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Rate

instalment

noun RAH-te Rare

Origin: from Latin rata 'reckoned'

Also means

rate

Usage Note

Rate means an instalment when paying off a loan or purchase: in Raten zahlen (to pay in instalments). It also means a rate, as in Geburtenrate (birth rate). The plural is Raten. Buying auf Raten is buying on the never-never.

Examples

"Das Auto bezahlt sie in monatlichen Raten."

Natural Translation

She is paying for the car in monthly instalments.

Literal Translation

The car pays she in monthly instalments.

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