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Verlust
/ˈfɛɐ̯ˌlʊst/
loss
Der Verlust des Passes war ein großes Problem.
The loss of the passport was a big problem.
neutral
The state of no longer having something that you once had, especially because it has been taken away or destroyed.
Durch den Verlust des Jobs hatte er finanzielle Schwierigkeiten.
Due to the loss of his job, he faced financial difficulties.
Used for tangible items (e.g., objects, money) or intangible things (e.g., opportunities, relationships).
Finance
Finance
The amount by which something decreases in value or quantity.
Der Verlust betrug 2000 Euro.
The loss amounted to 2,000 euros.
Commonly used in accounting, investments, and business contexts.
literary
Someone or something that is no longer present or available.
Sein Tod hinterließ einen großen Verlust für die Familie.
His death left a great loss for the family.
Often used metaphorically in literature or emotional contexts.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
In business or finance, 'Verlust machen' (to incur a loss) and 'Verlust erleiden' (to suffer a loss) are frequently used. For example, 'Das Unternehmen machte im letzten Quartal einen Verlust.' (The company incurred a loss last quarter.)
Gold Rule
Capitalization
In German, 'Verlust' is always capitalized as it is a noun.
Context Matters
Pay attention to whether 'Verlust' refers to a tangible loss (e.g., a lost passport) or a financial loss (e.g., a business loss). The context often clarifies the meaning.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *verlust*, from Old High German *firlust*, from Proto-Germanic *fralustuz* (loss), derived from *fralusnaną* (to lose). Cognate with English 'loss' and Dutch 'verlies'.
Usage Notes
Verlust is a noun and always capitalized in German. It can refer to both concrete (e.g., a lost item) and abstract (e.g., emotional loss) contexts. In financial contexts, it often implies a negative outcome in monetary terms.
Word Breakdown
ver-
prefix indicating loss or deprivation
prefix-lust
related to loss or destruction
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