German word

Reserve

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁeˈzɛɐ̯və/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsavings

Example

Er hat eine Reserve auf dem Konto.

He has savings in his account.

Illustration for Reserve (savings)

More examples

Ich lege eine Reserve für unerwartete Ausgaben an.

I am building up savings for unexpected expenses.

Core concept

A hidden safety margin that can be brought into use when the main supply or solution runs short.

Common phrases

  • eine Reserve anlegen

    build up savings

  • die Reserve auffüllen

    replenish savings

  • in Reserve halten

    keep in reserve

Similar words

Vorrat: A stored supply of food or household goods for later use.
Rücklage: Money set aside for future expenses or unexpected events.
Ersparnis: Money personally saved through careful spending.
Ersatz: A person or thing kept ready to replace one that is missing or faulty.

Definition in German

Etwas als Ersatz oder Rücklage, das man bereithält, um es im Notfall oder bei Bedarf einzusetzen.

Word origin

The noun Reserve was borrowed into German from French réserve, which developed from Latin reservare, to keep back.

Usage tips

  • In German, eine Reserve can refer to a substitute person or team as well as to money or objects, so context identifies the type of backup.

Other meanings

  • reservenoun
  • reserve fundnoun

Opposites

  • Mangelshortagenoun
  • Knappheitscarcitynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word