advance payment / discount / kickoff
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advance payment
A partial payment made in advance toward a larger sum, especially for regular costs such as electricity, gas, or rent.
Der monatliche Abschlag für die Heizkosten wurde dieses Jahr erhöht.
The monthly advance payment for heating costs was increased this year.
'Abschlag' is derived from the verb 'abschlagen' (to knock off / refuse). This idea of 'knocking away' or 'removing' appears in all its meanings: you 'knock off' a partial amount from the total sum, a ball away from the starting point, or plaster from the wall.
Für den kleinen Kratzer haben wir einen Abschlag vom Preis bekommen.
We got a discount off the price for the small scratch.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Abschlag' from the context. If it is about money, bills, or contracts, it usually means an advance payment or a discount. In a text about sports or construction work, it refers to a physical action.
Wir müssen den monatlichen Abschlag für den Strom bezahlen.
We have to pay the monthly advance payment for electricity.
In a financial context, 'Abschlag' (advance payment) is often combined with verbs like 'zahlen' (to pay), 'leisten' (to make), or 'anpassen' (to adjust). Most often it is a 'monatlicher Abschlag' (monthly advance payment) for recurring costs.
Unser Abschlag für Gas wurde kürzlich angepasst.
Our advance payment for gas was recently adjusted.
When 'Abschlag' means a discount, it is often used with the verbs 'gewähren' (to grant; the seller gives it) or 'bekommen' (to get; the buyer receives it). The amount is often given as a fixed sum or percentage.
Der Händler gewährte uns einen Abschlag von 10 Prozent.
The dealer granted us a discount of 10 percent.
installment / rate
'die Rate' and 'der Abschlag' can both be partial payments toward a larger sum. 'Rate' is used generally when you pay for something in regular installments, for example a loan or an expensive device. 'Abschlag' often means an advance payment toward costs that will be calculated exactly later, for example for electricity, gas, or rent. The words can be confused because both can be paid regularly. For a purchase or loan, 'Rate' sounds more natural; for ongoing costs with later billing, people often say 'Abschlag'.
Am Monatsanfang wurde der Abschlag für Strom vom Konto abgebucht.
At the beginning of the month, the advance payment for electricity was debited from the account.
Nach dem Autokauf überweist Anna die erste Rate direkt an die Bank.
After buying the car, Anna transfers the first installment directly to the bank.