kalkulieren
to calculate
To calculate the costs or price of something, often in a business context.
EXAMPLE
Der Handwerker hat die Kosten für die Renovierung genau kalkuliert.
The tradesman calculated the costs for the renovation precisely.
kalkulieren
to calculate
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Meanings
kalkulieren
to factor in
To include something in one's considerations or plans; to reckon with a possibility.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das Risiko von Lieferverzögerungen mit einkalkulieren.
We have to factor in the risk of delivery delays.
kalkulieren
to calculate
To determine something by doing arithmetic; to carry out a mathematical calculation.
EXAMPLE
Er kalkulierte schnell im Kopf, wie viel Wechselgeld er bekommen müsste.
He quickly calculated in his head how much change he should get.
Usage tips
Word origin
The word 'kalkulieren' (to calculate) comes from the Latin 'calculus', which means 'small stone'. In the past, people used little stones for counting. So the basic meaning is always 'to do arithmetic' or 'to calculate'.
EXAMPLE
Der Architekt kalkuliert die Materialmenge für den Bau.
The architect calculates the amount of material for the construction.
Abstract vs. concrete
'Kalkulieren' (to calculate) can mean both a concrete mathematical calculation and an abstract, strategic consideration. When it is about numbers, it is concrete. When it is about risks or possibilities, it is abstract.
EXAMPLE
Er kalkulierte die Gewinnchancen, bevor er investierte.
He calculated the chances of making a profit before he invested.
Typical collocations
In a business context, 'kalkulieren' (to calculate) is often combined with financial terms. Typical objects are 'die Kosten' (the costs), 'den Preis' (the price), 'ein Angebot' (an offer/quote), or 'das Budget' (the budget).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen muss seine Preise neu kalkulieren, um wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben.
The company has to recalculate its prices in order to remain competitive.
Use with `mit`
In the meaning 'to take something into account', 'kalkulieren' (to calculate) is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. You calculate 'mit' a possibility or a risk.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Projektplanung müssen wir mit unvorhergesehenen Problemen kalkulieren.
When planning the project, we have to reckon with unforeseen problems.
Compare with
kalkulieren vs rechnen
to calculate / to expect
„Mit etwas rechnen“ mainly means expecting something or considering it possible. „Etwas einkalkulieren“ goes further: the possibility is deliberately included in a plan or consideration. Use „rechnen“ for a mere expectation, and „kalkulieren“ when something is being taken into account as part of a plan.
kalkulieren
Bei der Planung der Wanderung kalkulieren wir Regen als Möglichkeit ein.
When planning the hike, we are factoring rain in as a possibility.
rechnen
Bei unserer Wanderung müssen wir mit Regen rechnen.
We have to expect rain on our hike.
In real life
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