Einkommen
/ˈaɪ̯nˌkɔmən/neuter
The English phrase 'income' is translated into German as Einkommen.
Einkommen is the standard way to express 'income', referring to money earned through work or by capitalizing on the work of others.
Meaning: money one earns by working or by capitalising on the work of others (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Einkommen refers to total income from all sources, including capital, Verdienst specifically refers to money earned from labor or a specific job.
How does it change in a sentence?
Einkommen is a neuter noun and takes the article das. The spelling of Einkommen does not change when moving between its singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯nˌkɔmən/
Did you know?
- The verb einkommen (written as one word) actually means 'to arrive' or 'to come in', such as a train arriving at a station.
- The word Verdienst can also mean 'merit' or 'achievement', meaning a 'high Verdienst' could be interpreted as a 'high merit' in certain contexts.
- In German tax law, the term Einkunft is often used as the formal legal synonym for 'income' or 'revenue'.
Examples in context
- Sami hatte kein Einkommen.Sami didn't have an income.This sentence is useful for showing the absence of an Einkommen.Tatoeba #8688412 by Yorwba, translation #6448186 by OsoHombre
- Er hat ein gutes Einkommen.He has a nice income.This sentence is useful for describing a 'nice' Einkommen.Tatoeba #533417 by Espi, translation #674128 by Eldad
- Sie hat ein hohes Einkommen.She has a high income.This sentence is useful for describing a 'high' Einkommen.Tatoeba #3887789 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #13422110 by frpzzd
- Das Einkommen meines Vaters ist stabil.My father's income is stable.
- Mein monatlicher Verdienst ist höher als erwartet.My monthly income is higher than expected.
- Das Gehalt meines neuen Jobs ist attraktiv.The salary of my new job is attractive.
- Meine Einkünfte aus dem Verkauf meiner Kunstwerke sind gestiegen.My earnings from selling my artworks have increased.
- In dieser Branche gibt es viele Verdienstmöglichkeiten.There are many earning opportunities in this industry.
- 60 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing their finances at home.
- MaximilianWie hoch ist dein monatliches Einkommen?How high is your monthly income?
- LauraMein Einkommen ist leider etwas gesunken.Unfortunately, my income has decreased a little.
- MaximilianDas tut mir leid, Laura.I am sorry to hear that, Laura.
- LauraDanke, Maximilian, aber es wird schon wieder.Thanks, Maximilian, but it will be fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “income” translations and entries Einkommen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
