die  Steuerentlastung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɔʏɐɛntˌlastʊŋ/

💰 What does "die Steuerentlastung" mean?

The German word die Steuerentlastung refers to measures aimed at reducing the tax burden on taxpayers (citizens or companies). It translates directly to tax relief or tax break. This reduction can be achieved by lowering tax rates, increasing allowances (Freibeträge), or introducing new deductions.

The word is composed of "Steuer" (tax) and "Entlastung" (relief, unloading, easing of a burden). So, it literally means easing the tax burden. The gender is feminine: die Steuerentlastung.

🚨 There's only one article, "die", as the noun is feminine. Confusion with other articles is unlikely.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Steuerentlastung

The noun "Steuerentlastung" is feminine. It's primarily used in the singular when referring to the concept in general. The plural "Steuerentlastungen" refers to multiple specific tax relief measures or types.

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Regierung kündigte eine deutliche Steuerentlastung für Familien an.
  (The government announced significant tax relief for families.)
• Viele Bürger hoffen auf spürbare Steuerentlastungen im nächsten Jahr.
  (Many citizens hope for noticeable tax reliefs next year.)
• Die Steuerentlastung soll die Wirtschaft ankurbeln.
  (The tax relief is intended to boost the economy.)
• Über die Höhe der Steuerentlastung wird noch diskutiert.
  (The amount of the tax relief is still being discussed.)

🗣️ How is "Steuerentlastung" used?

The term "Steuerentlastung" is primarily used in the context of politics, economics, and finance.

• Political Debates: Political parties often discuss the necessity and design of Steuerentlastungen.
• Economic News: Reports on economic stimulus packages or tax reforms frequently mention Steuerentlastungen.
• Personal Finance: When dealing with one's tax return (Steuererklärung), certain expenses can lead to a Steuerentlastung (e.g., income-related expenses - Werbungskosten, special expenses - Sonderausgaben).

Compared to Steuersenkung (tax cut), Steuerentlastung is a slightly broader term. A Steuersenkung (e.g., lowering the income tax rate) is one form of Steuerentlastung, but tax relief can also be achieved through other measures like higher allowances (Freibeträge).

🧠 Mnemonics for Steuerentlastung

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Entlastung' (the relief). Relief or help often feels like a feminine concept (think Mother Nature, a helping hand - die Hand). The word ends in '-ung', which is almost always feminine in German. So: die Steuerentlastung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine your wallet being 'unloaded' (Entlastung) from heavy 'tax' (Steuer) stones. The stones become fewer or lighter – that's the Steuerentlastung (tax relief).

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful with Steuervermeidung (tax avoidance - legal) or Steuerhinterziehung (tax evasion - illegal) – these are not synonyms but describe ways of not paying taxes, rather than a state-granted relief.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Finanzbeamte den Steuerzahler: "Glauben Sie an ein Leben nach dem Tod?"
Steuerzahler: "Ja, warum?"
Finanzbeamte: "Gut, Ihr verstorbener Onkel hat Ihnen nämlich eine Erbschaft hinterlassen, für die Sie jetzt Steuern zahlen müssen – eine Art Steuerentlastung für den Staat!" 😉

English Translation: The tax officer asks the taxpayer: "Do you believe in life after death?"
Taxpayer: "Yes, why?"
Tax officer: "Good, because your deceased uncle left you an inheritance for which you now have to pay taxes – a kind of tax relief for the state!" 😉

📜 Poem about Steuerentlastung

German:
Die Steuerlast, sie drückt oft schwer,
man wünscht sich manchmal einfach mehr.
Mehr Netto vom Brutto, ein klarer Gewinn,
da kommt die Steuerentlastung in den Sinn.

Ein bisschen weniger, das wär' fein,
ins Portemonnaie fließt neuer Schein.
Ob Freibetrag, ob Satz gesenkt,
Hauptsache, der Staat an uns denkt!

English Translation:
The tax burden often weighs down heavily,
sometimes one simply wishes for more.
More net from gross, a clear gain,
that's when tax relief comes to mind.

A little less, that would be nice,
new cash flows into the wallet.
Whether allowance or lowered rate,
the main thing is the state thinks of us!

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin vom Staat oft heiß begehrt,
doch für den Bürger von großem Wert.
Ich mach' die Abgaben klein und lind,
damit mehr Geld im Beutel sind.

Mal bin ich groß, mal eher klein,
doch freut sich jeder – „Endlich mein!“
Was bin ich, das die Last reduziert
und oft im Wahlkampf wird zitiert?

English Translation:
I am often hotly desired by the state,
but of great value to the citizen.
I make the levies small and gentle,
so there's more money in the purse.

Sometimes I am big, sometimes rather small,
but everyone rejoices – “Finally mine!”
What am I, that reduces the burden
and is often cited in election campaigns?

→ Die Steuerentlastung (Tax relief)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Steuerentlastung" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Die Steuer: A monetary payment to the state without entitlement to a specific individual return service. (Tax)
• Die Entlastung: The release or freeing from a load or burden. (Relief)

Context: Tax reliefs (Steuerentlastungen) are an important instrument of fiscal and economic policy. They can strengthen purchasing power, encourage investment, or mitigate social inequalities.