die  Mineralölsteuer

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Estimated CEFR level.

/mɪneʁaˈlœlstɔʏ̯ɐ/

⛽ What exactly is 'die Mineralölsteuer'?

The German word die Mineralölsteuer refers to the mineral oil tax. It's a type of consumption tax levied in Germany (and many other countries) on mineral oils and products derived from them. This primarily includes fuels like Benzin (petrol/gasoline) and Diesel, but also Heizöl (heating oil).

It is an indirect tax, meaning consumers don't pay it directly to the tax office (Finanzamt). Instead, it's already included in the price of the products bought at the petrol station (Tankstelle) or from the heating oil supplier. Companies then remit the tax to the state.

Legally, the term 'Mineralölsteuer' isn't entirely precise in Germany today, as the taxation of energy products has been regulated by the Energiesteuergesetz (EnergieStG) (Energy Tax Act) since 2006. However, colloquially, the term is still very common, especially for the tax on petrol and diesel.

Important: The word is feminine, so it's always die Mineralölsteuer.

🧐 Grammar: 'Die Mineralölsteuer' in Detail

The noun 'Mineralölsteuer' is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular form as it refers to a concept (a type of tax). The plural ('die Mineralölsteuern') is rare and would refer to different types or rates of this tax.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural - rare)

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Regierung diskutiert eine Erhöhung der Mineralölsteuer.
   (The government is discussing an increase of the mineral oil tax.)
2. Ein großer Teil des Benzinpreises entfällt auf die Mineralölsteuer und die Mehrwertsteuer.
   (A large part of the petrol price is accounted for by the mineral oil tax and VAT.)
3. Durch die Mineralölsteuer nimmt der Staat jährlich Milliarden ein.
   (Through the mineral oil tax, the state collects billions annually.)

💬 Usage in Daily Life and Specific Contexts

Die Mineralölsteuer is a term frequently encountered in discussions about fuel prices (Spritpreise), state finances (Staatsfinanzen), environmental policy (Umweltpolitik), and transport policy (Verkehrspolitik).

• Everyday Life: Drivers (Autofahrer) often talk about the Mineralölsteuer when petrol or diesel prices rise. It's a fixed component of the price at the pump (Zapfsäule).
• Media & Politics: News reports and political debates cover potential changes (increases or decreases) to the Mineralölsteuer, often linked to budget planning or climate policy goals.
• Economy: For companies in the transport and logistics sector, the Mineralölsteuer represents a significant cost factor.

Although the formal legal term is now Energiesteuer (energy tax), 'Mineralölsteuer' remains very common in general usage, especially concerning fuels. It is not strictly an earmarked tax (zweckgebundene Steuer); the revenue flows into the general state budget, which is then used for various purposes, including transport infrastructure, but there's no direct 1:1 allocation.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Mineralölsteuer'

Mnemonic for the article:

Many German words ending in '-steuer' (tax) are feminine. Think of tax as a demanding 'she' – die Steuer, die Mineralölsteuer.

Mnemonic for the meaning:

Break it down: Mineralöl (mineral oil, like petrol/diesel) + Steuer (tax). It's simply the 'tax on mineral oil'.

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms, and Similar Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms:

• Ökosteuer: Eco-tax; a broader term for taxes designed to make environmentally harmful behavior more expensive. The Mineralölsteuer can be seen as part of it, but Ökosteuer often includes more (e.g., electricity tax).
• Mehrwertsteuer (MwSt.): Value Added Tax (VAT); a general consumption tax on almost all goods and services, added on top of the net price of fuel (which already includes the Mineralölsteuer).
• LKW-Maut: Toll for heavy goods vehicles (trucks) using motorways; not a direct tax on fuel.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum sind Tankwarte so entspannt?
Antwort: Weil sie wissen, dass die Autofahrer wegen der Mineralölsteuer sowieso schon genug Druck haben!

Question: Why are petrol station attendants so relaxed?
Answer: Because they know drivers already have enough pressure (Druck also means pressure/stress) due to the mineral oil tax!

✒️ Poem about the Tax

Der Tank ist leer, der Preis tut weh,
ein Teil davon, die Steuer, oh je.
Die Mineralölsteuer, klar und rein,
fließt in des Staates Säckelein.
Mal steigt sie hoch, mal fällt sie kaum,
ein steter Posten, fast ein Traum?
Für den Fiskus ja, für's Auto nein,
so wird das Tanken oft zur Pein.

The tank is empty, the price does sting,
A part of it, the tax, the thing.
The mineral oil tax, so clear and plain,
Flows into the state's coffers again.
Sometimes it rises, sometimes drops low,
A constant item, a dream-like flow?
For the treasury yes, for the car no way,
Filling the tank often ruins the day.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich mache das Fahren teurer, bin aber kein Stau.
Ich fülle die Kassen des Staates, ganz genau.
Man zahlt mich beim Tanken, ob Diesel, ob Benzin.
Ich bin die ...?

... Mineralölsteuer

I make driving more expensive, but I'm not a traffic jam.
I fill the state's coffers, precisely so.
You pay me when refueling, whether diesel or gasoline.
I am die ...?

... Mineralölsteuer (mineral oil tax)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Mineralölsteuer' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Mineralöl: Refers to oils derived from petroleum (as opposed to vegetable or animal oils).
• Steuer: Means 'tax' – a monetary contribution to the state without entitlement to a direct equivalent service in return.

Legal Context

As mentioned earlier, the specific Mineralölsteuer was replaced in Germany in 2006 by the broader Energiesteuergesetz (EnergieStG) (Energy Tax Act). This law taxes not only mineral oils but also other energy sources like natural gas or coal. The rates for petrol and diesel are specified in § 2 of this act.

Purpose of the Tax

The revenue from the Mineralölsteuer (or rather, the energy tax on fuels) is substantial and flows into the general federal budget. It finances government tasks, including the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure. Additionally, the tax serves a steering function: higher prices are intended to encourage more economical use of fossil fuels.