Anzahlung
[ˈʔanˌtsaːlʊŋ]feminine
The English phrase "down payment" is translated into German as Anzahlung.
Anzahlung is a noun used to describe a payment representing a fraction of the price.
Meaning: payment representing a fraction of the price (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of an- (prefix meaning "to/towards") and Zahlung (payment).
How does it change in a sentence?
Anzahlung is a feminine noun, so it takes the definite article die. The plural form is Anzahlungen.
Did you know?
- German has a specific term Ernstgeld for a down payment used specifically to prove a buyer is serious. It translates to 'earnest money' and is distinct from a standard Anzahlung.
- In old German traditions, a down payment was often accompanied by a Handschlag, a formal handshake. This gesture was legally binding in many regions before written contracts became the norm.
- While Anzahlung is a down payment, a similar word Anzahl refers to the total number or quantity of something. The two words look almost identical but have completely different meanings.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte gerne über die Anzahlung für die Immobilie sprechen.I would like to discuss the down payment for the property.
- Kannst du mir sagen, wie hoch die Anzahlung für die Wohnung ist?Can you tell me how much the down payment is for the apartment?
- Ich möchte eine Anzahlung leisten.I would like to make a down payment.
- Die Anzahlung ist bereits erfolgt.The down payment has already been made.
- Wie hoch muss die Anzahlung sein?How high does the down payment need to be?
- Ich kann die Anzahlung morgen überweisen.I can transfer the down payment tomorrow.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing the purchase of a new sofa.
- SarahWie viel kostet das Sofa insgesamt, Felix?How much does the sofa cost in total, Felix?
- FelixEs kostet tausend Euro, aber eine Anzahlung ist nötig.It costs a thousand euros, but a down payment is necessary.
- SarahWie hoch ist die Anzahlung?How high is the down payment?
- FelixDu musst heute zweihundert Euro bezahlen.You have to pay two hundred euros today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “down payment” translations and entries Anzahlung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
