der  Selbstkostenpreis

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɛlpstˈkɔstn̩pʁaɪs/

💰 What exactly is 'der Selbstkostenpreis'?

The German noun der Selbstkostenpreis refers to the cost price of a good or service. This is the price that only covers the costs incurred during production or procurement, without including a profit margin. It represents the pure costs that a company has to bear.

It is calculated to determine the lowest price limit at which a sale is still economically viable (without making a loss). Sales at Selbstkostenpreis are often made for strategic reasons (e.g., clearing stock, customer loyalty) or in non-profit organizations.

⚠️ Caution: Der Selbstkostenpreis should not be confused with the Einkaufspreis (purchase price), as it can also include proportional overhead costs (like rent, salaries, etc.).

📊 Grammar in Detail: 'der Selbstkostenpreis'

The word "Selbstkostenpreis" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.

Declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Unternehmen verkaufte die Restbestände zum Selbstkostenpreis, um Platz im Lager zu schaffen.
   (The company sold the remaining stock at cost price to make space in the warehouse.)
2. Bei der Kalkulation müssen alle relevanten Faktoren berücksichtigt werden, um den korrekten Selbstkostenpreis zu ermitteln.
   (When calculating, all relevant factors must be considered to determine the correct cost price.)
3. Der Selbstkostenpreis dieses Produkts liegt bei 15 Euro.
   (The cost price of this product is 15 euros.)

📈 When to use 'Selbstkostenpreis'?

The term "Selbstkostenpreis" is primarily used in an economic and commercial context.

• Price Floor: It is used to determine the absolute minimum price below which a sale would result in losses.
• Calculation: It is a central component of price calculation (Preiskalkulation), onto which margins, profit markups, etc., are added to arrive at the selling price (Verkaufspreis).
• Special Promotions: Sometimes products are advertised as being sold "zum Selbstkostenpreis" (at cost price) for promotional purposes, e.g., during clearance sales or for customer acquisition.
• Internal Charging: Within large companies, services between departments might be charged at Selbstkostenpreis.

In everyday language outside of business, the term is rather rare. People might simply say "Was es gekostet hat" (what it cost) or "ohne Gewinn" (without profit).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Preis" (the price). Since "Preis" is masculine, the compound word "Selbstkostenpreis" is also masculine: der Selbstkostenpreis.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the costs saying "Ich decke mich selbst!" (I cover myself!). So, the price only covers itself (the costs), with no added profit – the Selbst (self) - Kosten (cost) - Preis (price).

🔄 Related Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Terms like Einkaufspreis (purchase price) or Herstellungskosten (manufacturing costs) are often only parts of the Selbstkostenpreis, as the latter can also include overhead costs.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Steuerberater den Unternehmer: "Wie schaffen Sie es, alles zum Selbstkostenpreis zu verkaufen und trotzdem Gewinn zu machen?"
Antwortet der Unternehmer: "Ganz einfach! Ich kaufe unter dem Selbstkostenpreis ein!" 😉

Translation:
The tax advisor asks the entrepreneur: "How do you manage to sell everything at cost price and still make a profit?"
The entrepreneur replies: "Simple! I buy below cost price!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Price

Der Kaufmann rechnet, spitz der Stift,
Was Material und Arbeit trifft.
Die Miete noch, das Licht, die Fracht,
Was hat das Produkt ihm eingebracht?

Kein Plus, kein Bonus obendrauf,
Nur Deckung für den Kostenlauf.
So steht er da, ganz ohne List:
Der Selbstkostenpreis – wie er grad ist.

--- English Rendition ---

The merchant calculates, sharp the pen,
What material and labor mean.
The rent, the light, the shipping's sum,
What has the product yielded him?

No extra gain, no bonus bright,
Just cover for the costs in sight.
So there it stands, no cunning guise:
The simple cost price – its true size.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Preis, doch mach' nicht reich,
Den Kaufmann lässt mein Anblick bleich,
Wenn er nur mich am Ende sieht,
Weil ihm der reine Profit entflieht.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation ---

I am a price, but bring no wealth,
My sight makes merchants pale, poor health,
If only I am seen at last,
Because pure profit has flown past.

What am I?
Solution: Der Selbstkostenpreis (The Cost Price)

🧩 Word Components & Trivia

The word "Selbstkostenpreis" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of three parts:

• Selbst: Refers to covering one's 'self' (i.e., one's own costs).
• Kosten: The financial expenses for production or procurement (costs).
• Preis: The amount of money asked or paid for something (price).

It belongs to the group of commercial jargon (kaufmännische Fachbegriffe) and is essential for understanding pricing (Preisbildung) and profitability calculations (Rentabilitätsberechnungen).