Ausgaben
[ˈaʊ̯sˌɡaːbn̩]
The German word for expenses is Ausgaben.
Ausgaben refers to the money spent on something or the costs incurred for a particular purpose. In the context of personal or business finance, it is the direct counterpart to Einnahmen, which means income or revenue.
What does it mean word for word?
Ausgaben is a plural noun derived from the verb ausgeben, meaning to spend or to issue. Literally, it translates to expenditures or outgoings.
Which one should you use?
While Ausgaben is the standard term, Die Aufwendungen is a more formal term used specifically in financial and legal contexts. If you are referring to a single occurrence of spending, you can use the singular form Ausgabe, though be aware that Ausgabe also commonly means an edition or an issue of a book or magazine. To specifically describe ongoing or recurring expenses, you can use the phrase Die Ausgaben, die anfallen.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ausgaben is a feminine plural noun, which means it takes the definite article die (die Ausgaben).
Did you know?
- The verb ausgeben is used for spending money, but it also describes the act of treating someone to a drink or meal.
- In German, the concept of expenses 'falling' is captured by the verb anfallen. This implies that costs are not just incurred but arrive like a natural occurrence or a falling object.
- In German tax law, there is a subtle distinction between general costs and 'deductible' expenses. For the latter, the specific term Aufwendungen is preferred to denote costs that are officially recognized for tax purposes.
Examples in context
- Das erhöht die Ausgaben.It increases expenses.This sentence shows how something can increase expenses.Tatoeba #5331450 by Sudajaengi, translation #9957713 by sundown
- Ich habe viele Ausgaben.I have a lot of expenses.This sentence is useful for stating that you have many expenses.Tatoeba #10020695 by Melang, translation #7866334 by AlanF_US
- Tom berechnete seine Ausgaben.Tom calculated his expenses.This sentence demonstrates how to use the word when calculating expenses.Tatoeba #11911367 by Naina, translation #1095717 by CK
- Die Ausgaben für dieses Projekt sind höher als erwartetThe expenses for this project are higher than expected
- Wir sollten die Kosten für zukünftige Projekte genauer analysierenWe should analyze the costs for future projects more thoroughly
- Für den Unterhalt des Autos fallen viele monatliche Ausgaben an.There are many monthly expenses associated with maintaining a car.
- Die laufenden Kosten für die Wohnung sind gut zu bewältigenThe ongoing expenses for the apartment are manageable
- Die Spesen für die Dienstreise wurden bereits erstattetThe expenses for the business trip have already been reimbursed
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing their household budget in the kitchen.
- MaximilianUnsere monatlichen Ausgaben sind zu hoch.Our monthly expenses are too high.
- SarahStimmt, wir müssen sparen.True, we need to save money.
- MaximilianIch prüfe morgen alle Ausgaben.I will check all the expenses tomorrow.
- SarahDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ausgaben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
