der  Wertverlust

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/vɛʁtˈfɛʁlʊst/

📉 What exactly is a Wertverlust?

Der Wertverlust means the loss of value or depreciation of something over time. This can affect tangible assets (like cars, machines) or intangible assets (like brand value, patents). The loss can be caused by wear and tear, aging, technological progress, or market fluctuations.

It is a masculine noun (Maskulinum). There is only this one meaning and the article is der. It's a compound word formed from Wert (value) and Verlust (loss).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Wertverlust

The word "Wertverlust" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural of Wertverlust is "die Wertverluste" (the losses of value / depreciations).

Example Sentences 📝

1. Der Wertverlust meines Autos im ersten Jahr war enorm.
   (The depreciation of my car in the first year was enormous.)
2. Unternehmen müssen den Wertverlust ihrer Maschinen abschreiben.
   (Companies must write off the depreciation of their machines.)
3. Der plötzliche Wertverlust der Aktien überraschte die Anleger.
   (The sudden loss of value of the stocks surprised the investors.)
4. Man muss mit einem gewissen Wertverlust bei technischen Geräten rechnen.
   (One has to expect a certain loss of value with technical devices.)

💡 How to use "Wertverlust"

"Der Wertverlust" is primarily used in economic and financial contexts. Typical use cases include:

• Accounting & Taxes: Describing the Abschreibung (depreciation) of fixed assets (e.g., machinery, buildings, vehicles).
• Vehicle Market: Discussing the depreciation of new and used cars.
• Investments: Analyzing the decline in value of stocks, bonds, or other investments.
• Everyday Life: Describing the loss of value of consumer goods (e.g., electronics, furniture) due to aging and use.

It's a rather formal word but is also used in everyday language, especially when talking about major purchases like cars.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (der): Think of der Verlust (the loss). 'Verlust' is masculine, and since 'Wertverlust' ends in 'Verlust', it often inherits its gender. The loss of value -> der Wertverlust.

For the meaning: Imagine your Wert-hy (valuable) treasure (like a car) suffering a Verlust (loss) in shine and function. It experiences a loss of value – a Wertverlust.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with Verlust alone, which describes a general lack or absence of something (e.g., Geldverlust - loss of money, Zeitverlust - loss of time).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Autohändler den Kunden: "Na, wie gefällt Ihnen der Wertverlust Ihres Neuwagens?"
Kunde: "Großartig! Er ist so schnell, ich konnte ihn kaum sehen, als ich vom Hof gefahren bin!"

Translation:
The car dealer asks the customer: "So, how do you like the depreciation on your new car?"
Customer: "It's fantastic! It's so fast, I could hardly see it as I drove off the lot!"

✒️ Poem about Wertverlust

Der Glanz, er schwindet, Jahr um Jahr,
Was neu einst war, ist nicht mehr klar.
Der Preis von gestern, längst verweht,
Der Wertverlust, der stets entsteht.
Ob Auto, Handy, altes Kleid,
Er trifft sie alle, mit der Zeit.

Translation:
The shine, it fades, year after year,
What once was new, is no longer clear.
The price of yesterday, long blown away,
The loss of value, that always comes to stay.
Be it car, phone, or old attire,
It affects them all, as time goes higher.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme mit der Zeit, ganz leis'
Und mach' die Dinge weniger preis.
Besonders Autos trifft es hart,
Kaum sind sie neu, beginnt die Fahrt
Nach unten, auf der Werteskala.
Was bin ich wohl, na sag schon mal?

Translation:
I come with time, very quietly
And make things less pricey.
Cars especially are hit hard,
As soon as they're new, the journey's starred
Downward, on the value scale.
What am I then, come tell the tale?

Solution: Der Wertverlust (The loss of value / depreciation)

🧩 Word Components & Trivia

Word Composition:

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

• Wert (der): Value, worth, price, quality
• Verlust (der): Loss, deficit, decrease

Together, they describe the "loss of value".

Trivia: The Wertverlust of cars is a frequently discussed topic because it often represents the single largest cost factor in owning a new car, especially during the first few years.