbreviation:

Sometimes you might encounter the abbreviation Ges.-Betr., but this is less common in modern usage.