Meaning
To cause damage or disadvantage to someone or something else.
Cultural Background
The 'Soziale Marktwirtschaft' is a core identity. Germans often use 'auf Kosten von' to criticize companies that prioritize profit over social welfare. In Viennese coffee house culture, 'auf Kosten {des|m} Hauses' is a rare but highly valued gesture of hospitality. Swiss direct democracy often debates whether new infrastructure comes 'auf Kosten' of the landscape or local autonomy. In German business meetings, using this phrase is a serious accusation. It implies that a strategy is unsustainable or harmful.
Use the Genitive
In your B2/C1 writing exam, always use 'auf Kosten' + Genitive (e.g., 'auf Kosten {der|f} Gesellschaft') to impress the examiners.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it for every cause-and-effect. Reserve it for situations where there is a clear 'winner' and 'loser'.
Meaning
To cause damage or disadvantage to someone or something else.
Use the Genitive
In your B2/C1 writing exam, always use 'auf Kosten' + Genitive (e.g., 'auf Kosten {der|f} Gesellschaft') to impress the examiners.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it for every cause-and-effect. Reserve it for situations where there is a clear 'winner' and 'loser'.
Humor Check
Germans value 'Schadenfreude', but making jokes 'auf Kosten' of someone who is present can be seen as very rude unless you are close friends.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article in the Genitive case.
Der wirtschaftliche Erfolg darf nicht auf Kosten ______ (die) Umwelt gehen.
'Umwelt' is feminine, and 'auf Kosten' triggers the Genitive case. The feminine Genitive article is 'der'.
Which sentence is correct for a formal essay?
Choose the most formal option:
The Genitive construction without 'von' is the most formal and grammatically precise.
Match the phrase to the situation.
A company pays for your flight.
When a company (Firma) pays, it is 'auf Kosten der Firma'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Warum bist du so müde?' B: 'Ich habe die ganze Nacht gelernt, leider ______.'
The speaker is explaining that their sleep was the sacrifice for their studying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer wirtschaftliche Erfolg darf nicht auf Kosten ______ (die) Umwelt gehen.
'Umwelt' is feminine, and 'auf Kosten' triggers the Genitive case. The feminine Genitive article is 'der'.
Choose the most formal option:
The Genitive construction without 'von' is the most formal and grammatically precise.
A company pays for your flight.
When a company (Firma) pays, it is 'auf Kosten der Firma'.
A: 'Warum bist du so müde?' B: 'Ich habe die ganze Nacht gelernt, leider ______.'
The speaker is explaining that their sleep was the sacrifice for their studying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsMostly, yes. It implies that someone is losing out. However, in financial contexts (like a company paying for a trip), it is neutral.
Yes, 'auf Kosten meiner Mutter' or 'auf Kosten meines Bruders' is very common.
'Zu Lasten' is more formal and often used in banking or law. 'Auf Kosten' is more versatile.
If you use 'von', it takes the Dative. If you don't use 'von', it takes the Genitive.
Yes! This means 'at my expense'. It's a very common way to say you are paying for something.
Yes, if you are discussing ethical business practices or work-life balance.
It means the restaurant or hotel is providing something for free (it's 'on the house').
Yes, 'auf Kosten meiner Zeit' means you are sacrificing your time for something.
Yes, 'auf Nacken' is very popular among young people in Germany right now.
You say 'auf Kosten seiner Gesundheit'.
Yes, in this context, it is always plural.
Absolutely. It is one of the most common phrases in German environmental activism.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'zum Vorteil von' (to the advantage of) is close.
It is always 'auf'. 'Aus' would be incorrect.
Related Phrases
zu Lasten von
synonymat the expense of / to the detriment of
auf jemandes Nacken
slangon someone's neck / someone else pays
ein Opfer bringen
similarto make a sacrifice
sich bereichern an
builds onto enrich oneself at the expense of
auf jemanden gehen
similarto be on someone (the bill)
