In German tax law, these are expenses that serve to acquire, secure, and maintain income and can be deducted from taxes. The word is used almost exclusively in the plural.
example
Die Fahrtkosten zur Arbeit können als Werbungskosten in der Steuererklärung angegeben werden.
Travel costs to work can be listed as work-related expenses in the tax return.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'Werbung' (advertising/soliciting) and 'Kosten' (costs). Here, 'Werbung' comes from the old verb 'werben' in the sense of 'to make an effort' or 'to acquire something'. So these are costs incurred for the acquisition of income.
EXAMPLE
Fachliteratur kann man als Werbungskosten von der Steuer absetzen.
Specialist literature can be deducted from taxes as work-related expenses.
Typical verbs
In the context of a tax return, 'Werbungskosten' (work-related expenses) are 'abgesetzt' (deducted), 'geltend gemacht' (claimed), or 'angegeben' (declared/listed).
EXAMPLE
Vergessen Sie nicht, alle Ihre Werbungskosten geltend zu machen.
Don't forget to claim all your work-related expenses.
Context: tax law
This word is a technical term from German tax law. In everyday life outside of tax returns, it is rarely used.
EXAMPLE
Mein Steuerberater hat mir erklärt, was alles zu den Werbungskosten zählt.
My tax advisor explained to me what all counts as work-related expenses.