der  Verwendungszweck

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈvɛndʊŋsˌtsvɛk/

🎯 What does Verwendungszweck Mean?

Der Verwendungszweck refers to the purpose or intended use for which something is utilized, applied, or spent. It's the information specifying what an item, an action, or especially a sum of money is designated for.

You'll very often encounter the term in banking when making bank transfers (Überweisungen). Here, the payer specifies in the 'Verwendungszweck' field what the money is for (e.g., invoice number, rent, gift). This helps the recipient allocate the payment correctly. However, the term can also apply to the specific purpose of using devices or filling out forms.

🧐 Verwendungszweck Grammar Check

The word "Verwendungszweck" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Example Sentences

1. Bitte geben Sie den Verwendungszweck bei der Überweisung an.
   Please state the purpose of payment on the transfer.
2. Der genaue Verwendungszweck des Geräts ist in der Anleitung beschrieben.
   The exact intended use of the device is described in the manual.
3. Für welchen Verwendungszweck benötigen Sie diese Information?
   For what purpose do you need this information?
4. Die Verwendungszwecke für dieses Budget sind klar definiert.
   The intended uses for this budget are clearly defined.

💡 How Verwendungszweck is Used

The term Verwendungszweck is primarily used in formal contexts:

• Banking (Bankwesen): Essential for bank transfers (Überweisungen) to identify payments (e.g., "Miete Mai 2024", "Rechnung 12345"). In English banking, this field is often called 'reference', 'reason for payment', or 'payment details'.
• Forms & Applications (Formulare & Anträge): Often, the purpose of a request or application must be stated (e.g., "Verwendungszweck der Fördermittel" - purpose of the funding).
• Product Descriptions (Produktbeschreibungen): Sometimes the main purpose of a product is referred to as its Verwendungszweck.
• Law & Administration (Recht & Verwaltung): Contracts or legal documents often specify the exact Verwendungszweck of funds or resources.

In everyday conversation, instead of "Verwendungszweck", one might simply say "Zweck" (purpose) or "Grund" (reason), or paraphrase it (e.g., "Wofür brauchst du das?" - What do you need that for?). Verwendungszweck sounds more official and precise.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think: What is 'der' purpose? 'Der Zweck' (the purpose) is masculine. The purpose ('Zweck') determines the use ('Verwendung'). So: der Verwendungszweck.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine sending money (a 'Verwendung' - use of funds). You need to state the 'Zweck' (purpose) on the transfer form. Combine them: Verwendungszweck = purpose of use.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution!)

• Verwendung: Refers to the act of using, not the purpose behind it. (e.g., "Die Verwendung von Steuergeldern" - The use of tax funds)

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Bankangestellte: "Was ist der Verwendungszweck Ihrer Überweisung über 10 Cent?"
Kunde: "Ich wollte nur sichergehen, dass meine Ex meine neue Kontonummer hat!"

Translation:
The bank clerk asks: "What's the purpose (Verwendungszweck) of your 10-cent transfer?"
Customer: "I just wanted to make sure my ex has my new account number!"

📜 Poem about the Word

Ob Miete, Rechnung, klein Geschenk,
beim Überweisen dran man denk':
Der Verwendungszweck muss klar,
sonst fragt man sich: "Was war das da?"
Ein Wort so nüchtern, doch es lenkt,
wohin das Geld am Ende schwenkt.

Translation:
Whether rent, invoice, small gift,
when transferring, one should think:
The purpose of use must be clear,
otherwise, one wonders: "What was that here?"
A word so plain, yet it directs,
where the money ultimately deflects.

❓ Riddle

Ich steh' auf Scheinen, die man schickt,
damit der andre gleich durchblickt.
Ich sag', wozu die Münzen rollen,
was sie genau bewirken sollen.
Auf Formularen bin ich Pflicht.
Wie heiß ich? Sag es ins Gesicht!

Translation:
I stand on notes that people send,
so the other side can comprehend.
I say why the coins do roll,
what exactly is their goal.
On forms, I am a must, you see.
What's my name? Tell it to me!

Solution: Der Verwendungszweck

🧩 Further Details: Der Verwendungszweck

Word Composition:

The word is a compound noun, composed of:

• Verwendung: The act of using or utilizing (from the verb 'wenden' - to turn, apply).
• Zweck: The purpose, aim, intention.

Together, they literally describe the 'purpose of the use'.

Stylistics:

"Verwendungszweck" belongs more to formal language (Amtssprache, Fachsprache) and is frequently used in written contexts (administration, banking, contracts).