die  Haushaltssperre

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaʊsˌhaltsˌʃpɛʁə/

🏛️ What does "die Haushaltssperre" mean?

Die Haushaltssperre (feminine, article die) is a German term for a budget freeze or spending freeze. It's an administrative measure, usually taken by public authorities (like the federal government, states, or municipalities) or sometimes large organizations, to temporarily restrict or completely halt spending.

Typically, a Haushaltssperre is imposed when:

• Actual expenditures threaten to exceed the funds allocated in the budget plan (Haushaltsplan).
• Revenue falls unexpectedly short.

The goal is to ensure compliance with the budget and prevent excessive debt. It primarily stops new financial commitments and non-essential expenditures, while existing obligations (like salaries) are usually unaffected. 🧊 New projects or purchases are put on hold.

🚨 Caution: A Haushaltssperre is not the same as a Nothaushalt (emergency budget), which signifies a special situation with altered budget rules.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar and Declension of die Haushaltssperre

The noun "Haushaltssperre" is feminine. The definite article is die.

The plural form ("die Haushaltssperren") is used infrequently, as it usually refers to a specific measure. However, it's possible if referring to multiple freezes across different areas or time periods.

Example Sentences

1. Die Regierung musste eine Haushaltssperre verhängen.
   (The government had to impose a budget freeze.)
2. Wegen der Haushaltssperre können keine neuen Projekte gestartet werden.
   (Because of the budget freeze, no new projects can be started.)
3. Die Aufhebung der Haushaltssperre wurde beschlossen.
   (The lifting of the budget freeze was decided.)

🗣️ How is "Haushaltssperre" used?

The term "Haushaltssperre" is almost exclusively used in the context of public finance and administration (Verwaltung). You'll often hear or read it in news regarding:

• Government budgets (federal, state levels - Bund, Länder)
• Municipal finances (cities, communities - Städte, Gemeinden)
• Public institutions (universities, authorities - Universitäten, Behörden)
• Occasionally in large organizations or corporations with strict budget controls.

It's a rather formal term used to describe a specific fiscal policy measure. In everyday conversation about personal finances, people would rather use terms like 'sparen' (to save), 'den Gürtel enger schnallen' (to tighten one's belt), or 'Ausgaben kürzen' (to cut expenses).

There's little risk of confusion as the term is very specific. However, it shouldn't be equated with general austerity measures (Sparmaßnahmen) or budget cuts (Budgetkürzungen), as a Haushaltssperre is often a short-term, drastic measure to halt spending immediately.

🧠 Mnemonics for Haushaltssperre

Article Mnemonic: Remember that the last part of the word is 'die Sperre' (the barrier, the block). Nouns ending in '-e' are often feminine, and 'Sperre' is feminine. So, it's die Haushaltssperre. Imagine a big red barrier (die Sperre) blocking the household/budget money (der Haushalt).

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the 'Haushalt' (household budget 💰) being put under a 'Sperre' (lock or block 🚧). Spending is blocked! The money is locked down.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar terms: Don't confuse with Sparpaket (austerity package - long-term cuts) or Insolvenz (insolvency - inability to pay debts).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Abgeordneter den anderen: "Ist die Haushaltssperre eigentlich schlimm?" Sagt der andere: "Kommt drauf an. Für den Staatshaushalt ja, für meinen persönlichen Diätplan wäre sie super!"

Translation:

One member of parliament asks another: "Is the budget freeze actually bad?"
The other replies: "Depends. For the state budget, yes. For my personal diet plan, it would be great!"

📜 Poem about the Freeze

Der Rubel rollt nicht mehr so froh,
Die Kasse leer, oh Schreck, oh Graus!
Der Kämmerer sagt: "Das bleibt jetzt so!"
Die Haushaltssperre gilt im Haus.

Kein Cent mehr für den neuen Plan,
Die Mittel knapp, der Stopp ist da.
Man hofft, dass bald die Sonne naht,
Und füllt die Kassen, wunderbar!

Translation:

The money doesn't roll so gladly now,
The coffers empty, oh shock, oh dread!
The treasurer says: "It stays like this, vow!"
The budget freeze applies instead.

No cent more for the newest scheme,
The funds are tight, the stop is here.
One hopes the sun will soon gleam,
And fill the coffers, bringing cheer!

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Schloss, doch sperre gut,
Nicht Türen, nein, des Geldes Flut.
Tritt Kraft ich an, wird nichts gekauft,
Damit der Etat nicht ersauft.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: die Haushaltssperre)

Translation:

I am no lock, but I block well,
Not doors, no, but the money's swell.
When I take force, nothing is bought,
So that the budget doesn't drown, distraught.

What am I?
(Solution: the budget freeze / die Haushaltssperre)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

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

• Der Haushalt: (The budget/household) - Here refers to the public budget, the plan of income and expenditure of a government body.
• -s-: A linking element ('Fugenelement').
• Die Sperre: (The block/barrier/freeze) - Meaning blockade, obstacle, interruption.

Trivia:

• Haushaltssperren are a relatively common instrument in German administrative practice, especially at the municipal level.
• The exact effects and rules of a Haushaltssperre are often defined in the respective budget regulations (Haushaltsordnungen) of the federal government and the states.