award / surcharge
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award
The acceptance of a bid or the win in an auction, tender, or allocation process. You receive the award when you have submitted the best offer.
Unsere Firma hat den Zuschlag für den Bau der neuen Brücke bekommen.
Our company received the award for building the new bridge.
The word is made up of 'zu' and 'Schlag' (strike/blow). At an auction, the 'Schlag' of the hammer is the sign of the sale. The prefix 'zu' can mean 'added' or 'additional' here, which also explains the meaning of a price surcharge.
Mit dem letzten Hammerschlag erhielt sie den Zuschlag für das Kunstwerk.
With the final strike of the hammer, she received the award for the artwork.
In this meaning, 'Zuschlag' (award) is almost always used with the verbs 'bekommen' (to get), 'erhalten' (to receive), or 'erteilen' (to grant/award). You receive the award for a project or an item.
Unser Architekturbüro hat den Zuschlag für den Neubau des Rathauses erhalten.
Our architecture firm received the award for the construction of the new town hall.
When it is about an extra charge, a 'Zuschlag' (surcharge) is often 'erhoben' (levied/charged) or 'berechnet' (calculated/charged). The amount is indicated with 'von' (of), and the reason with 'für' (for).
Für Sitzplätze mit mehr Beinfreiheit wird ein Zuschlag von 25 Euro berechnet.
A surcharge of 25 euros is charged for seats with more legroom.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about competitions, auctions, or tenders, it means the award or acceptance of a bid. If it is about prices, invoices, or services, it means the additional amount of money.
Bei der Versteigerung bekam er den Zuschlag für nur 500 Euro.
At the auction, he got the winning bid for only 500 euros.
offer / deal
'das Angebot' and 'der Zuschlag' often occur together in tenders or contract awards, but they refer to different steps. An 'Angebot' is the proposal with the price and service that someone submits. The 'Zuschlag' is the acceptance: this offer is accepted, and the person or company gets the contract. Learners may confuse the words because a good offer can lead to the award. Remember: you submit an 'Angebot', but you receive the 'Zuschlag'.
Nach der Prüfung aller Preise bekommt die günstigste Firma den Zuschlag.
After reviewing all the prices, the cheapest company receives the award.
Unser Team hat ein Angebot für die Renovierung abgegeben.
Our team submitted an offer for the renovation.