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.
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.
plus
'das Plus' and 'das Defizit' are opposites, especially when talking about money and numbers. 'das Plus' means that a positive amount, a gain, or a surplus remains at the end. 'das Defizit' means that money is missing because expenses are higher than income. So in reports, budgets, or balance sheets, 'Plus' indicates a good financial situation, while 'Defizit' indicates a shortfall.
Die Stadt muss sparen, weil der Haushalt ein hohes Defizit hat.
The city has to save money because the budget has a large deficit.
Durch die vielen Spenden schließt das Projekt mit einem Plus ab.
Thanks to the many donations, the project ends with a surplus.