die
Serviceleistung
🤝 What Exactly is a Serviceleistung?
The German noun Serviceleistung (feminine, article: die) refers to an action or activity performed for another person or organization to satisfy their needs or solve their problems. It is the result of a service activity and, unlike a material product, is usually intangible (immateriell).
Typically, the term is found in an economic context, e.g., for consulting, repairs, transportation, or customer service. It represents the specific performance rendered as part of a service.
🚨 Since the word ends in "-ung", the article is almost always "die", which is true here. There is only one meaning for this 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 Spotlight: Die Serviceleistung
The noun "Serviceleistung" is feminine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Serviceleistung |
| Genitive | der | Serviceleistung |
| Dative | der | Serviceleistung |
| Accusative | die | Serviceleistung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Serviceleistungen |
| Genitive | der | Serviceleistungen |
| Dative | den | Serviceleistungen |
| Accusative | die | Serviceleistungen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Reparatur des Computers war eine schnelle Serviceleistung.
(The repair of the computer was a quick service.) - Wir bieten unseren Kunden vielfältige Serviceleistungen an.
(We offer our customers a wide range of services.) - Die Qualität der Serviceleistung hat den Kunden überzeugt.
(The quality of the service convinced the customer.) - Nach Erbringung der Serviceleistung wird die Rechnung gestellt.
(The invoice is issued after the service has been provided.)
💡 When to Use 'Serviceleistung'?
The term "Serviceleistung" is often used in formal and business contexts. It emphasizes the specific, rendered performance within a service relationship.
- Economy & Trade: Describing offered services (e.g., consulting services (Beratungsleistungen), maintenance work (Wartungsarbeiten)).
- Customer Service: Evaluating the quality of an interaction or assistance provided.
- Contracts: Defining the scope of services in contracts (Verträge).
Distinction from "Dienstleistung": While "Dienstleistung" often describes the general concept of service or the sector (e.g., the service sector - der Dienstleistungssektor), "Serviceleistung" usually refers to a concrete, individual service provided.
Example: A company offers various Dienstleistungen (services). Repairing a device is a specific Serviceleistung of this company.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Words ending in -ung are (almost always) feminine in German. Think of the ending (-ung) -> die Leistung -> die Serviceleistung.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine receiving great Service (like in a restaurant) which consists of a specific performance or deed (Leistung - like serving the food). Together, they form the Serviceleistung (the service provided).
🔄 Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms
Same or Similar Meaning (Synonyms)
- Dienstleistung: Often used synonymously, but sometimes the more general term (service).
- Kundendienst: Specifically refers to services for customers after a purchase (customer service).
- Leistung: General term for performance or achievement, can also be a product or other type of performance.
- Bedienung: More common in gastronomy or personal assistance contexts (service, attendance).
- Support: Often used in the technical field.
Opposite Meanings (Antonyms)
- Produkt / Ware: A tangible good (as opposed to the intangible service) (product / goods).
- Schlechtleistung / Mangel: A poorly or inadequately performed service (poor performance / defect).
- Unterlassung: The failure to perform a required service (omission).
⚠️ Similarly Sounding Words
Be careful not to confuse "Serviceleistung" with general terms like "Leistung" (which can also mean athletic performance) or more specific ones like "Beratungsleistung" (consulting service, just one type of Serviceleistung).
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Kunde den Berater: "Ist Ihre Serviceleistung eigentlich kostenlos?"
Antwortet der Berater: "Nein, aber Sie dürfen kostenlos darüber staunen, wie teuer sie ist!" 😉
(Customer asks the consultant: "Is your service actually free?"
Consultant replies: "No, but you can marvel for free at how expensive it is!")
📜 Poem about Serviceleistung
Ob Rat, ob Tat, ob schnelle Hand,
im weiten Service-Land.
Was man dir Gutes tut geschwind,
als Serviceleistung man es find'.
Nicht Ware, die im Regal nur steht,
sondern Hilfe, die mit dir geht.
(Whether advice, or deed, or a quick hand,
In the wide service land.
What good is done for you swiftly,
As a service provided one finds it thriftily.
Not goods just sitting on the shelf,
But help that goes along with yourself.)
🕵️♀️ Little Riddle
Ich bin nicht greifbar, doch oft bezahlt,
werde im Vertrag manchmal gemalt.
Ich helfe dir, wenn's irgendwo klemmt,
bin oft im Business sehr präsent.
Was bin ich?
(I am intangible, yet often paid for,
Sometimes described in contracts galore.
I help you out when things get stuck,
In business, I often bring good luck.
What am I?)
(Answer: die Serviceleistung - the service/service provision)
🧩 Further Details on Serviceleistung
Word Composition:
The word "Serviceleistung" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Service: Borrowed from English/French, meaning service, attendance, customer service.
- Leistung: A German word denoting the result of an effort or activity, performance, achievement.
Together, it thus describes a "performance within the scope of a service".
Context: Particularly relevant in the service sector (Dienstleistungssektor), which constitutes a large part of modern economies.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Serviceleistung?
The noun "Serviceleistung" is feminine. The correct article is die: die Serviceleistung (singular), die Serviceleistungen (plural).