die  Eigenheimzulage

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪ̯ɡn̩haɪ̯mˌtsuːˌlaːɡə/

🏠 What does Eigenheimzulage mean?

The German word die Eigenheimzulage refers to a former state subsidy or grant (staatliche Subvention / Förderung) in Germany. Its purpose was to financially support private individuals in building or purchasing owner-occupied housing (selbstgenutztes Wohneigentum).

It was an annual payment (jährlicher Zuschuss) disbursed over a specific period, typically eight years. The amount depended on factors like income and the number of children.

🚨 Important Note: The Eigenheimzulage was abolished on December 31, 2005. New applications are no longer possible. Today, the term is mostly used in a historical context or when discussing government housing policies.

The word is feminine: die Eigenheimzulage.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Eigenheimzulage in Detail

The noun "Eigenheimzulage" is feminine. The definite article is "die". It's mostly used in the singular because it refers to a specific government program.

Declension (Singular)

A plural form ("die Eigenheimzulagen") is grammatically possible but very uncommon, as it was one specific type of grant.

📖 Example Sentences

1. Viele Familien haben früher von der Eigenheimzulage profitiert.
   (Many families benefited from the Eigenheimzulage in the past.)
2. Die Abschaffung der Eigenheimzulage wurde kontrovers diskutiert.
   (The abolition of the Eigenheimzulage was controversially discussed.)
3. Mit der Eigenheimzulage wollte der Staat den Erwerb von Wohneigentum fördern.
   (With the Eigenheimzulage, the state wanted to promote the acquisition of residential property.)
4. Informationen zur ehemaligen Eigenheimzulage findet man noch online.
   (Information about the former Eigenheimzulage can still be found online.)

💬 When and How to Use 'Eigenheimzulage'?

Today, the term Eigenheimzulage is used almost exclusively in a historical or political context:

• Looking back: When discussing the period when this subsidy existed (approx. 1995-2005). Example: "Damals konnte man noch die Eigenheimzulage beantragen." (Back then, you could still apply for the Eigenheimzulage.)
• Political discussions: In debates about current or future government subsidies for home ownership, often as a benchmark. Example: "Eine neue Form der Eigenheimzulage wird gefordert." (A new form of the Eigenheimzulage is being called for.)
• Legal/Tax contexts: In rare cases involving old tax assessments or legal matters relating to the period of the Eigenheimzulage.

⚠️ Avoid using the term for current funding programs unless explicitly mentioned as a reference. Today's subsidies have different names (e.g., Baukindergeld (now expired), KfW-Förderung).

Eigenheimzulage is a classic example of a long, specific German compound noun.

💡 Mnemonics for Eigenheimzulage

Article Mnemonic (die): Think of the ending -lage in Zulage (allowance, supplement). Many German nouns ending in "-age" derived from French (like Garage, Blamage) or domestic formations like Zulage are feminine. The Eigenheimzulage is a specific type of Zulage – hence, die Zulage.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Eigenheim + Zulage. Eigenheim means 'own home'. Zulage means 'allowance' or 'supplement'. So, it's an allowance for your own home – extra money from the state for your house!

🔄 Similar Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Frage: Was war das Schönste an der Eigenheimzulage?

Antwort: Dass man sie nur einmal beantragen musste – im Gegensatz zum Unkrautjäten im neuen Garten!

(Question: What was the best thing about the Eigenheimzulage?
Answer: That you only had to apply for it once – unlike weeding the new garden!)

✍️ A Short Poem

Ein Häuschen im Grünen, der Traum war erwacht,
doch das Konto war leer, kaum Mittel zur Macht.
Da kam vom Staat, ganz ohne Frage,
für acht lange Jahre: die Eigenheimzulage.

Ein Zuschuss, willkommen, für Stein auf Stein,
so zog mancher glücklich ins Eigenheim ein.
Auch wenn sie vergangen, die goldene Zeit,
die Erinnerung daran, die bleibt.

(A little house in green, the dream had awoken,
but the account was empty, hardly means to power spoken.
Then came from the state, without any question,
for eight long years: the home ownership grant's session.)

(A welcome subsidy, for stone upon stone,
thus many moved happily into their own home.
Even if it's past, that golden age bright,
the memory of it remains in sight.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich war ein Geldgeschenk vom Staat,
für manchen Häuslebauer eine gute Tat.
Acht Jahre lang floss ich aufs Konto, Jahr für Jahr,
doch seit 2006 bin ich nicht mehr da.
Ich half beim Traum vom eigenen Dach,
wer bin ich, sag schnell, ach!

(I was a money gift from the state,
for many a home builder, a helpful fate.
For eight years I flowed into accounts, year by year,
but since 2006, I am no longer here.
I helped with the dream of one's own roof overhead,
who am I, tell me quickly, instead!)

Solution: Die Eigenheimzulage

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition (Kompositum):

The word "Eigenheimzulage" is composed of three parts:

• Eigen: Meaning 'own', 'personal'.
• Heim: Meaning 'home', 'dwelling'.
• Zulage: Meaning 'allowance', 'supplement', 'bonus'.

Together, the meaning is essentially: An allowance for one's own home.

Historical Context:

The Eigenheimzulage was introduced in the mid-1990s to stimulate private housing construction and enable broader sections of the population to acquire home ownership. Its abolition at the end of 2005 was part of austerity measures by the federal government at the time and was often criticized.