depreciation
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depreciation
The reduction in the financial or material value of an item, a currency, or an asset over time. This can happen due to aging, wear and tear, or market changes.
Ein neues Auto hat im ersten Jahr den größten Wertverlust.
A new car has the greatest depreciation in the first year.
The word is a simple and logical combination of 'der Wert' (the value) and 'der Verlust' (the loss). It therefore literally describes the loss of value.
Der Wertverlust bei Elektronikartikeln ist besonders hoch.
Depreciation is especially high for electronic devices.
Common verbs in this context are 'erleiden' (to suffer) or 'haben' (to have). Typical adjectives are 'hoch' (high), 'gering' (low), 'enorm' (enormous), or 'jährlich' (annual).
Gebrauchte Elektroautos erleiden oft einen geringeren Wertverlust.
Used electric cars often suffer lower depreciation.
The term is very frequently used in connection with cars, technical devices such as smartphones and computers, or also with investments and real estate.
Vor dem Kauf eines neuen Handys sollte man den Wertverlust bedenken.
Before buying a new phone, you should consider the depreciation.
devaluation / disparagement
Both words can refer to a financial reduction in value. For a currency, Abwertung means an officially decided reduction in value relative to other currencies, while Wertverlust more generally describes a decrease that occurs over time. Use “Abwertung” for an official currency decision and “Wertverlust” for a general loss of value.
Durch die lange Nutzung erlitt das alte Auto einen deutlichen Wertverlust.
The old car suffered a significant loss of value through years of use.
Die Regierung beschloss die Abwertung der Währung gegenüber dem Euro.
The government decided to devalue the currency against the euro.
