der  Landeshaushalt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlandəsˌhaʊsˌhalt/

💰 What is a 'Landeshaushalt'?

The German word Landeshaushalt (masculine) refers to the budget plan of a German federal state (ein Bundesland). It's a systematic compilation of all expected revenues (Einnahmen) and planned expenditures (Ausgaben) of the state for a specific fiscal year (usually a calendar year).

It is drafted by the state government (Landesregierung) and approved by the respective state parliament (Landtag). The Landeshaushalt is the central instrument for steering state policy, as it determines how public funds are used (e.g., for education, infrastructure, security, social services).

There is only one article: der Landeshaushalt. It has no other meanings.

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Landeshaushalt

The word 'Landeshaushalt' is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Landeshaushalt für das nächste Jahr wurde heute im Parlament debattiert.
   (The state budget for next year was debated in parliament today.)
2. Im Landeshaushalt sind hohe Ausgaben für den Bildungssektor vorgesehen.
   (High expenditures for the education sector are planned in the state budget.)
3. Die Opposition kritisierte den von der Regierung vorgelegten Landeshaushalt.
   (The opposition criticized the state budget presented by the government.)
4. Die Einnahmen des Landeshaushaltes stammen hauptsächlich aus Steuern.
   (The revenues of the state budget mainly come from taxes.)

🏛️ Usage in Context

The term Landeshaushalt is mainly used in political, economic, and administrative contexts, especially concerning the finances of a German federal state (Bundesland).

• Political Debates: In state parliaments (Landtage), the Landeshaushalt is a central topic for discussions and decisions.
• Media Coverage: Newspapers and news broadcasts regularly report on the drafting, approval, and execution of the Landeshaushalt.
• Administration: The ministries and authorities of a state operate based on the approved Landeshaushalt.

Distinction:

• Bundeshaushalt: The budget of the Federal Republic of Germany (the federation).
• Kommunalhaushalt: The budget of a municipality or city.

The structure is often similar, but responsibilities and funding sources differ.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der' as the strong, masculine manager (der Manager) of the state's household (Haushalt). DER Manager, DER Haushalt, DER Landeshaushalt.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of Land (state/region) + es (connecting 's') + Haushalt (budget/household). So, it's literally the 'household budget of the state'. Quite logical!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Finanzminister seinen Kollegen: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen dem Landeshaushalt und einem Sieb?" Antwortet der Kollege: "Keine Ahnung!" Sagt der Finanzminister: "Durch das Sieb geht wenigstens nicht alles durch!" 😉

English Translation: The finance minister asks his colleague: "What's the difference between the state budget and a sieve?" The colleague replies: "No idea!" The finance minister says: "At least not everything goes through the sieve!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Budget

German:
Der Landeshaushalt, Jahr für Jahr,
stellt dar, was wird und was schon war.
Mit Zahlen, Posten, groß und klein,
teilt er das Geld den Ämtern ein.
Für Schulen, Straßen, Polizei,
ist hoffentlich genug dabei.
Debattiert im Landtagsrund,
gibt er die Richtung kund.

English Translation:
The state budget, year by year,
shows what will be and what was here.
With numbers, items, big and small,
it allocates the funds to all.
For schools, for roads, for police might,
hopefully, there's enough in sight.
Debated in the parliament's sound,
it sets the course, makes known the ground.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Plan, von Land zu Land verschieden,
bestimme Ausgaben, halte Einnahmen im Frieden.
Das Parlament beschließt mich, Jahr für Jahr,
bin für Minister und Bürger wichtig, das ist klar.

Was bin ich?... Der Landeshaushalt

English Translation:
I am a plan, differing from state to state,
determining spending, keeping revenues straight.
Parliament decides me, year after year,
I'm important for ministers and citizens, that's clear.

What am I?
... The Landeshaushalt (State Budget)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Landeshaushalt" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Land: Refers here to a federal state (Bundesland).
• -es-: A connecting 's' (often indicating genitive case, here linking 'Land' and 'Haushalt').
• Haushalt: Originally 'housekeeping' or 'household management', here transferred to the financial planning of a public body.

Trivia: In Germany, the Landeshaushalt must adhere to principles such as annuality (prepared annually), specificity (detailed allocation), budget accuracy, and budget clarity.