Steuern
/ˈʃtɔɪ̯ɐn/
The English phrase "taxes" is translated into German as Steuern.
Steuern is the most common and generic term used to describe the money paid by people and businesses to the government to fund public services. If you are referring to specific types of taxes, you may use Einkommensteuer for income tax, Grundsteuer for property tax or Umsatzsteuer, which is the German equivalent of a Goods and Services Tax (GST). To refer to the tax office, the term is Finanzamt.
Which one should you use?
While Steuern is the standard term, you might encounter Besteuerung when the focus is specifically on the process or act of taxation. Do not confuse the noun Steuern (taxes) with the verb steuern, which means to steer or control.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form Steuern is used when you are referring to taxes in general or discussing multiple different types of taxes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtɔɪ̯ɐn/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Always remember that in German, nouns such as Steuern must always be capitalized.
Did you know?
- The word Steuern shares the same root as the English word 'steer'. Originally, it referred to the act of guiding a ship or directing a course.
- Germany is famous for the Steuererklärung, a tax declaration process so complex that millions of citizens hire a Steuerberater or tax advisor to help them.
- Unlike the English 'tax office', the Finanzamt is often perceived by Germans as a place of dread, leading to numerous jokes and cultural tropes about its bureaucracy.
Examples in context
- Ich zahle gern Steuern.I like paying taxes.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference regarding paying taxes.Tatoeba #8345019 by Luiaard, translation #5754721 by CM
- Ich zahle meine Steuern.I pay my taxes.This sentence is useful for stating that you are paying your own taxes.Tatoeba #8336133 by Luiaard, translation #5758388 by CM
- Die Steuern sind zu hoch.Taxes are too high.This sentence is useful for complaining about the level of taxes.Tatoeba #2674480 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2282363 by Hybrid
- Ich muss meine Steuern bezahlen.I have to pay my taxes.
- Die Abgaben in Deutschland sind hoch.Taxes in Germany are high.
- Die Besteuerung von Kapitalerträgen ist komplex.Taxation of capital gains is complex.
- Meine Steuerlast ist dieses Jahr besonders hoch.My tax burden is particularly high this year.
- Ich muss meine Steuererklärung beim Finanzamt abgeben.I need to submit my tax declaration to the tax office.
- Der Umsatzsteuersatz beträgt 19%.The value-added tax rate is 19%.
- Die Einkommensteuer wird monatlich vom Gehalt abgezogen.Income tax is deducted monthly from the salary.
- Die Grundsteuer wird jährlich berechnet.Property tax is calculated annually.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing their monthly budgets.
- LauraHast du schon an die Steuern gedacht?Have you already thought about the taxes?
- JulianNein, das vergesse ich immer wieder.No, I keep forgetting that.
- LauraWir müssen die Steuern bald bezahlen.We have to pay the taxes soon.
- JulianDu hast recht, ich mache das heute.You are right, I will do that today.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry steuern.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries steuern, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
