die  Rückerstattung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁʏkʔɛɐ̯ˌʃtatʊŋ/

💰 What exactly is a Rückerstattung?

Die Rückerstattung (feminine) refers to the repayment of a sum of money. This typically happens when a service wasn't rendered, goods are returned, or an overpayment occurred. So, it's the money you get back.

Imagine you buy a sweater that doesn't fit. You return it to the store and get your money back – that's a Rückerstattung.

There is only one article, die, for Rückerstattung because it's a feminine noun (identifiable by the suffix '-ung'). ⚠️ No risk of confusion with other articles!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Die Rückerstattung

The noun „Rückerstattung“ is feminine. The article is always die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Rückerstattung des Kaufpreises erfolgte prompt.
   (The refund of the purchase price was made promptly.)
2. Ich warte immer noch auf die Rückerstattung meiner Reisekosten.
   (I am still waiting for the reimbursement of my travel expenses.)
3. Bitte füllen Sie dieses Formular für die Rückerstattung aus.
   (Please fill out this form for the refund.)
4. Nach Prüfung erhalten Sie eine vollständige Rückerstattung.
   (After review, you will receive a full refund.)

💡 When to use "die Rückerstattung"?

The term die Rückerstattung is used in various contexts, mainly in the financial and business sectors:

• Retail: When customers return faulty or unwanted goods (e.g., die Rückerstattung für den defekten Toaster - the refund for the defective toaster).
• Services: When a paid service is cancelled or was unsatisfactory (e.g., die Rückerstattung für das ausgefallene Konzert - the refund for the cancelled concert).
• Taxes: When you have overpaid income tax (e.g., die Steuer-Rückerstattung vom Finanzamt - the tax refund from the tax office).
• Expenses/Outlays: When employees get reimbursed for business expenses by their employer (e.g., die Rückerstattung der Fahrtkosten - the reimbursement of travel costs).
• Insurance: In case of overpayment of premiums or after a claim (e.g., die Rückerstattung zu viel gezahlter Versicherungsprämien - the refund of overpaid insurance premiums).

Important Note: A Rückerstattung is not the same as a Rabatt (discount before purchase) or a Gutschein (voucher/credit for future purchases), although a voucher is sometimes offered instead of a cash refund.

🧠 Mnemonics for Rückerstattung

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of: die Rechnung (the bill), die Bestellung (the order), die Erstattung (the reimbursement)... and therefore also die Rückerstattung. The '-ung' ending is your feminine clue!

Meaning Mnemonic: "Rück" means back and "Erstattung" sounds a bit like 'starting cash'. So, instead of the item, you get your 'starting cash' back. Die Rückerstattung brings the money back.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with die Gutschrift (credit note, which can also be a store voucher) or der Rabatt (discount).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kunde den Verkäufer: "Bekomme ich eine Rückerstattung, wenn dieses Tarn-Shirt nicht funktioniert?"

(The customer asks the salesperson: "Do I get a refund if this camouflage shirt doesn't work?")

📜 Poem about Rückerstattung

Das Päckchen kam, doch oh wie schad’,
Der Inhalt war nicht erste Wahl, im Bad
Passt's farblich nicht, zu groß, zu klein,
Drum schick ich's zurück, das muss sein.
Ich hoff' aufs Geld, aufs Klingeling,
Die Rückerstattung wär' mein Ding!

(The package arrived, but oh what a pity,
The content wasn't first choice, in the bathroom
It doesn't match the color, too big, too small,
So I'm sending it back, it must be done.
I hope for the money, for the 'ching-ching',
The refund would be my thing!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme zurück, doch bin kein Bumerang.
Ich bin oft ersehnt, manchmal nach langem Drang.
Ich fülle das Konto, wo vorher war Leere,
Nach Tausch oder Storno bring ich die Ehre (des Geldes zurück).

Was bin ich?

(I come back, but am no boomerang.
I am often longed for, sometimes after much urging.
I fill the account where before there was emptiness,
After exchange or cancellation, I bring back the honour (of the money).)

What am I?

Solution: Die Rückerstattung (The refund)

🧩 Word Components & Trivia

Word Composition:

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

• Rück- : Prefix indicating a movement back or a repetition (as in zurückgeben - to give back).
• Erstattung: Noun derived from the verb erstatten (to reimburse, to refund). The suffix -ung turns the verb into a noun.

Together, the meaning is: The act of giving back/replacing something, usually money.

Trivia:

In Germany, there are legal regulations concerning the right of withdrawal for online purchases (Widerrufsrecht), which often lead to a Rückerstattung. This strengthens consumer rights.