die
Kostensenkung
💰 What does 'die Kostensenkung' mean?
Die Kostensenkung is a feminine noun (article: die) that means cost reduction or cost cutting. It refers to the process or the result of decreasing expenses or costs within a company, organization, or even in private life. It involves measures aimed at spending less money on specific goods, services, or processes.
Because the word ends in -ung, like most nouns with this ending, it is feminine. There are no other articles or meanings associated with this specific word.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Kostensenkung
The noun 'Kostensenkung' is feminine.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kostensenkung |
| Genitive | der | Kostensenkung |
| Dative | der | Kostensenkung |
| Accusative | die | Kostensenkung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kostensenkungen |
| Genitive | der | Kostensenkungen |
| Dative | den | Kostensenkungen |
| Accusative | die | Kostensenkungen |
Example Sentences
- Die Geschäftsleitung beschloss Maßnahmen zur Kostensenkung.
(The management decided on cost-cutting measures.) - Durch die Kostensenkung konnte das Unternehmen wieder profitabel werden.
(Through cost reduction, the company could become profitable again.) - Umfassende Kostensenkungen sind in der aktuellen wirtschaftlichen Lage unvermeidlich.
(Comprehensive cost cuts are unavoidable in the current economic situation.) - Jede Abteilung muss Vorschläge zur Kostensenkung erarbeiten.
(Each department must develop proposals for cost reduction.)
📊 When to use 'Kostensenkung'?
The term Kostensenkung is primarily used in economic and business contexts. It describes strategic or operational measures to reduce expenditures.
- Companies: Strategies for increasing efficiency, process optimization, staff reduction, or material savings.
- Public Sector: Austerity measures in the budget, reduction of administrative costs.
- Private Households: Measures for energy saving, shopping more cheaply, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Common phrases include Maßnahmen zur Kostensenkung (measures for cost reduction), a Kostensenkungsprogramm (cost reduction program), or the Potenzial für Kostensenkungen (potential for cost reductions).
There's little risk of confusion as the word is very specific. It is clearly distinct from 'Kostensteigerung' (cost increase).
💡 Mnemonics for 'Kostensenkung'
Article Mnemonic
The ending "-ung" in German nouns almost always indicates a feminine gender. Think of the "-ung" suffix as a strong sign for die. So, it's die Senkung (the lowering), hence die Kostensenkung.
Meaning Mnemonic
Imagine Kosten (costs) as heavy weights that need to be actively lowered or 'sunk' (like 'Senkung' sounds). Kostensenkung is the act of actively 'sinking' the costs down.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Die Einsparung: (Saving) Very similar, often interchangeable.
- Die Kostenreduzierung: (Cost reduction) Direct equivalent.
- Die Kostenoptimierung: (Cost optimization) Often focuses on efficiency, not just reduction.
- Der Sparkurs: (Austerity drive/course) Emphasizes the policy of saving more strongly.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Die Kostenerhöhung: (Cost increase) The direct opposite.
- Die Kostensteigerung: (Rise in costs) Increase in costs.
- Die Ausgabensteigerung: (Increase in spending) Rise in expenditures.
⚠️ Similar Terms
Be careful not to confuse 'Kostensenkung' (cost reduction) with 'Umsatzsenkung' (revenue reduction).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef den Controller: "Haben unsere Maßnahmen zur Kostensenkung etwas gebracht?"
Antwortet der Controller: "Ja, Chef! Ich kann mir jetzt kein neues Auto mehr leisten."
Translation:
The boss asks the controller: "Have our cost-cutting measures achieved anything?"
The controller replies: "Yes, boss! I can't afford a new car anymore."
📜 Poem about Kostensenkung
Die Zahlen rot, die Kasse leer,
ein Plan muss dringend her.
Die Kostensenkung, klug und sacht,
hat manches Schiff flott gemacht.
Hier sparen, dort optimieren,
um nicht den Kopf zu verlieren.
Mit Weitsicht und Verstand,
führt sie zum sich'ren Strand.
Translation:
The numbers red, the cash box bare,
a plan is needed, urgent care.
The cost reduction, smart and slight,
has set many ships upright.
Save here, optimize there,
to not lose one's head to despair.
With foresight and with reason's hand,
it leads towards a safer strand.
❓ Riddle
Ich bin im Business gern gesehen,
lass Ausgaben nach unten gehen.
Mal bin ich Plan, mal Resultat,
helf Firmen aus der Budget-Not.
Was bin ich?
(... Die Kostensenkung)
Translation:
In business, I am welcomed near,
I make expenditures disappear (go down).
Sometimes a plan, sometimes effect,
I help firms out of budget defect.
What am I?
(... Cost reduction / Die Kostensenkung)
🧩 Word Components
The word 'Kostensenkung' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Die Kosten (plural, meaning costs, expenses)
- Die Senkung (derived from the verb 'senken', meaning lowering, reduction)
Together, the meaning is: the reduction of costs.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kostensenkung?
The word 'Kostensenkung' is feminine. The correct article is die Kostensenkung. The plural is die Kostensenkungen.