die
Vorkasse
💰 What does 'die Vorkasse' mean?
Die Vorkasse (also called Vorauskasse) is a German term for a payment condition where payment for goods or services must be made before they are delivered or rendered. So, the buyer pays upfront. It's a payment term often agreed upon in online retail or for custom orders to minimize the seller's risk of non-payment.
The word is feminine, so it's always die Vorkasse.
- Meaning: Payment before receiving goods/services (advance payment, prepayment).
- Article: die
- Context: Commerce, e-commerce, services
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Vorkasse
The noun 'Vorkasse' is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes a concept. A plural form ('die Vorkassen') is very uncommon and generally avoided.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Vorkasse |
| Genitive | der | Vorkasse |
| Dative | der | Vorkasse |
| Accusative | die | Vorkasse |
A plural form is rarely used.
Example Sentences
- Der Online-Shop bietet nur Zahlung per Vorkasse an.
The online shop only offers payment via advance payment. - Bei Zahlung per Vorkasse erhalten Sie 2% Skonto.
If you pay in advance, you receive a 2% discount. - Die Ware wird erst nach Eingang der Vorkasse versendet.
The goods will only be shipped after receipt of the advance payment. - Wir bitten um Verständnis, dass wir bei Neukunden nur Vorkasse akzeptieren können.
We ask for your understanding that we can only accept advance payment from new customers.
🛒 When to use 'Vorkasse'?
'Vorkasse' is mainly used in a business context, especially:
- Online Retail: Many smaller online shops or private sellers prefer Vorkasse to ensure they receive payment before shipping the goods.
- Custom Orders/Made-to-Order Items: When a product is specifically made for a customer, Vorkasse (or a Anzahlung - down payment) is often required.
- Services: Sometimes, payment via Vorkasse is also agreed upon for services, especially with new clients or larger projects.
Comparison with other payment methods:
- Nachnahme (Cash on Delivery): Payment upon receipt of the goods directly to the delivery person. (Opposite of Vorkasse regarding timing)
- Rechnung (Invoice): Payment after receiving the goods or service within a specified period. (Opposite of Vorkasse regarding risk for the seller)
- Lastschrift (Direct Debit)/Credit Card/PayPal: Payment occurs close to the time of order, but often includes buyer protection mechanisms that might be absent with pure Vorkasse (bank transfer).
For the buyer, Vorkasse carries the risk that the goods might not be delivered, might be faulty, and the money could be lost. Therefore, it's less popular with unknown sellers.
🧠 Mnemonics for Vorkasse
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Kasse (the cash register/checkout). Before (Vor-) you can take the goods, you go to die Kasse. Therefore: die Vor-Kasse.
Meaning Mnemonic: Vor means before. Kasse relates to cash/payment. So, Vorkasse means paying before receiving the goods.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- die Vorauszahlung: Very common synonym, often interchangeable. Means 'advance payment'.
- die Anzahlung: Usually refers only to a partial amount paid in advance ('down payment'), not necessarily the full sum.
- die Vorleistung: More general term ('advance performance'), can refer to things other than money, but sometimes used synonymously for Vorkasse.
- die Pränumérandozahlung: Technical term ('payment beforehand'), rarely used in everyday language.
⚠️ Note: An Anzahlung (down payment) is not always the same as Vorkasse. Vorkasse usually implies paying the full amount upfront.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum zahlen Geister immer per Vorkasse?
Damit sie nicht später durch die Rechnung spuken müssen! 👻
---
Why do ghosts always pay in advance (per Vorkasse)?
So they don't have to haunt the invoice later! 👻
✒️ Poem about Vorkasse
Bestellt im Netz, ein schönes Stück,
doch Freude weicht, welch Missgeschick!
Der Händler schreibt, ganz ohne Frage:
"Bitte zahlen Sie per Vorkasse, keine Klage!"
Das Geld ist weg, die Ware fern,
man hofft und bangt, man hätt' es gern.
Erst überweisen, dann der Lohn?
Das ist das Prinzip, man kennt es schon.
---
Ordered online, a lovely piece,
But joy fades out, oh what bad luck, no peace!
The seller writes, without a doubt:
"Please pay via Vorkasse, no need to pout!"
The money's gone, the goods afar,
One hopes and fears, beneath a star.
First transfer funds, then get the prize?
That's the principle, no surprise.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin eine Zahlung, klug und schnell,
doch erst das Geld, dann die Bestell'.
Der Käufer zahlt, bevor er kriegt,
damit der Händler sicher wiegt.
Wie heiß ich?
Lösung: die Vorkasse
---
I am a payment, smart and fast,
But first the money, then the order's cast.
The buyer pays before receiving,
So the seller rests, safely believing.
What am I?
Answer: die Vorkasse (advance payment)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word 'Vorkasse' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Vor-: Prefix meaning 'before', 'in advance'.
- Kasse: Noun meaning 'cash register', 'checkout', or the act of paying (originally the cash box).
E-commerce Context:
In online retail, payment via Vorkasse (by bank transfer) is one of the original digital payment methods. However, it is increasingly being supplemented or replaced by faster methods that offer more security for the buyer, such as PayPal, credit card payments, or instant bank transfers (like Sofortüberweisung in Germany). Nevertheless, it remains an attractive option for sellers to minimize risk.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vorkasse?
The German word 'Vorkasse' is clearly feminine. The correct article is always die. It refers to paying for goods or services in advance, i.e., before delivery.