die  Zusage

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsuːzaːɡə/

✅ What does 'die Zusage' mean?

Die Zusage (noun, feminine) describes a binding, usually positive response or confirmation to a request, application, or offer. It's a promise or a firm declaration that something specific will happen or be granted.

• Confirmation/Acceptance: Often used in the context of job offers, university places, or invitations. Example: die Zusage für den neuen Job (the acceptance for the new job).
• Promise/Commitment: A binding statement to do or give something. Example: die Zusage, bei einem Projekt zu helfen (the commitment to help with a project).

Unlike a simple Bestätigung (confirmation), a Zusage often implies a stronger commitment or agreement.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Zusage' in Detail

'Die Zusage' is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Ich habe endlich die Zusage für die Wohnung bekommen!
   (I finally got the acceptance/confirmation for the apartment!)
2. Auf seine Zusage kann man sich verlassen.
   (You can rely on his commitment/promise.)
3. Wir warten noch auf mehrere Zusagen von den eingeladenen Gästen.
   (We are still waiting for several acceptances/confirmations from the invited guests.)
4. Trotz mündlicher Zusage zog er sein Angebot zurück.
   (Despite the verbal commitment/agreement, he withdrew his offer.)

💡 How to use 'die Zusage'?

Die Zusage is used in various contexts:

• Professional: A Jobzusage (job offer acceptance), a commitment for a project budget (Zusage für ein Projektbudget), confirmation of a delivery date (Zusage eines Liefertermins).
• Academic: Acceptance for a university place (Zusage für einen Studienplatz) or a scholarship (Stipendium).
• Private: Accepting an invitation (Zusage zu einer Einladung) for a wedding (Hochzeit) or birthday (Geburtstag), promising to help someone (Zusage zu helfen).
• Formal/Official: A confirmation from authorities (Zusage von Behörden), e.g., for a permit (Genehmigung), often in writing.

Distinctions:

• Das Versprechen (promise): Can be more informal and sometimes less binding than a formal Zusage. A Zusage is often a response to a request, while a Versprechen can also be given proactively.
• Die Bestätigung (confirmation): Often just confirms receipt of something or a known fact (e.g., Terminbestätigung - appointment confirmation). A Zusage usually implies a positive decision or grant.
• Die Einwilligung (consent/agreement): Refers more to giving permission or agreeing to let something happen.

A Zusage can be verbal (mündlich) or written (schriftlich), with written ones often considered more binding, especially in formal contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Zusage'

Article Mnemonic (die): Think of 'die' positive answer, 'die' welcome news. Many German nouns ending in '-e' that describe an action or its result (like die Frage - question, die Sage - legend, die Klage - complaint) are feminine. Die Zusage fits this pattern.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone saying something positive 'zu' (to/towards) you. It's a 'Zu-sage' – someone 'sagt' (says) yes 'zu' (to) you. So, it's a positive confirmation or a 'yes'.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with die Aussage (statement, testimony) or die Ansage (announcement, instruction).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Bewerber: "Sind Sie entscheidungsfreudig?"
Bewerber: "Jein... kann ich darauf eine mündliche Zusage bekommen, bevor ich mich festlege?"

Translation:
The boss asks the applicant: "Are you decisive?"
Applicant: "Yes and no... can I get a verbal commitment on that before I commit myself?"

📜 A Poem about the 'Zusage'

Der Brief kam an, das Herz schlug schnell,
Die Antwort auf die Frage hell.
Kein Zweifel mehr, kein Bangen, Warten,
Im Umschlag lag's, in klaren Worten:
Die Zusage, ersehnt, erhofft,
Ein Ja, gesagt, bestimmt und oft
Ein Wendepunkt, ein neuer Start,
Auf diese Nachricht gern man spart.

Translation:
The letter arrived, the heart beat fast,
The answer to the question, bright at last.
No more doubt, no fear, no wait,
In the envelope lay, in words clear state:
The acceptance, longed for, hoped with might,
A Yes, affirmed, determined, often right,
A turning point, a brand new way,
For this news, one gladly saves the day.

🧩 Who am I? A Riddle

Ich bin ein Wort, das Freude macht,
Hab oft auf Warten Schluss gemacht.
Ich bin ein Ja, ein festes Wort,
Vertreibe Zweifel schnell hinfort.
Ob Job, ob Platz, ob Helferhand,
Ich knüpfe ein verbindlich Band.

Was bin ich? ... Die Zusage

Translation:
I am a word that brings delight,
I often end the waiting plight.
I am a Yes, a word so firm,
Driving away doubt's anxious squirm.
Be it job, or place, or helping hand,
I tie a truly binding band.

What am I?
... The acceptance / commitment (Die Zusage)

🔍 More about 'die Zusage'

Word Composition:

The word 'Zusage' is composed of:

• zu-: Prefix, here expressing direction, addition, or confirmation (similar to 'zustimmen' - to agree, 'zugeben' - to admit).
• sagen: The verb 'to say'.

So, a Zusage is literally something that is 'said towards' someone, a positive statement directed at someone.

Cultural Context: In Germany, the reliability of commitments (Zusagen) is often valued, especially in business. While a verbal commitment (mündliche Zusage) can be legally binding (depending on the context), written commitments (schriftliche Zusagen) are considered safer and more easily provable.