gift / donation
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gift / transfer
The transfer of ownership (e.g., money, real estate, valuables) to another person without payment during one's lifetime. This often refers to the formal, legal act.
Die Schenkung des Hauses an ihre Kinder musste notariell beglaubigt werden.
The transfer of the house as a gift to her children had to be notarized.
The noun 'die Schenkung' (gift/donation) is derived directly from the verb 'schenken' (to give as a gift). The ending '-ung' turns the action of giving into a noun that describes the process or the result.
Die Schenkung wurde vertraglich festgehalten.
The gift was recorded in a contract.
This meaning is mainly used in formal, legal, or administrative contexts. It emphasizes the official act of transferring ownership, not the everyday act of giving a present.
Für die Schenkung des Grundstücks war ein Notartermin erforderlich.
A notary appointment was required for the transfer of the property as a gift.
When referring to the gifted object, 'Schenkung' (gift/donation) is often combined with adjectives such as 'großzügig' (generous), 'wertvoll' (valuable), or 'bedeutend' (significant). Typical verbs here are 'erhalten' (to receive) or 'annehmen' (to accept).
Die Bibliothek hat eine großzügige Schenkung seltener Bücher erhalten.
The library received a generous donation of rare books.
sale / sales
'der Verkauf' and 'die Schenkung' both have to do with something changing owners. The important difference is money: in a sale, the other person receives something and pays for it. In a 'Schenkung', something is given without payment, often also in a legal or formal context. The words can be confused because in both cases ownership is transferred. As a practical rule: if money is paid, 'Verkauf' fits. If something is given voluntarily and without anything in return, 'Schenkung' fits.
Die Schenkung des Hauses wurde beim Notar schriftlich festgehalten.
The gift transfer of the house was recorded in writing by the notary.
Wegen des Umzugs plant die Familie den Verkauf ihres alten Autos.
Because of the move, the family is planning to sell their old car.