German word

Verdienst

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈdiːnst/

Meaning

  • masculine nounincome

Example

Mein Verdienst reicht nicht.

My income isn't enough.

Illustration for Verdienst (income)

More examples

Sein Verdienst am Projekt wird gewürdigt.

His contribution to the project is being recognized.

Core concept

A ledger can show money earned from work, while a record of good deeds can show what a person has earned in respect.

Common phrases

  • hoher Verdienst

    high income

  • ein anständiger Verdienst

    a decent income

  • Verdienst beziehen

    receive an income

Similar words

Gehalt: A fixed monthly salary paid to an employee.
Lohn: Wages calculated by the hour or day.
Einkommen: Total income from work, investments, or other sources.
Honorar: Payment received per assignment by a professional or freelancer.

Definition in German

Verdienst bezeichnet das durch Arbeit oder selbständige Tätigkeit erzielte Einkommen; außerdem wird der Begriff bildlich für persönliche Verdienste verwendet.

Word origin

Middle High German verdienen is the source of modern Verdienst, with the noun retaining the verb's senses of earning and meriting.

Usage tips

  • Verdienst is not the usual word for a fixed salary; Gehalt usually names salaried pay, and Lohn often names wages.

Other meanings

  • earningsnoun
  • achievementnoun

Opposites

  • Armutpovertynoun
  • Niedriglohnlow wagesnoun

Related words

  • Verdiensthöheincome levelnoun
  • Verdienstgrenzeincome limitnoun
  • verdienstvollmeritoriousadjective

Word lists with this word