provision / deferral
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provision
In accounting, an amount set aside for future, uncertain liabilities or anticipated losses whose amount or timing has not yet been determined exactly.
Das Unternehmen musste eine hohe Rückstellung für Pensionsverpflichtungen bilden.
The company had to create a large provision for pension obligations.
deferment
The temporary exemption from an obligation, especially from military service or compulsory military service, often for professional or educational reasons.
Er beantragte eine Rückstellung vom Wehrdienst, um sein Medizinstudium abschließen zu können.
He applied for a deferment from military service so that he could complete his medical studies.
deferral
The formal act of postponing a decision, application, or procedure to a later point in time.
Aufgrund fehlender Unterlagen wurde die Rückstellung des Bauantrags beschlossen.
Due to missing documents, the deferral of the building application was decided.
'Rückstellung' comes from the separable verb 'zurückstellen' (to put back/postpone). The basic idea of 'zurückstellen'—setting something aside or postponing it for a later point in time—connects all the meanings: money for the future, an obligation for later, or a decision.
Wir müssen die Entscheidung über den neuen Standort zurückstellen.
We have to postpone the decision about the new location.
This word is used almost only in formal contexts. Depending on the meaning, it belongs to the technical language of finance (accounting) or to official language (official applications and procedures).
Der Antrag auf Rückstellung wurde in formeller Sprache verfasst.
The application for deferment was written in formal language.
The context indicates the meaning. Words like 'Bilanz' (balance sheet), 'Kosten' (costs), or 'Pensionen' (pensions) point to the financial meaning. 'Wehrdienst' (military service) or 'Militär' (military) point to exemption from an obligation. 'Antrag' (application) or 'Entscheidung' (decision) point to a postponement.
Die Firma bildete eine Rückstellung für erwartete Prozesskosten.
The company created a provision for expected legal costs.
In a financial context, the most important fixed combinations are 'Rückstellungen bilden' (to create provisions; to reserve money for a purpose) and 'Rückstellungen auflösen' (to release provisions; to free up the reserved money again).
Für mögliche Garantiefälle muss das Unternehmen eine Rückstellung bilden.
The company has to create a provision for possible warranty claims.
liberation / release
When referring to an obligation, both terms mean that it initially does not have to be fulfilled. Befreiung removes the obligation, while Rückstellung merely postpones it and is temporary. For military service, Befreiung is appropriate when someone is completely released from the obligation, whereas Rückstellung is used when service is deferred until a later date.
Seine Rückstellung vom Wehrdienst galt nur bis zum Ende des Studiums.
His deferment from military service was valid only until the end of his studies.
Seine Befreiung vom Wehrdienst galt dauerhaft.
He was permanently exempt from military service.
