die  Anzahlung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔantsalʊŋ/

💰 What exactly is 'die Anzahlung'?

Die Anzahlung (feminine noun) refers to the first partial payment of a larger sum, which is paid upon concluding a contract or before receiving goods or services. It often serves as security for the seller or service provider and confirms the buyer's intention to purchase or book.

• Example Context 1: When buying a car, one often makes eine Anzahlung (a down payment) to reserve the vehicle.
• Example Context 2: When booking a trip, eine Anzahlung is frequently required.
• Example Context 3: For renting an apartment, eine Anzahlung (often called Kaution - deposit, although there are differences) might be requested.

⚠️ Attention: An Anzahlung is usually only the first part of the payment. The remaining amount (die Restzahlung or Schlusszahlung - *the final payment*) is due later.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Anzahlung

The word 'Anzahlung' is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always 'die'.

Declension Singular

Plural

The plural 'die Anzahlungen' is used less frequently but is grammatically correct. It occurs when referring to multiple separate down payment transactions.

📝 Example Sentences for Grammar

1. Nominative: Die Anzahlung ist bereits überwiesen worden.
   (The down payment has already been transferred.)
2. Genitive: Die Höhe der Anzahlung war Verhandlungssache.
   (The amount of the down payment was a matter of negotiation.)
3. Dative: Mit der Anzahlung sichern Sie sich Ihre Buchung.
   (With the down payment, you secure your booking.)
4. Akkusativ: Wir leisten heute die Anzahlung für das neue Sofa.
   (We are making the down payment for the new sofa today.)
5. Plural: Alle geleisteten Anzahlungen wurden korrekt verbucht.
   (All down payments made were booked correctly.)

🤔 When to use 'die Anzahlung'?

The term 'Anzahlung' is mainly used in financial and commercial contexts:

• Purchase Contracts: Especially for expensive goods like cars (Autos), real estate (Immobilien), or custom-made products. „Für den Neuwagen ist eine Anzahlung von 10% erforderlich.“ (A 10% down payment is required for the new car.)
• Service Contracts: When booking trips (Reisen), events (Veranstaltungen), or craftsman services (Handwerkerleistungen). „Die Anzahlung für die Hotelreservierung beträgt 50 Euro.“ (The deposit for the hotel reservation is 50 euros.)
• Rental Agreements: Sometimes the term is used synonymously with Kaution (*security deposit*), although a Kaution is treated differently legally (it primarily serves as security against damages).

Distinction from similar terms:

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the Article (die):

Nouns ending in '-ung' in German are almost always feminine – like die Rechnung (the bill), die Buchung (the booking), die Zahlung (the payment)... and therefore also die Anzahlung!

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

Think of 'An-' as 'on' or 'starting'. So, die Anzahlung is the payment you make 'on' starting the deal, the initial part of the 'Zahlung' (payment).

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Co. for Anzahlung

🚨 Similar Words (Risk of Confusion):

• Zahlung: (Payment) The general act of paying.
• Rechnung: (Bill, invoice) The document requesting payment.
• Rate: (Installment) A regular partial payment over a period (e.g., loan installment - Kreditrate).

😄 A Little Joke about Anzahlung

Fragt der Autoverkäufer: „Möchten Sie eine Anzahlung leisten?“
Sagt der Kunde: „Klar, ich zahle an... und Sie liefern das Auto!“ 😉

(Car salesman asks: "Would you like to make a down payment (eine Anzahlung leisten)?"
Customer says: "Sure, I'll pay 'on' (an)... and you deliver the car!" - A pun on 'anzahlen' meaning 'to make a down payment' and 'an zahlen' meaning 'to pay on/start paying'.)

📜 A Short Poem about Anzahlung

Ein neues Auto, welch ein Traum,
Doch ganz bezahlen kann man's kaum.
Drum gibt's zuerst, ganz ohne Zagen,
Die Anzahlung, um es zu wagen.
Der erste Schritt, er ist getan,
Der Restbetrag kommt später dran.

(A new car, what a dream, / But paying it all is harder than it'd seem. / So first, without a doubt, / The down payment comes out. / The first step is now done, / The rest comes later, one by one.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin der erste Teil vom Geld,
Der oft bei großen Käufen fällt.
Ich zeige, dass du's ernst meinst, klar,
Bevor du kriegst die ganze Schar (an Ware).

Wer bin ich?

(I am the first part of the money, / Often paid for big buys, honey. / I show you mean business, it's clear, / Before you get all the goods here.

What am I?)

Solution: die Anzahlung (the down payment)

ℹ️ Further Information about Anzahlung

Word Composition:

The word 'Anzahlung' is composed of:

• an-: Prefix, here signalling the beginning or start of an action.
• Zahlung: The noun derived from the verb 'zahlen' (to pay).
• -ung: Suffix used to form nouns from verbs, usually resulting in feminine nouns.

It derives directly from the verb anzahlen (to make a down payment).

Cultural Context:

Down payments (Anzahlungen) are a common part of business practice in Germany and many other countries, especially for high-value goods and services, to minimize financial risk for the provider.