01
der Nachlass
discount
A reduction in price; a discount granted on a purchase.
example
Bei Barzahlung erhalten Sie einen Nachlass von drei Prozent.
If you pay in cash, you receive a discount of three percent.
der Nachlass
discount / estate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'nachlassen' (to let up / to reduce). It describes something that is 'nachgelassen' (reduced or left behind)—whether a part of the price (a discount) or a person's assets after their death.
EXAMPLE
Der Händler hat beim Preis etwas nachgelassen.
The dealer reduced the price a little.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about prices, percentages, and buying, a discount is meant. If it is about death, inheritance, art, or literature, it refers to the assets of a deceased person.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe auf das Ausstellungsstück einen Nachlass von 20 % bekommen.
I got a 20% discount on the display item.
Typical collocations (discount)
When referring to a discount, typical formulations are 'einen Nachlass gewähren' (to grant a discount), 'einen Nachlass bekommen' (to get a discount), or 'um einen Nachlass bitten' (to ask for a discount). The preposition 'auf' (+ accusative) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer gewährte mir einen kleinen Nachlass auf den Fernseher.
The salesperson granted me a small discount on the television.
Typical collocations (inheritance)
In the sense of an inheritance, 'Nachlass' (estate) is often combined with verbs like 'verwalten' (to administer), 'regeln' (to settle), or 'ordnen' (to organize). It also frequently appears with a genitive that names the original owner.
EXAMPLE
Ein Anwalt hilft dabei, den Nachlass der Verstorbenen zu regeln.
A lawyer helps settle the deceased woman's estate.
Compare with
Nachlass vs Vermögen
fortune / ability
'das Vermögen' and 'der Nachlass' can both refer to a person's possessions or assets. The important difference is the time and situation. 'das Vermögen' can belong to a living person, a family, or a company. 'der Nachlass' means the estate of a deceased person, which passes to the heirs. The words can be confused because an estate often consists of a person's fortune or assets. If someone is still alive, or if you are speaking generally about money and possessions, use 'Vermögen'. After someone has died, 'Nachlass' is more precise.
Nachlass
Am Wochenende spricht die Familie über den Nachlass der Großmutter.
At the weekend, the family talks about the grandmother's estate.
Vermögen
Das Vermögen der Firma besteht nicht nur aus Geld, sondern auch aus mehreren Gebäuden.
The company's assets consist not only of money, but also of several buildings.
In real life
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