Gutschein
/ˈɡuːt.ʃaɪ̯n/
The German word for coupon is Gutschein.
Gutschein refers to a voucher that offers a discount on a particular product. It is also the standard term used for a gift card or a general store voucher.
Meaning: voucher which offers a discount on a particular product (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of gut (good) and Schein (certificate, note or voucher), literally meaning "good certificate".
How does it change in a sentence?
Gutschein is a masculine noun. When used as a direct object in the accusative case, such as in the phrase einen Gutschein, it takes the ending -en. The plural form of the word is Gutscheine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡuːt.ʃaɪ̯n/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word Schein in Gutschein is a homonym that can also mean 'appearance' or 'illusion'. This creates a funny coincidence where a 'good certificate' could colloquially be interpreted as a 'good appearance'.
- In Germany, it is culturally common to give a Gutschein as a 'placeholder' gift if you are unsure what to buy, without it being seen as impersonal.
- The word gut in Gutschein does not just mean 'good' in quality, but historically referred to 'goods' or 'property' in a legal sense.
Examples in context
- Ich habe einen Gutschein.I've got a coupon.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of Gutschein as a direct object in the accusative case.Tatoeba #12432613 by Yorwba, translation #2359567 by CK
- Ich habe einen Gutschein für 10% Rabatt auf meine nächste Bestellung.I have a coupon for 10% discount on my next order.
- Hast du einen Coupon für das Café um die Ecke?Do you have a coupon for the café around the corner?
- Kann ich diesen Gutschein mit dem reduzierten Artikel kombinieren?Can I combine this coupon with the discounted item?
- Hier ist ein Gutschein für ein Eis.Here is a coupon for an ice cream.
- Kann ich diesen Gutschein benutzen?Can I use this coupon?
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are at a cafe.
- HannahHast du einen Gutschein für das Café?Do you have a coupon for the cafe?
- JulianJa, ich habe einen Gutschein hier.Yes, I have a coupon here.
- HannahToll, dann sparen wir heute Geld!Great, then we'll save money today!
- JulianGenau, er ist noch gültig.Exactly, it is still valid.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Gutschein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gutschein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
