equivalent value / value for money
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equivalent value
The value of something expressed in another form, usually in money. It refers to what something is worth or what one receives as an equivalent for it.
Er spendete alte Möbel im Gegenwert von etwa 500 Euro.
He donated old furniture with an equivalent value of about 500 euros.
The word consists of 'Gegen-' and 'Wert' (value). The prefix 'Gegen-' here means 'in exchange for' or 'as an equivalent'. The 'Gegenwert' (equivalent value) is therefore the value that one receives for something else.
Er tauschte sein altes Auto gegen ein neues Fahrrad und bekam zusätzlich einen kleinen Gegenwert in bar.
He traded his old car for a new bicycle and additionally received a small equivalent value in cash.
To express the exact value in money, the fixed expression 'im Gegenwert von' (with an equivalent value of) + amount of money is used. This structure is very common.
Die gestohlenen Juwelen hatten einen Gegenwert von über einer Million Euro.
The stolen jewels had an equivalent value of over one million euros.
In this meaning, it is often about the quality that you get for your money or effort. Typical verbs are 'einen Gegenwert bieten' (to offer value for money), 'einen Gegenwert erhalten' (to receive value for money), or 'einen Gegenwert erwarten' (to expect value for money).
Das teure Ticket hat sich gelohnt, die Show bot einen echten Gegenwert.
The expensive ticket was worth it; the show offered real value for money.
The first meaning is often very concrete and is given with 'im Gegenwert von...' (with an equivalent value of...) and a number. The second meaning is more abstract and qualitative and is often described with adjectives such as 'entsprechend' (appropriate), 'fair' (fair), or 'gering' (low).
Er spendete Kleidung im Gegenwert von 200 Euro.
He donated clothing with an equivalent value of 200 euros.
value
'der Wert' and 'der Gegenwert' can both say what something is worth financially or practically. 'Wert' describes the price or significance of the thing itself. 'Gegenwert' is used when an exchange is involved: what do you get in return for your money, your work, or another contribution? Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with value and money. If you simply want to say what something is worth, 'Wert' fits. If you mean the benefit received or the equivalent value, 'Gegenwert' is more precise.
Für den hohen Preis erwartet Anton einen echten Gegenwert.
For the high price, Anton expects real value for money.
Der Wert des Computers sinkt nach ein paar Jahren deutlich.
The value of the computer drops significantly after a few years.