der  Gutschein

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡuːtʃaɪ̯n/

🎟️ What exactly is a Gutschein?

A Gutschein (article: der) is a document, often in paper form or digital, that certifies a claim to a specific service (Leistung), product (Ware), or a discount (Wertnachlass). You often receive it as a gift (Geschenk) or as part of promotional campaigns (Werbeaktionen).

It's a masculine noun, so it's always der Gutschein.

🧐 Grammar: Der Gutschein in Detail

The noun Gutschein is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Ich habe einen Gutschein für ein Abendessen gewonnen. (I won a voucher for a dinner.)
2. Kann ich diesen Gutschein online einlösen? (Can I redeem this voucher online?)
3. Der Wert des Gutscheins beträgt 50 Euro. (The value of the voucher is 50 Euros.)
4. Zum Geburtstag schenken wir Oma viele kleine Gutscheine für gemeinsame Zeit. (For her birthday, we're giving Grandma many small vouchers for time together.)

💡 How to use "Gutschein"?

The term Gutschein is frequently used in the following contexts:

• As a gift: A Geschenkgutschein (gift voucher) is a popular alternative when unsure about a gift.
• As a discount: A Rabattgutschein (discount voucher) or Coupon grants a price reduction on products or services.
• In marketing: Companies use Gutscheine for customer acquisition and retention.

Important verbs related to Gutscheine are:

• ausstellen: to issue (Die Firma stellt einen Gutschein aus. - The company issues a voucher.)
• einlösen: to redeem (Ich möchte meinen Gutschein einlösen. - I want to redeem my voucher.)
• verschenken: to give away as a gift (Sie hat einen Gutschein verschenkt. - She gave away a voucher.)
• bekommen/erhalten: to receive/get (Er hat einen Gutschein bekommen. - He received a voucher.)

A Gutschein differs from cash (Bargeld) as it's often tied to specific conditions (store, product, validity period).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of a voucher as a dear gift. Dear sounds a bit like der. It's der Gutschein.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Gutschein is a 'good paper' (Gut = good + Schein = certificate/paper) that brings you something good (a service or discount).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Don't confuse with der Schein (banknote, certificate, but also illusion) or das Gut (good/asset, commodity).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kunde: "Ist dieser Gutschein auch gültig, wenn ich ihn kopiere?"
Sagt der Verkäufer: "Klar, genauso gültig wie kopiertes Geld!"

Customer asks: "Is this voucher also valid if I copy it?"
Salesperson says: "Sure, just as valid as copied money!"

📜 A Poem about the Gutschein

Ein kleines Kärtchen, bunt und fein,
Das ist der Gutschein, das muss er sein.
Mal für ein Buch, mal für Kaffee,
Er spart das Geld, oh wie schee!
Zum Geburtstag gern gegeben,
Bringt Freude in das Leben.

A little card, colorful and fine,
That is the voucher, it must be.
Sometimes for a book, sometimes for coffee,
It saves money, oh how nice!
Gladly given for a birthday,
Brings joy into life.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Schein, doch kein Geld aus der Bank.
Ich schenke dir Freude oder fülle den Tank (manchmal).
Du löst mich ein für Ware oder Zeit,
Oft bin ich ein Geschenk zur Festlichkeit.

Was bin ich? ... Der Gutschein

I'm a certificate, but not money from the bank.
I give you joy or fill up the tank (sometimes).
You redeem me for goods or time,
Often I am a gift for a festivity.

What am I?
... The voucher (Der Gutschein)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Gutschein" is composed of:

• Gut: Adjective or adverb, here meaning 'having value' or 'beneficial'.
• Schein: Noun, here meaning 'certificate', 'document', or 'paper'.

So, a Gutschein literally means a "good certificate" or a "valuable paper".

Cultural Note: In Germany, Geschenkgutscheine (gift vouchers) are extremely popular, especially for Christmas and birthdays.