German word

Mehrwertsteuer

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmeːɐ̯veːɐ̯tˌʃtɔʏ̯ɐ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounvalue-added tax

Example

Ich zahle beim Einkauf die Mehrwertsteuer.

I pay value-added tax when shopping.

Illustration for Mehrwertsteuer (value-added tax)

More examples

Die Preise sind inklusive Mehrwertsteuer angegeben.

The prices are listed inclusive of value-added tax.

Core concept

Value is built up in stages from production to sale, with a tax attached to each increase before the product reaches its buyer.

Common phrases

  • Mehrwertsteuer berechnen

    calculate value-added tax

  • inklusive Mehrwertsteuer

    inclusive of value-added tax

  • Mehrwertsteuer abziehen

    deduct value-added tax

Similar words

Umsatzsteuer: The formal legal term for VAT, especially common on invoices and business paperwork.
MwSt.: A concise abbreviation for VAT used on receipts, shop displays, and similar notices.
Steuersatz: A percentage that determines the amount of tax charged on a taxable transaction.
Mehrwertsteuersatz: A percentage used to calculate the value-added tax charged on a price.

Definition in German

Mehrwertsteuer ist die Steuer auf den bei Produktion und Handel entstehenden Wertzuwachs, die letztlich vom Endverbraucher getragen wird.

Word origin

Mehrwertsteuer is a transparent German compound of Mehr ('more'), Wert ('value'), and Steuer ('tax').

Usage tips

  • Umsatzsteuer is the official German legal term, while Mehrwertsteuer is the familiar everyday term for the same VAT.

Opposites

  • Steuerbefreiungtax exemptionnoun

Related words

  • Mehrwertsteuerpflichtvalue-added tax liabilitynoun
  • Mehrwertsteuergesetzvalue-added tax lawnoun

Word lists with this word