der
Gesamtwert
💰 What Exactly is 'der Gesamtwert'?
The German noun Gesamtwert refers to the total value or aggregate value of something, meaning the sum of all individual values or components. It's a compound noun formed from gesamt (total, whole) and Wert (value).
It's typically used to express the combined worth of assets, projects, goods, or other measurable quantities.
- Example: Der Gesamtwert aller Aktien im Portfolio. (The total value of all stocks in the portfolio.)
- Example: Der Gesamtwert des Projekts übersteigt das Budget. (The total value of the project exceeds the budget.)
There is only one article: der, because the base word 'Wert' is masculine.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Gesamtwert
The noun Gesamtwert is masculine. Therefore, the correct article is der.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Gesamtwert |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Gesamtwert(e)s |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Gesamtwert(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Gesamtwert |
Note: The Genitive and Dative singular can optionally take an 'e' at the end (Gesamtwertes/Gesamtwerte), but this is less common today.
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gesamtwerte |
| Genitive | der | Gesamtwerte |
| Dative | den | Gesamtwerten |
| Accusative | die | Gesamtwerte |
Example Sentences
- Der Gesamtwert der Immobilie wurde auf 500.000 Euro geschätzt.
(The total value of the property was estimated at 500,000 euros.) - Wir müssen den Gesamtwert aller Lieferungen berechnen.
(We need to calculate the total value of all deliveries.) - Der Anstieg des Gesamtwertes war beeindruckend.
(The increase in the total value was impressive.) - Mit diesem Gesamtwert können wir zufrieden sein.
(We can be satisfied with this total value.) - Die Versicherungsgesellschaft deckt die Gesamtwerte der beschädigten Güter ab.
(The insurance company covers the total values of the damaged goods.)
💡 When to Use 'der Gesamtwert'?
The term Gesamtwert is often used in specific contexts:
- Economics & Finance: For valuing portfolios, companies, assets, or total revenues. (e.g., Der Gesamtwert der Exporte stieg letztes Jahr. - The total value of exports increased last year.)
- Project Management: To indicate the cumulative cost or benefit of a project. (e.g., Der kalkulierte Gesamtwert des Bauprojekts liegt bei 10 Millionen Euro. - The calculated total value of the construction project is 10 million euros.)
- Valuation & Estimation: When the combined value of multiple individual items or aspects is relevant. (e.g., Der Gesamtwert der Sammlung ist schwer zu schätzen. - The total value of the collection is difficult to estimate.)
- Insurance: To determine the sum insured for multiple insured objects.
In contrast to Einzelwert (individual value) or Teilwert (partial value), which refer to single components, Gesamtwert always focuses on the big picture, the sum of all parts.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of the base word: der Wert (the value). Value is often considered important or strong, characteristics sometimes associated with masculine nouns in German. So: der Gesamtwert.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine getting a **Gesam**t (total) score on a test by adding up all parts. That final score is the Gesamtwert – the total **Wert** (value) you achieved.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Gesamtbetrag: Very similar, often used for sums of money (total amount).
- Summe: General term for the result of an addition (sum).
- Endwert: The value at the end of a period or process (final value).
- Gesamtsumme: Emphasized form of 'Summe' (grand total).
- Aggregatwert: Technical term, especially in economics (aggregate value).
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Einzelwert: The value of a single element or part (individual value).
- Teilwert: The value of a part of the whole (partial value).
- Stückwert: The value per piece or unit (unit value).
- Anfangswert: The value at the beginning of a period or process (initial value).
⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse with Wertanlage (investment) or Mehrwert (added value).
😂 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Chef den Buchhalter: "Was ist der Gesamtwert unserer Firma?" Antwortet der Buchhalter: "Kommt drauf an. Wollen Sie sie kaufen oder verkaufen?" 😉
English: The boss asks the accountant: "What's the total value of our company?" The accountant replies: "Depends. Are you looking to buy it or sell it?" 😉
✍️ Poem about the Word
German:
Von Zahlen klein, zu Posten groß,
Addiert man alles, gnadenlos.
Was einzeln zählt, wird eins gemacht,
Der Gesamtwert, wohl durchdacht.
In Bilanz und auch im Leben,
Will man oft nach ihm nur streben.
English Translation:
From numbers small to items grand,
One adds it all across the land.
What counts alone is made as one,
The total value, smartly done.
In balance sheets and life's own quest,
It's often sought above the rest.
❓ Little Riddle
German:
Ich bin nicht eins, doch eine Zahl,
geboren aus der Teile Wahl.
Ob Aktien, Güter oder Land,
ich fasse alles mit Verstand.
Addierst du klug, Stück für Stück,
erhältst du mich, das große Glück (oder die große Summe).
Wer bin ich?
English Translation:
I am not one, yet still a number,
Born from the parts you choose to lumber.
Be it stocks, or goods, or land,
I grasp them all with understanding hand.
If you add wisely, piece by piece,
You get me, bringing great release (or the grand sum).
What am I?
Solution: Der Gesamtwert (The total value)
🧩 Word Building Blocks and More
Word Composition
Gesamtwert is a compound noun (Kompositum) made up of two parts:
- gesamt: An adjective or adverb meaning 'whole', 'total', or 'entire'.
- Wert: A masculine noun (der Wert) meaning 'value', 'worth', or 'importance'.
Together, they create the meaning "total value" or "aggregate value".
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gesamtwert?
The word 'Gesamtwert' is masculine, so the correct article is der Gesamtwert. It means the total value or aggregate value of something.