der  Zuwachs

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsuːvaks/

📈 What does "der Zuwachs" mean?

Der Zuwachs describes an increase, an addition, or growth in a specific quantity, size, or number. It can refer to various areas, such as population, economy, knowledge, or personal growth.

It is a masculine noun, so it's always der Zuwachs.

🚨 Attention: Although it sounds like a process (something is growing onto something else), "Zuwachs" primarily denotes the result of this increase – the additional amount itself.

🧐 Grammar of Zuwachs in Detail

"Zuwachs" is a masculine noun. The plural form "die Zuwächse" is used less frequently and usually refers to different types of increases or repeated additions.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Das Unternehmen verzeichnete einen deutlichen Zuwachs an Kunden. (The company recorded a significant increase in customers.)
2. Der Bevölkerungszuwachs in dieser Stadt ist bemerkenswert. (The population growth in this city is remarkable.)
3. Wir freuen uns über den Zuwachs in unserem Team. (We are happy about the addition to our team. [New employees])
4. Der Wissenszuwachs durch das Studium war enorm. (The increase in knowledge through the studies was enormous.)

💬 How to Use "Zuwachs" Correctly

"Zuwachs" is often used in more formal contexts, especially in reports, statistics, and news.

• Economy & Finance: Gewinnzuwachs (profit increase), Umsatzzuwachs (revenue growth), Kundenzuwachs (customer growth)
• Demographics: Bevölkerungszuwachs (population growth), Geburtenzuwachs (increase in births)
• Biology/Botany: Zuwachs bei Pflanzen (growth on plants [new shoots]), Größenzuwachs (increase in size)
• Human Resources: Zuwachs an Mitarbeitern (increase in staff)
• Abstract: Wissenszuwachs (increase in knowledge), Erfahrungszuwachs (increase in experience)

Compared to Wachstum (general process of growing larger) or Anstieg (often a sudden or steep rise), Zuwachs often emphasizes the concrete, measurable quantity that has been added.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Zuwachs"

Article Mnemonic: Think of adding wax (which sounds like "Wachs") to something – it's an addition or increase. Imagine a male (der) candle maker adding wax: der Zuwachs.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Zu" in German often means "to" or "added". "Wachs" sounds like "wax" or "grows". So, something grows onto or is added -> Zuwachs (increase/growth).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon viel Zuwachs an Erfahrung gesammelt?" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Nein, bisher nur Zuwachs an Arbeit!" 😄
(The boss asks the new employee: "Have you gained much increase in experience yet?" The employee replies: "No, so far only an increase in work!")

📜 A Poem about Zuwachs

Der Baum im Garten, stark und alt,
bekommt im Frühling neu Gestalt.
Ein frischer Trieb, so grün und sacht,
als Zuwachs ist er aufgewacht.

Die Firma zählt mit frohem Mut
den Zuwachs, der ihr richtig guttut.
Mehr Kunden, Umsatz, das ist klar,
ein guter Zuwachs, wunderbar!

(The tree in the garden, strong and old,
gets a new shape in spring.
A fresh shoot, so green and gentle,
has awakened as growth.

The company counts with cheerful courage
the increase that does it really good.
More customers, revenue, that's clear,
a good increase, wonderful!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Dieb, doch nehm' ich zu.
Mal schnell, mal langsam, immerzu.
Ob Geld, ob Leute, ob an Wissen reich,
man freut sich über mich zumeist sogleich.

Was bin ich?
(I am no thief, yet I increase.
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, constantly.
Whether money, people, or rich in knowledge,
people are usually happy about me right away.

What am I?)
... Der Zuwachs (The increase/growth)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Zuwachs" is composed of:

• zu: prefix indicating addition or direction ('to', 'added').
• Wachs: stem of the verb "wachsen" (to grow).

So, it literally describes something that "grows onto" or is "added by growing".