The idea
Use Preis for the price of an item or service. Use Kosten for costs incurred for something. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.
| Expression | Meaning in comparison |
|---|---|
| Preis | Ein Preis nennt den Betrag für ein Angebot. |
| Kosten | Kosten erfassen den finanziellen Aufwand. |
Examples
- Der Preis für das kleine Modell steht am Regal.The price of the small model is displayed on the shelf.
- Die Kosten für Transport und Aufbau kommen hinzu.Transport and assembly costs are added.
- Ist dieser Preis inklusive Lieferung?Does this price include delivery?
- Wir teilen die Kosten für das Geschenk.We share the cost of the gift.
- Der alte Preis gilt noch bis Ende der Woche.The old price still applies until the end of the week.
- Die tatsächlichen Kosten liegen unter unserer Schätzung.The actual costs are below our estimate.
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Watch out
Kosten is plural in this meaning; say die Kosten sind, not die Kosten ist.
Try it yourself
What does “Preis” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “Kosten”.
Show answer or example answer
Ein Preis nennt den Betrag für ein Angebot. Kosten erfassen den finanziellen Aufwand.
Preis matches the price of an item or service; the German definition gives the intended sense.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Die Kosten für Transport und Aufbau kommen hinzu.
Show answer or example answer
Kosten: Kosten erfassen den finanziellen Aufwand.
Die Kosten für Transport und Aufbau kommen hinzu. uses Kosten for costs incurred for something. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “Preis” and “Kosten” in different situations.
Show answer or example answer
Mögliche Lösungen: Ist dieser Preis inklusive Lieferung? Wir teilen die Kosten für das Geschenk.
The model pair keeps the meanings separate: Preis expresses the price of an item or service, whereas Kosten expresses costs incurred for something. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
What does “Preis” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “Kosten”.
Ein Preis nennt den Betrag für ein Angebot. Kosten erfassen den finanziellen Aufwand.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Die Kosten für Transport und Aufbau kommen hinzu.
Kosten: Kosten erfassen den finanziellen Aufwand.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “Preis” and “Kosten” in different situations.
Mögliche Lösungen: Ist dieser Preis inklusive Lieferung? Wir teilen die Kosten für das Geschenk.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Describe two real situations from your day, using Preis in one and Kosten in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.