die  Auftragsbestätigung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaʊfˌtʁaːksbəˌʃtɛtɪɡʊŋ/

📄 What exactly is an Auftragsbestätigung?

The German word Auftragsbestätigung (often abbreviated as AB) is a commercial document used by a supplier or service provider to confirm the acceptance of a customer's order in writing. It summarizes the essential points of the order (like type, quantity, price, delivery date of goods or services), thereby creating clarity and commitment between the business partners.

It is a feminine noun, so the correct article is always die: die Auftragsbestätigung.

⚠️ An Auftragsbestätigung often marks the point where a legally binding contract is formed, especially if it deviates from a previous offer and the customer does not object.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: die Auftragsbestätigung in Detail

The word "Auftragsbestätigung" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

• Bitte prüfen Sie die beigefügte Auftragsbestätigung sorgfältig.
  (Please check the attached order confirmation carefully.)
• Wir haben Ihre Bestellung erhalten und senden Ihnen hiermit die Auftragsbestätigung zu.
  (We have received your order and hereby send you the order confirmation.)
• Ohne eine schriftliche Auftragsbestätigung können wir die Produktion nicht starten.
  (Without a written order confirmation, we cannot start production.)
• Die Details finden Sie in der Auftragsbestätigung mit der Nummer AB-12345.
  (You can find the details in the order confirmation with the number AB-12345.)

💡 When and How to Use die Auftragsbestätigung?

The Auftragsbestätigung is a central element in commercial business transactions in Germany. Here are some typical use cases:

• After an order: The seller sends it to the buyer to confirm receipt and acceptance of the order.
• In case of deviations from the offer: If the customer's order differs from the original offer, the AB serves to record the changed conditions. The contract is then concluded under the terms of the AB if the customer does not object.
• For verbal or telephone orders: It serves as written documentation of the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
• As a contractual basis: It defines the agreed services, prices, and delivery conditions and serves as a reference document in case of discrepancies.

Compared to a Bestellbestätigung (which often only confirms the receipt of the order), the Auftragsbestätigung is generally more legally binding and signals the definitive acceptance of the order by the supplier.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

1. For the article 'die': Think of other formal confirmation or agreement words in German that are feminine, like "die Zusage" (the commitment) or "die Vereinbarung" (the agreement). An Auftragsbestätigung is a type of formal agreement, fitting the feminine pattern. Many German words ending in '-ung' are feminine ('Bestätigung').
2. For the meaning: Break it down: "Auftrag" (order, task) + "Bestätigung" (confirmation). It's literally an 'order confirmation'. Imagine getting confirmation for an important task ('Auftrag').

Remember: The job's not really 'on' / 'Til die Auftragsbestätigung's come along!

🔄 Related Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Careful, don't confuse with!

• Lieferschein: Delivery note - confirms shipment/receipt of goods, not the order itself.
• Rechnung: Invoice - requests payment for services rendered.
• Angebot: Offer/Quote - a proposal, not yet a firm agreement.

😄 A Little Office Joke

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon die Auftragsbestätigung für Kunde Müller fertig gemacht?" Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Chef, ich dachte, Sie hätten gesagt, ich soll erst mal 'ne ruhige Kugel schieben?" Chef: "Ja, aber keine Bowlingkugel durchs Büro! Die AB, bitte!" 😉

English Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Have you finished the order confirmation for customer Müller yet?" The employee replies: "Boss, I thought you said I should 'schieb 'ne ruhige Kugel' (take it easy / literally: push a quiet ball)?" Boss: "Yes, but not a bowling ball through the office! The Order Confirmation (AB), please!" 😉

✍️ Poem about the Auftragsbestätigung

German:
Der Auftrag kam per E-Mail schnell,
ganz klar und auch formell.
Doch Sicherheit muss endlich sein,
drum schick ich fix, ganz fein:
Die Auftragsbestätigung, schwarz auf weiß,
mit Menge, Datum und dem Preis.
Nun ist der Deal besiegelt, klar,
so wird's gemacht, wunderbar!

English Translation:
The order came quickly by email,
very clear and also formal.
But certainty must finally prevail,
so I quickly send, quite fine and frail:
The order confirmation, in black and white,
with quantity, date, and the price right.
Now the deal is sealed, it's clear,
that's how it's done, wonderful, dear!

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich komme nach dem Auftrag an,
damit die Arbeit starten kann.
Ich schaffe Klarheit, schwarz auf weiß,
bestätige den festen Preis.
Im Handel bin ich sehr beliebt,
damit es keinen Ärger gibt.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I arrive after the order's placed,
so that the work can be embraced.
I create clarity, black on white,
confirming the fixed price is right.
In commerce, I am well-regarded,
so no trouble gets started.

What am I?

Solution: die Auftragsbestätigung (the order confirmation)

➕ Other Information about die Auftragsbestätigung

• Word Composition: The word is a compound noun formed from "der Auftrag" (order, assignment, commission) + "die Bestätigung" (confirmation). Since the base word "Bestätigung" is feminine, the compound noun is also feminine.
• Abbreviation: In business communication, the abbreviation AB is commonly used.
• Legal Significance: It can conclude or modify a contract. If it deviates from the offer, it is considered a new offer, which can be accepted by the recipient's silence (in commercial transactions) - this relates to the concept of a kaufmännisches Bestätigungsschreiben (commercial letter of confirmation) in German law.