der  Kaufpreis

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkaʊ̯fpʁaɪ̯s/

💰 What Exactly is 'der Kaufpreis'?

The German word Kaufpreis refers to the purchase price, the amount of money that must be paid to acquire goods, services, or rights (e.g., real estate, a car, a share). It's the price the buyer pays to the seller to obtain ownership or the right to use something.

The word is masculine, so the article is always der: der Kaufpreis. It's a compound noun formed from „kaufen“ (to buy) and „Preis“ (price).

🚨 There are no exceptions regarding the article; it's consistently der Kaufpreis.

🧐 Grammar: 'Der Kaufpreis' in Detail

The noun „Kaufpreis“ is masculine.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Kaufpreis für das Haus war sehr hoch.
   (The purchase price for the house was very high.)
2. Wir konnten uns über den Kaufpreis einigen.
   (We were able to agree on the purchase price.)
3. Die Höhe des Kaufpreises hängt von verschiedenen Faktoren ab.
   (The amount of the purchase price depends on various factors.)
4. Die Summe aller Kaufpreise überstieg unser Budget.
   (The sum of all purchase prices exceeded our budget.)

🛒 When to Use 'Kaufpreis'?

The term Kaufpreis is primarily used in economic and legal contexts, especially in transactions and contracts.

• Trade: When buying and selling goods of all kinds (e.g., „Der Kaufpreis des Fernsehers beträgt 500 Euro.“ - The purchase price of the TV is 500 euros.).
• Real Estate: When acquiring land or buildings (e.g., „Der Kaufpreis für die Wohnung muss bis zum Monatsende gezahlt werden.“ - The purchase price for the apartment must be paid by the end of the month.).
• Company Acquisitions: During the takeover of companies or parts of companies.
• Contract Law: As a central component of a purchase agreement (Kaufvertrag).

In everyday language, people often just say „Preis“ (price) if the context is clear (e.g., „Was ist der Preis?“ instead of „Was ist der Kaufpreis?“). However, „Kaufpreis“ explicitly emphasizes the buyer's perspective and the specific sum paid for the acquisition.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

1. Article (der): Think: You need der dough (money) for der Kaufpreis. It's masculine, like 'der Preis' (the price).

2. Meaning (Kauf + Preis):

   Imagine you kauf (buy) something and look at the Preis (price) tag. What do you pay? The Kaufpreis!

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Although „Preis“ is often used synonymously, „Kaufpreis“ specifically emphasizes the sum paid during the Kauf (purchase).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Verkäufer: „Ist Ihnen der Kaufpreis zu hoch?“
Antwortet der Kunde: „Nein, aber das Loch, das er in mein Portemonnaie reißt!“

English: The salesperson asks: "Is the purchase price too high for you?"
The customer replies: "No, but the hole it tears in my wallet is!"

✍️ Poem about the Purchase Price

German:
Ein Auto, glänzend, neu und schick,
doch dann der Schock, der erste Blick:
Der Zettel an der Scheibe klebt,
der stolze Kaufpreis, der da lebt.
Man rechnet, spart, verhandelt fein,
dann ist es endlich doch noch dein.
Der Preis war hoch, doch nun ist's klar,
das Fahren wird jetzt wunderbar!

English Translation:
A car, shiny, new, and chic,
but then the shock, the first quick peek:
The note stuck firmly to the glass,
the proud purchase price that will last.
You calculate, save, negotiate well,
then finally, it's yours, the story tell.
The price was high, but now it's clear,
the driving fun is finally here!

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin eine Summe, mal groß, mal klein,
für Ware oder Eigentum musst du mich weihn.
Im Vertrag steh' ich meistens fett,
zahlst du mich nicht, ist's oft zu spät.
Der Käufer gibt mich, der Verkäufer nimmt,
damit der Handel seinen Lauf gewinnt.

Wer bin ich?

English:
I am a sum, sometimes large, sometimes small,
for goods or property, you must give me your all.
In the contract, I'm often writ bold,
if you don't pay me, a sad story's told.
The buyer gives me, the seller takes hold,
so that the trade can successfully unfold.

What am I? (Answer: Der Kaufpreis / The purchase price)

🧩 Word Components & More

The term „Kaufpreis“ is a compound noun (Kompositum):

• kaufen: The verb meaning 'to buy', describing the act of acquisition.
• Preis: The noun meaning 'price', indicating the value or cost of something.

Together, they form der Kaufpreis, literally the 'buy-price' – the price paid when buying. The determinant word („Kauf“) specifies what kind of price it is.