Zuschuss

subsidy, grant, financial contribution

noun TSOO-shus Rare

Usage Note

Zuschuss is a non-repayable financial contribution from a public or private body, such as a government Förderzuschuss for energy-efficient renovation. It contrasts with a Darlehen (loan, repayable). Also used informally for any extra money someone contributes.

Examples

"Der Staat gewährt einen Zuschuss für die Anschaffung von Elektrofahrzeugen."

Natural Translation

The state grants a subsidy for the purchase of electric vehicles.

Literal Translation

The state grants a subsidy for the acquisition of electric-vehicles.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

How to Memorize German Vocabulary Fast

Memorize German vocabulary fast with a five-step workflow: drill the top 100 words, learn nouns with their article, color-code gender, and use spaced repetition

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Umlauts & ß: Sounds and Typing

Pronounce ä, ö, ü with the front-tongue, rounded-lips rule, master the ß vs ss spelling, and type every German umlaut on Mac, Windows, and phone.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Compound Words: How to Read Any Long Word

Read any long German word by working right-to-left: the last noun sets the meaning and gender, and the small linking letters are just glue. Here's the drill.

June 9, 2026 6 min read