Schufa
credit rating agency (Germany's main credit bureau)
noun SHOO-fa Rare
Origin: acronym for 'Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung'
Usage Note
Schufa is Germany's primary consumer credit bureau, holding creditworthiness data on nearly every adult. A good Schufa-Score is essential for renting flats or getting loans. Schufa-Einträge (negative entries) can block credit access for years.
Examples
"Der Vermieter bestand auf einer positiven Schufa-Auskunft vor Vertragsabschluss."
Natural Translation
The landlord insisted on a positive credit report from Schufa before signing the contract.
Literal Translation
The landlord insisted on a positive Schufa-report before contract-conclusion.
Related Words
Explore German by topic
