der Zusatz
additive
Something that is added to another thing in order to supplement, change, or improve it; an additive.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Lebensmittel enthält keine künstlichen Zusätze.
This food contains no artificial additives.
der Zusatz
addition / additive
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Meanings
der Zusatz
addition
A supplementary clause, remark, or piece of information in a text, contract, or document.
EXAMPLE
Bitte beachten Sie den neuen Zusatz im Arbeitsvertrag.
Please note the new addition in the employment contract.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'zusetzen' and contains the prefix 'zu-', which often indicates a supplement or addition. A 'Zusatz' (addition/additive) is therefore something that is 'dazu gesetzt' (added to) something else.
EXAMPLE
Als Zusatz zu seinem Vortrag zeigte er noch ein kurzes Video.
As an addition to his talk, he showed a short video.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: If it is about food, drinks, or materials, it usually means an 'additive'. If it is about contracts, texts, or conversations, it means an 'addition' or 'supplement'.
EXAMPLE
Der Joghurt ist ohne den Zusatz von Zucker.
The yogurt is without added sugar.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'additive', the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'künstlich' (artificial), 'chemisch' (chemical), or 'natürlich' (natural). On packaging, you often read 'ohne Zusatz von...' (without the addition of...).
EXAMPLE
Viele Fertigprodukte enthalten chemische Zusätze zur Konservierung.
Many ready-made products contain chemical additives for preservation.
Use with 'zu'
When supplementary information is meant, the preposition 'zu' (+ dative) is often used to say what something is an addition to. For example, 'ein Zusatz zum Protokoll' (an addition to the minutes/record).
EXAMPLE
Er formulierte einen wichtigen Zusatz zum Gesetzestext.
He formulated an important addition to the legal text.
Compare with
Zusatz vs Ergänzung
addition / complement
Ergänzung and Zusatz can both refer to additional information in a text. Ergänzung emphasizes that something previously missing is being completed, while Zusatz refers more generally to added or optional information. If the new content fills a gap, Ergänzung is more precise; otherwise, Zusatz is sufficient.
Zusatz
Der Zusatz am Ende des Berichts weist freiwillig auf eine weitere Möglichkeit hin.
The addition at the end of the report voluntarily points out another option.
Ergänzung
Die Ergänzung des Berichts erklärt den bisher fehlenden letzten Schritt.
The addition to the report explains the final step that had previously been missing.
In real life
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