deficit
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deficit
A financial shortfall that arises when expenses are higher than income. It therefore describes a lack of money in a budget or balance sheet.
Der Staatshaushalt weist für dieses Jahr ein erhebliches Defizit auf.
The national budget shows a significant deficit for this year.
deficit / weakness
A general lack, weakness, or disadvantage in a particular area, for example in skills, knowledge, or resources.
Trotz seiner Intelligenz hat er deutliche Defizite im sozialen Umgang.
Despite his intelligence, he has clear deficits in social interaction.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about money, a budget, or public finances, the financial shortfall is meant. If it is about skills, behavior, or knowledge, the general lack is meant.
Das Unternehmen hat ein Defizit von zwei Millionen Euro.
The company has a deficit of two million euros.
'Defizit' (deficit) is a rather formal word that is frequently used in the fields of economics, politics, psychology, and education.
Die Politiker diskutieren über das Haushaltsdefizit.
The politicians are discussing the budget deficit.
In financial contexts, 'Defizit' (deficit) is often combined with certain verbs: 'ein Defizit haben' (to have a deficit), 'ein Defizit aufweisen' (to show a deficit), 'ein Defizit ausgleichen' (to make up for a deficit), or 'ein Defizit abbauen' (to reduce a deficit).
Die Regierung versucht, das Defizit im nächsten Jahr abzubauen.
The government is trying to reduce the deficit next year.
To specify the area of the deficiency, the preposition 'in' followed by the dative is often used. Someone has deficits in a particular area.
Die Studie zeigt, dass viele Schüler Defizite in Mathematik haben.
The study shows that many students have deficits in mathematics.
loss
Verlust and Defizit can both refer to a financial shortfall. Here, Verlust mainly means the negative result of expenses being higher than income, while Defizit more generally describes a shortfall relative to a need or goal. Verlust fits a business result, while Defizit is more appropriate for missing funding.
Für die geplante Renovierung blieb trotz der Einnahmen ein Defizit von zweitausend Euro.
Despite the income, there was still a deficit of two thousand euros for the planned renovation.
Wegen der höheren Ausgaben machte der Laden im vergangenen Jahr einen Verlust.
Because its expenses were higher, the store made a loss last year.
