Mehrwertsteuer
value-added tax
noun MAYR-vert-shtoy-er Rare
Origin: from Mehrwert 'added value' + Steuer 'tax'
Also means
VAT
Usage Note
Mehrwertsteuer, often abbreviated MwSt., is Germany's value-added tax, charged at a standard nineteen percent and a reduced seven percent on food and books. On invoices you see zzgl. MwSt. (plus VAT). The technical term is Umsatzsteuer. Plural is rare: Mehrwertsteuern.
Examples
"Der Preis versteht sich inklusive Mehrwertsteuer."
Natural Translation
The price is understood to include value-added tax.
Literal Translation
The price understands itself inclusive value-added-tax.

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