der
Rabatt
💰 What Exactly is a 'Rabatt'?
Der Rabatt (noun, masculine) means a discount or a rebate deducted from the original price of a product or service. It's a reduction in the selling price, which can be granted for various reasons (e.g., as a purchase incentive, for bulk purchases, for loyal customers).
There is only this one article, der, for the word Rabatt. Mix-ups are unlikely here. 🚨 Be careful not to confuse it with similar concepts like Skonto (a discount for prompt payment) or a Gutschrift (a credit note or refund), although the lines can sometimes blur.
📊 Grammar & Declension of 'der Rabatt'
The word "Rabatt" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Rabatt |
| Genitive | des | Rabatt(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Rabatt(e) |
| Accusative | den | Rabatt |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Rabatte |
| Genitive | der | Rabatte |
| Dative | den | Rabatten |
| Accusative | die | Rabatte |
💡 Example Sentences
- Der Händler gewährte mir einen großzügigen Rabatt.
(The retailer gave me a generous discount.) - Aufgrund des Rabattes konnte ich mir das teure Buch leisten.
(Because of the discount, I could afford the expensive book.) - Mit diesem Gutschein erhältst du 10% Rabatt auf deinen nächsten Einkauf.
(With this voucher, you get a 10% discount on your next purchase.) - Viele Geschäfte werben mit hohen Rabatten während des Sales.
(Many shops advertise high discounts during the sale.)
🛒 When and How to Use 'Rabatt'?
The term Rabatt is ubiquitous in retail and marketing. Here are some typical contexts:
- In Geschäften (In stores): When shopping, you often see signs like "20% Rabatt auf alles" (20% discount on everything) or "Sonderrabatt" (special discount).
- Bei Verhandlungen (In negotiations): Especially for larger purchases (car, kitchen) or business deals, you can often negotiate a Rabatt.
- Arten von Rabatten (Types of discounts): There are specific types like Mengenrabatt (quantity discount for buying large amounts), Treuerabatt (loyalty discount for regular customers), Saisonrabatt (seasonal discount, e.g., end-of-winter sale), Einführungsrabatt (introductory discount for new products).
- Difference to Skonto: While a Rabatt is usually given directly at the time of purchase, Skonto is a discount for paying an invoice quickly within a specified period.
In everyday language, "Rabatt" is often used synonymously with "Preisnachlass" (price reduction) or "Ermäßigung" (reduction/concession).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Rabatt'
Article Mnemonic: Imagine DER shop assistant looks like a RoBOT offering you a discount. RoBOT sounds a bit like RaBATT, and 'der Roboter' is masculine. So: DER Rabatt.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of 'rebate'. Rabatt sounds similar to 'rebate', and both mean a reduction in price or a discount.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Preisnachlass: Direct and common alternative (price reduction).
- Ermäßigung: Often used for reduced admission fees or fares (reduction, concession).
- Vergünstigung: General term for a benefit, often financial (benefit, concession).
- Nachlass: Shorter synonym for Preisnachlass (reduction, allowance).
- Skonto: Specific discount for prompt payment (cash discount - see Usage).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Aufschlag: Additional amount added to the base price (surcharge, premium).
- Preiserhöhung: The opposite of a price reduction (price increase).
- Zuschlag: Often for additional services or under specific conditions (supplement, surcharge).
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with Rabatz (noise, racket, row).
😂 A Little Discount Joke
Kunde: "Bekomme ich auf diesen Schokoriegel einen Rabatt?"
Verkäuferin: "Tut mir leid, Rabatt gibt's nur auf die Kalorien!"
(Customer: "Do I get a discount on this chocolate bar?"
Saleswoman: "Sorry, the only discount is on the calories!")
✒️ Poem about 'der Rabatt'
Der Preis, er stand so hoch und stolz,
gemacht aus edlem, teurem Holz?
Nein, nur ein Schild, ganz grell und klar,
doch dann ein Wort, so wunderbar:
Der Rabatt! Er kam geschwind,
macht froh das Käuferherzenkind.
Prozente purzeln, leicht und sacht,
ein Schnäppchen wird daraus gemacht!
The price, it stood so tall and proud,
as if of finest wood endowed?
No, just a sign, so bright and clear,
but then a word, held ever dear:
The discount! Swiftly it appeared,
the shopper's heart was quickly cheered.
Percentages tumble, soft and light,
a bargain made, a welcome sight!
❓ Discount Riddle
Ich mache Teures wieder klein,
lass dich beim Kaufen fröhlich sein.
Man jagt mich oft in Prozent,
mein Name ist schnell genannt.
Wer bin ich?
I make expensive things seem small,
bring joy to shoppers, one and all.
I'm often chased in percent signs,
my name is known through sales designs.
What am I?
(Solution: Der Rabatt / The Discount)
🌐 Other Information about Rabatt
Word Origin
The word "Rabatt" comes from the French verb rabattre, which means "to strike down", "to beat down" or "to deduct". It was adopted into German in the 17th century, initially in a commercial context.
Typical Compound Words
- Rabattaktion (a sales promotion involving discounts)
- Rabattcode / Rabattgutschein (a code or voucher entitling the holder to a discount)
- Mengenrabatt (quantity discount)
- Treuerabatt (loyalty discount)
- Sonderrabatt (special discount, often for a limited time)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Rabatt?
The German word for discount or rebate, Rabatt, always uses the masculine article. Therefore, the correct form is always: der Rabatt.