follow-up costs
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follow-up costs
Costs that arise after an initial investment or event, for example for maintenance, repairs, or operation. The word is used almost exclusively in the plural.
Beim Kauf eines alten Hauses sollte man die hohen Folgekosten für die Renovierung nicht unterschätzen.
When buying an old house, you shouldn't underestimate the high follow-up costs for renovation.
The word is made up of 'die Folge' (consequence, result) and 'die Kosten' (costs). So it literally describes costs that arise as the result of an earlier action or investment.
Die Anschaffung war günstig, aber die Folgekosten für die Wartung sind enorm.
The purchase was inexpensive, but the follow-up costs for maintenance are enormous.
Although a singular form theoretically exists, in practice this word is used almost exclusively in the plural 'die Folgekosten' (follow-up costs), since it usually refers to a sum of various later costs.
Wir müssen die gesamten Folgekosten für das Projekt genau kalkulieren.
We need to calculate the total follow-up costs for the project precisely.
'Folgekosten' (follow-up costs) is often combined with verbs like 'verursachen' (to cause), 'berechnen' (to calculate), 'unterschätzen' (to underestimate), or 'berücksichtigen' (to take into account). Typical adjectives are 'hoch' (high), 'enorm' (enormous), or 'versteckt' (hidden).
Viele Käufer unterschätzen die versteckten Folgekosten eines günstigen Druckers.
Many buyers underestimate the hidden follow-up costs of a cheap printer.
operating costs / service charges
'die Betriebskosten' and 'die Folgekosten' can both refer to costs that arise after a purchase or during use. The difference is in the perspective. 'Betriebskosten' are regular ongoing costs, for example for an apartment or for a company. 'Folgekosten' arise as a consequence of a decision, a purchase, or an event, for example later costs for maintenance, repairs, or operation. The words can be confused because operating costs can also be follow-up costs of a purchase. But 'Folgekosten' especially emphasizes: these costs are added later.
Vor dem Kauf des alten Autos denkt Paul auch an die möglichen Folgekosten.
Before buying the old car, Paul also thinks about the possible follow-up costs.
Wegen der hohen Betriebskosten sucht das Team ein kleineres Büro.
Because of the high operating costs, the team is looking for a smaller office.