der  Listenpreis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlɪstn̩ˌpʁaɪs/

💰 What exactly is 'der Listenpreis'?

The German word der Listenpreis refers to the price that a manufacturer or retailer lists for a product or service in an official list, catalog, or price list. It often corresponds to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), known in German as unverbindliche Preisempfehlung (UVP). This price serves as a starting point for negotiations and is not necessarily the final sales price the customer pays. Discounts or surcharges are common.

Key points:

• Officially stated price (e.g., in a catalog).
• Often a recommendation, not mandatory.
• Serves as a basis for price negotiations.
• Can differ from the actual selling price.

📊 Grammar Spotlight: Der Listenpreis

The noun "Listenpreis" is masculine. Its article is der.

Example Sentences

1. Der Listenpreis für dieses Auto ist ziemlich hoch. (The list price for this car is quite high.)
2. Können Sie mir einen Rabatt auf den Listenpreis geben? (Can you give me a discount on the list price?)
3. Die Händler orientieren sich oft am Listenpreis des Herstellers. (Retailers often use the manufacturer's list price as a guide.)
4. Die Listenpreise wurden kürzlich angepasst. (The list prices were recently adjusted.)

🛒 When to use 'Listenpreis'?

The term "Listenpreis" is mainly used in commerce and business, especially when selling:

• Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) - Fahrzeuge
• Electronic devices - Elektronikgeräte
• Furniture - Möbel
• Services (e.g., in price lists from craftsmen) - Dienstleistungen

It serves as a reference point. Customers often know that the actual price might be negotiable or that special offers may be available below the Listenpreis. It is often equated with the unverbindliche Preisempfehlung (UVP) (manufacturer's suggested retail price).

Differences:

• Listenpreis vs. Verkaufspreis: The Listenpreis is the recommended or listed price; the Verkaufspreis (selling price) is the price actually paid.
• Listenpreis vs. Sonderpreis: A Sonderpreis (special price) is a reduced price, significantly lower than the Listenpreis.

⚠️ Caution: Don't blindly rely on the Listenpreis; compare offers and negotiate if possible!

🧠 Memory Aids

For the article (der): Imagine the boss dictating the price (der Preis) for the list. Since Preis is masculine ('der'), Listenpreis is also masculine ('der').

For the meaning: Think of a long list 📜 where the highest price 💰 is shown at the top – that's the Listenpreis, which is often just the starting point.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Be careful: Don't confuse Listenpreis with Festpreis (fixed price), which is generally non-negotiable.

😄 A Little Price Joke

Kunde: "Ist das Ihr letzter Preis?"
Verkäufer: "Nein, das ist nur der Listenpreis. Der letzte Preis steht erst auf der Rechnung!" 😉

Translation:
Customer: "Is that your final price?"
Salesperson: "No, that's just the list price. The final price is only on the invoice!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Listenpreis

Hoch oben auf der Liste thront,
ein Preis, der selten wird geschont.
Der Listenpreis, so stolz und klar,
doch ist er wirklich immer wahr?

Er lockt, er glänzt, er scheint so fest,
bevor der Handel ihn dann test't.
Ein Rabatt hier, ein Nachlass dort,
schon ist der Listenpreis fast fort.

Translation:
High upon the list it sits enthroned,
A price that rarely stays unhoned.
The list price, so proud and clear,
But is it truly ever sincere?

It tempts, it shines, it seems so tight,
Before the bargaining takes flight.
A discount here, reduction there,
Soon the list price vanishes in air.

❓ Price Riddle

Ich steh' im Katalog, bin oft nur Schein,
der Händler nennt mich, doch ich bin nicht sein
letztes Wort, wenn's ums Bezahlen geht.
Man handelt oft, bis ein Rabatt entsteht.

Wie heiß ich?

Translation:
I'm in the catalog, often just for show,
The dealer names me, but I'm not their low-
est bid, when it's time to pay the cost.
Negotiations happen 'til a discount's crossed.

What am I?
Solution: Der Listenpreis (The list price)

🧩 More Details About the Word

Word Composition:

The word "Listenpreis" is a compound noun, formed from:

• die Liste: The list, register.
• der Preis: The price, cost.

Together, the meaning is: the price that is on a list.

Cultural Significance: In Germany, the concept of the Listenpreis, especially for major purchases like cars, is very prominent. It's often part of customer expectations that this price can be negotiated or that discounts are available.