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Provision

A2 noun #3,000 most common 9 min read

Provision

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Provision in 30 Seconds

Explanation Provision in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'die Provision' is a word related to money and work. It is like a 'bonus' or 'extra money' you get when you sell something. You might see it in simple job ads or when talking about small sales. For example: 'Ich verkaufe ein Auto und bekomme eine Provision.' (I sell a car and get a commission). Just remember it is 'die' (feminine) and it means commission. Don't worry about complex business rules yet. Focus on the fact that it is a reward for selling. If you are learning basic shopping or work vocabulary, this word helps you understand how some people earn money. It is different from 'Gehalt' (salary) because it changes based on how much you sell. Think of it as 'success money'.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Provision' in simple sentences about work and money. You should know that it is a feminine noun ('die Provision'). You can use it with verbs like 'bekommen' (to get), 'bezahlen' (to pay), or 'erhalten' (to receive). You might encounter it when looking for an apartment ('Maklerprovision') or when talking about a job in sales. A key phrase to learn is 'auf Provision arbeiten' (to work on commission). You should also be aware that it is NOT the same as 'Proviant' (food for a trip). At this level, you can describe your job: 'Ich arbeite im Verkauf und bekomme eine Provision.' You can also ask about costs: 'Wie hoch ist die Provision?' (How high is the commission?). This word is very useful for basic professional communication.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuances of 'Provision' in various business contexts. You should be comfortable using compound nouns like 'Maklerprovision', 'Verkaufsprovision', or 'Vermittlungsprovision'. You can discuss the pros and cons of working on a commission basis. For example, you might say: 'Der Vorteil von Provisionen ist die Motivation, aber das Einkommen ist nicht sicher.' (The advantage of commissions is motivation, but the income is not secure). You should also understand the difference between 'Provision' and 'Rabatt' or 'Gebühr'. In a banking context, you might hear about 'Wechselprovision' when exchanging money. You are expected to use the word correctly in both written and spoken German, including proper adjective endings like 'eine hohe Provision' or 'wegen der geringen Provision'.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Provision' in more complex professional and legal discussions. You understand terms like 'Provisionsanspruch' (legal right to commission) or 'Provisionsabrechnung' (commission statement). You can negotiate commission rates using phrases like 'über die Provision verhandeln'. You are also aware of the cultural and legal aspects in Germany, such as the 'Bestellerprinzip' in real estate, where the person who orders the service pays the 'Maklerprovision'. You can read business contracts and identify clauses regarding commissions. You should be able to explain the difference between 'Provision' and 'Tantieme' (profit-sharing) or 'Courtage'. Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions and you should be able to handle complex sentence structures involving the word.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of 'Provision' and its implications in economy and law. You can discuss the ethics of commission-based advice in the financial sector ('Provisionsberatung' vs. 'Honorarberatung'). You understand the historical development of the term and its relation to Latin 'provisio'. You can use the word in academic or high-level professional reports, discussing 'Provisionserlöse' (commission revenues) or 'Provisionsaufwendungen' (commission expenses). You are fluent in using the word in all cases and can distinguish between subtle synonyms like 'Courtage' or 'Agio' in specific financial contexts. You can also critically analyze how commission structures influence market behavior and consumer protection laws.

At the C2 level, you use 'Provision' with the precision of a native speaker or an expert in finance and law. You can navigate the most complex legal texts regarding 'Handelsvertreterrecht' (commercial agent law) and the specific regulations surrounding 'Provisionsnachfolge' or 'Stornohaftung' (liability for cancellations). You can engage in high-level debates about the systemic risks of 'provisionsgetriebener Verkauf' (commission-driven sales) in the global economy. Your use of the word is perfectly integrated into a wide range of registers, from legal jargon to subtle irony in social commentary. You understand the etymological roots and can draw parallels with other Romance-influenced financial terms in German. You can draft complex contracts that define the exact conditions under which a 'Provisionsanspruch' arises, matures, and lapses.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Provision in 30 Seconds

Provision means 'commission' in a financial or sales context.
It is a feminine noun: die Provision (plural: Provisionen).
It is common in real estate, banking, and insurance industries.
Do not confuse it with 'Proviant' (food supplies) or legal 'clauses'.

The German word Provision is a fundamental term in the world of business, finance, and sales. At its core, it refers to a sum of money paid to an agent or salesperson for facilitating a transaction. Unlike a fixed salary (Gehalt), a Provision is usually variable and directly linked to the success of a sale or the closing of a contract. In English, the closest equivalent is commission. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone navigating the German job market, especially in sectors like real estate, insurance, or car sales.

Business Context: In professional settings, it describes the incentive-based pay structure. For example, a real estate agent (Immobilienmakler) earns a Maklerprovision when they successfully sell a house.

Der Verkäufer erhält für jedes verkaufte Auto eine Provision von fünf Prozent.

It is important to note that Provision is a feminine noun (die Provision). In German, this word is strictly used for financial commission. While the English word "provision" can mean providing something or a legal clause, the German word for those concepts would be Bereitstellung or Klausel. This makes it a partial false friend that learners must watch out for. You will hear it most often when discussing salary components, bank fees for currency exchange, or agent fees.

Banking and Finance: When you exchange money at a bank, the fee they charge for the service is often called a Wechselprovision.

Die Bank verlangt eine hohe Provision für den Umtausch von Währungen.

The word carries a neutral to positive connotation for the person receiving it (as it represents earnings) but can be viewed negatively by the person paying it (as an extra cost). In modern German society, the transparency of Provisionszahlungen is a recurring topic of consumer protection debates.

Legal Nuance: Legal documents will specify the Provisionsanspruch, which is the legal right to receive the commission once a specific condition is met.

Ohne schriftlichen Vertrag gibt es keinen Anspruch auf Provision.

Viele Versicherungsvertreter leben fast ausschließlich von ihrer Provision.

Die Provision wird erst nach der vollständigen Bezahlung der Rechnung fällig.

Using Provision correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and common verb pairings. As a feminine noun, it follows standard declension patterns. It is frequently the direct object of verbs like bekommen (to get), erhalten (to receive), zahlen (to pay), or verlangen (to demand). In business German, you will often see it used in the prepositional phrase auf Provision, meaning "on a commission basis."

Prepositional Use: The phrase "auf Provision arbeiten" describes a specific employment model where income depends on performance.

Arbeitest du für ein festes Gehalt oder auf Provision?

When discussing the amount of the commission, German speakers use the preposition in Höhe von (in the amount of). For example: "Eine Provision in Höhe von 10 Prozent." You can also use the word as a prefix in compound nouns, which is extremely common in German. Words like Provisionshöhe (amount of commission) or Provisionsabrechnung (commission statement) help streamline communication in financial contexts.

Compound Nouns: German loves building long words. Vermittlungsprovision is a specific term for a referral or mediation fee.

Die Vermittlungsprovision ist im Preis bereits enthalten.

In more formal or legal settings, the verb vereinbaren (to agree upon) is used to discuss the terms of the commission. "Wir haben eine Provision vereinbart" means "We have agreed on a commission." If someone is trying to avoid paying, you might hear about Provisionsbetrug (commission fraud), though this is a more specialized term. For everyday use at the A2-B1 level, focusing on the basic "get/pay" structure is sufficient.

The Plural Form: Use the plural when summarizing earnings over a period.

Seine Provisionen summierten sich diesen Monat auf 2000 Euro.

Können wir über die Provision noch einmal verhandeln?

Die Provision entfällt, wenn der Kunde vom Vertrag zurücktritt.

You are most likely to encounter the word Provision in scenarios involving financial transactions where a third party is involved. The most common place is the real estate market. In Germany, there was a major legal change regarding the Maklerprovision (specifically the "Bestellerprinzip"), which states that whoever hires the agent usually pays the commission. This is a common topic of conversation among people looking for apartments in cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg.

Real Estate News: News articles often discuss the impact of high Provisionen on the affordability of housing.

Die neue Regelung zur Maklerprovision soll Mieter entlasten.

Another frequent setting is the banking sector. When you open a brokerage account or trade stocks, you will see a Provision listed for each trade. Similarly, insurance brokers will often mention their Abschlussprovision (closing commission) when explaining why certain products are recommended. In a retail environment, specifically for high-ticket items like kitchens, furniture, or cars, the salespeople are often motivated by Provisionen, which might influence their sales tactics.

Career and Employment: In job interviews for sales positions, the structure of the Provision is a key point of negotiation.

Wird die Provision monatlich oder quartalsweise ausgezahlt?

Outside of professional life, you might hear it in consumer protection warnings. "Vorsicht vor versteckten Provisionen" (Beware of hidden commissions) is a common phrase in financial advice blogs. Even in the tech world, app stores like Apple or Google charge a Provision (often called a 'fee' in English, but Provision in German) for every app sale made through their platform. This has led to high-profile legal battles often discussed in German tech media.

Travel and Exchange: Currency exchange offices often advertise their services based on their Provision rates.

Hier tauschen wir Geld ohne Provision.

Die Verkaufsprovision bei eBay kann ziemlich hoch sein.

Der Berater bekommt eine Provision für den Abschluss der Lebensversicherung.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with Provision is assuming it has the same broad meaning as the English word "provision." In English, "provisions" often refers to supplies (food, water) or a clause in a legal document. In German, if you want to talk about food supplies for a trip, you must use Proviant. If you are talking about a legal clause, use Bestimmung or Klausel. Using Provision in these contexts will lead to immediate confusion.

False Friend: Provisions vs. Proviant: English: We need provisions for the hike. -> German: Wir brauchen Proviant für die Wanderung (NOT Provision).

Falsch: Wir haben genug Provision zum Essen dabei.

Another mistake is the gender. Many learners assume that words ending in "-ion" might be masculine or neuter, but in German, almost all words with the suffix "-ion" are feminine (die Station, die Information, die Provision). Always use feminine articles and adjective endings. Saying "das Provision" or "ein hoher Provision" is a common grammatical error. It should always be "die Provision" and "eine hohe Provision."

Prepositional Errors: Learners often say "mit Provision arbeiten" instead of the idiomatic "auf Provision arbeiten." While "mit" is understandable, "auf" is the standard business term.

Richtig: Er arbeitet auf Provision.

Lastly, don't confuse Provision with Trinkgeld (tip). A Provision is a formal, often percentage-based payment agreed upon in a contract. A Trinkgeld is a voluntary small amount given for good service in a restaurant or taxi. You would never call the money you give a waiter a "Provision." Similarly, you wouldn't call a real estate agent's fee a "Trinkgeld." Keeping these financial categories distinct is key to sounding natural in German.

Provision vs. Bonus: While related, a Bonus is often a one-time reward for general performance, while a Provision is specifically tied to a single transaction.

Der Angestellte erhielt einen Jahresbonus, aber keine Provision.

Verwechseln Sie nicht Provision mit Vorsorge.

While Provision is the most common term for sales commission, German offers several synonyms and related terms depending on the specific industry or the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these can help you expand your professional vocabulary and understand more complex financial discussions.

Courtage: This is a specific term used almost exclusively by stockbrokers and real estate agents. It comes from French and sounds more formal or traditional than Provision.

Die Courtage für den Makler beträgt 3,57 Prozent inkl. MwSt.

Another alternative is Vermittlungsgebühr (referral fee). This term is broader and can be used in contexts where someone isn't necessarily a professional agent but still facilitated a deal. It sounds less like a "salary component" and more like a one-off fee for a service. In creative or corporate leadership roles, you might encounter the term Tantieme. While similar to commission, a Tantieme is usually a share of the total profits of a company given to executives or authors, rather than a percentage of a single sale.

Gebühr vs. Provision: A Gebühr is usually a flat fee for a service, whereas a Provision is almost always a percentage of the transaction value.

Statt einer Provision berechnet der Berater ein festes Honorar.

For learners at the A2 level, you might also confuse it with Rabatt (discount). Remember: a Rabatt is money the customer saves, while a Provision is money an agent earns. They are opposite sides of the financial flow in a transaction. In informal settings, people might just say "mein Anteil" (my share) or "mein Cut" (my cut, anglicism), but in any professional or written context, Provision remains the standard and most respected term.

Honorar: A Honorar is a professional fee for experts like lawyers or doctors, usually based on time or specific tasks, not transaction volume.

Der Makler verzichtet auf die Provision und verlangt ein Honorar.

In dieser Branche sind Provisionen üblich.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Despite its Latin origin meaning 'providing', in modern German it has almost entirely lost the meaning of 'supplying' (which is now 'Bereitstellung') and narrowed down to 'commission'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʁoviˈzi̯oːn/

US /pʁoʊvɪˈziːoʊn/

Last syllable: Pro-vi-si-ON.

Rhymes With

Station Information Million Region Union Aktion Pension Tradition

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like an 'f' (like in 'vater'). In 'Provision', it is a voiced 'v'.
Stress on the first syllable. Incorrect: PRO-vision. Correct: Pro-vi-SION.
Confusing the '-ion' ending with English pronunciation. In German, it is 'ee-ohn'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to Latin root, but requires context to distinguish from English meanings.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the '-ion' feminine rule and compound word formation.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you know the stress is on the end.

Listening 2/5

Clearly articulated in business contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Geld Verkaufen Arbeit Prozent Bezahlen

Learn Next

Makler Vertrag Umsatz Steuern Gehalt

Advanced

Courtage Tantieme Handelsvertreter Stornohaftung Akzessorietät

Grammar to Know

Feminine Nouns ending in -ion

Die Provision, die Station, die Aktion.

Compound Noun Construction

Makler + Provision = Maklerprovision.

Preposition 'auf' for Basis

Auf Provisionsbasis, auf Rechnung, auf Deutsch.

Genitive case for belonging

Die Höhe der Provision.

Dative plural with 'von'

Er lebt von seinen Provisionen.

Examples by Level

Ich bekomme eine Provision.

I get a commission.

Provision is feminine: 'eine Provision'.

Ist die Provision hoch?

Is the commission high?

Question structure with 'sein'.

Er verkauft Handys für Provision.

He sells mobile phones for commission.

'für' + Accusative.

Keine Provision!

No commission!

Negation with 'keine'.

Die Provision ist neu.

The commission is new.

Subject + verb + adjective.

Wir zahlen die Provision.

We pay the commission.

Verb 'zahlen' takes the accusative.

Danke für die Provision.

Thanks for the commission.

'für' always takes the accusative.

Meine Provision ist klein.

My commission is small.

Possessive pronoun 'meine'.

Der Makler verlangt eine Provision.

The agent demands a commission.

Makler (agent) is the subject.

Ich arbeite nur auf Provision.

I only work on commission.

Fixed phrase: 'auf Provision'.

Wie viel Provision bekommst du?

How much commission do you get?

Interrogative 'wie viel'.

Die Provision beträgt fünf Prozent.

The commission amounts to five percent.

Verb 'betragen' (to amount to).

Muss ich die Provision sofort bezahlen?

Do I have to pay the commission immediately?

Modal verb 'müssen'.

Er hat eine gute Provision erhalten.

He received a good commission.

Perfect tense: 'hat erhalten'.

Ohne Provision ist die Wohnung billiger.

Without commission, the apartment is cheaper.

Preposition 'ohne' + Accusative.

Die Bank nimmt eine Wechselprovision.

The bank takes an exchange commission.

Compound word: 'Wechselprovision'.

Die Maklerprovision ist gesetzlich geregelt.

The broker's commission is regulated by law.

Passive voice: 'ist geregelt'.

Wir haben eine Provision von 10% vereinbart.

We agreed on a commission of 10%.

Perfect tense of 'vereinbaren'.

Verkäufer werden oft durch Provisionen motiviert.

Salespeople are often motivated by commissions.

Passive voice with 'werden'.

Die Provision wird vom Kaufpreis abgezogen.

The commission is deducted from the purchase price.

Passive voice: 'wird abgezogen'.

Gibt es bei diesem Job eine feste Provision?

Is there a fixed commission with this job?

Phrase 'es gibt' + Accusative.

Er lebt von seinen monatlichen Provisionen.

He lives off his monthly commissions.

Preposition 'von' + Dative plural.

Die Provision entfällt bei einer Stornierung.

The commission is waived in case of a cancellation.

Verb 'entfallen' (to be omitted/waived).

Können wir die Provision verhandeln?

Can we negotiate the commission?

Modal verb 'können' + infinitive 'verhandeln'.

Der Provisionsanspruch entsteht mit dem Kaufvertrag.

The right to commission arises with the sales contract.

Noun 'Provisionsanspruch'.

Trotz der hohen Provision war das Geschäft lukrativ.

Despite the high commission, the deal was lucrative.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive.

Die Provisionen wurden transparent aufgelistet.

The commissions were listed transparently.

Past passive: 'wurden aufgelistet'.

Es handelt sich um eine reine Vermittlungsprovision.

It is a pure referral commission.

Reflexive phrase 'es handelt sich um'.

Die Provisionshöhe hängt vom Umsatz ab.

The amount of commission depends on the turnover.

Separable verb 'abhängen von'.

Der Berater verzichtet auf seine Provision.

The consultant waives his commission.

Verb 'verzichten auf' + Accusative.

Die Abrechnung der Provision erfolgt quartalsweise.

The billing of the commission takes place quarterly.

Genitive case: 'Abrechnung der Provision'.

Das Bestellerprinzip regelt die Maklerprovision neu.

The 'buyer pays' principle re-regulates broker commission.

Specific legal term 'Bestellerprinzip'.

Die Provisionsberatung steht oft in der Kritik.

Commission-based advice is often criticized.

Compound: 'Provisionsberatung'.

Incentives werden oft in Form von Provisionen gewährt.

Incentives are often granted in the form of commissions.

Passive voice: 'werden gewährt'.

Die Deckelung der Provisionen ist politisch umstritten.

The capping of commissions is politically controversial.

Nominalization 'Deckelung'.

Er konnte beachtliche Provisionserlöse erzielen.

He was able to achieve considerable commission revenues.

Adjective 'beachtlich' (considerable).

Die Provision wird prozentual vom Netto-Umsatz berechnet.

The commission is calculated as a percentage of net sales.

Adverb 'prozentual'.

Interessenkonflikte durch Provisionen müssen vermieden werden.

Conflicts of interest caused by commissions must be avoided.

Modal passive: 'müssen vermieden werden'.

Die Provision ist nach Abschluss des Geschäfts fällig.

The commission is due after the transaction is completed.

Adjective 'fällig' (due).

Sie forderte eine angemessene Provision für ihre Dienste.

She demanded a reasonable commission for her services.

Verb 'fordern' (to demand).

Die Akzessorietät des Provisionsanspruchs ist rechtlich komplex.

The accessory nature of the commission claim is legally complex.

High-level legal terminology 'Akzessorietät'.

Provisionsgetriebene Geschäftsmodelle bergen systemische Risiken.

Commission-driven business models harbor systemic risks.

Participle adjective 'provisionsgetrieben'.

Die Stornohaftung mindert den effektiven Provisionszufluss.

Liability for cancellations reduces the effective commission inflow.

Specific insurance term 'Stornohaftung'.

Eine marktübliche Provision wurde im Vorfeld vereinbart.

A customary commission was agreed upon in advance.

Adjective 'marktüblich' (customary for the market).

Die steuerliche Behandlung von Provisionen variiert je nach Land.

The tax treatment of commissions varies by country.

Noun 'Behandlung' in a technical sense.

Provisionszahlungen unterliegen strengen Compliance-Richtlinien.

Commission payments are subject to strict compliance guidelines.

Verb 'unterliegen' + Dative.

Der Verzicht auf die Provision erfolgte aus Kulanz.

The waiver of the commission was done out of goodwill.

Noun 'Kulanz' (goodwill/accommodation).

Die Provision fungiert hier als primärer Leistungsanreiz.

The commission functions here as the primary performance incentive.

Verb 'fungieren als' (to function as).

Common Collocations

eine Provision erhalten

auf Provision arbeiten

eine Provision verlangen

provisionsfrei

Provision in Höhe von

die fällige Provision

Provisionen abrechnen

eine Provision vereinbaren

versteckte Provision

marktübliche Provision

Common Phrases

Provision kassieren

— To collect or pocket a commission, often used slightly negatively.

Er will nur die Provision kassieren.

Ohne Provision

— Without any commission fees.

Dieser Geldautomat ist ohne Provision.

Provision teilen

— To split the commission between two agents.

Die beiden Makler teilen sich die Provision.

Provision zurückzahlen

— To refund a commission (e.g., if a deal is canceled).

Er musste die Provision zurückzahlen.

Maximale Provision

— The highest possible commission.

Er versucht, die maximale Provision zu erzielen.

Provision pro Stück

— Commission per unit sold.

Sie bekommt 10 Euro Provision pro Stück.

Provision für Vermittlung

— Commission for a referral.

Ich gebe dir eine Provision für die Vermittlung.

Mindestprovision

— Minimum commission amount.

Die Mindestprovision beträgt 50 Euro.

Provision bei Abschluss

— Commission upon closing the deal.

Die Provision wird bei Abschluss fällig.

Provision deckeln

— To cap the commission at a certain amount.

Die Regierung will die Provisionen deckeln.

Often Confused With

Provision vs Proviant

Proviant means food supplies for a journey, while Provision means financial commission.

Provision vs Vorsorge

English 'provision' (making arrangements) is translated as 'Vorsorge' in German.

Provision vs Klausel

English 'provision' (in a contract) is translated as 'Klausel' or 'Bestimmung'.

Idioms & Expressions

"auf die Provision schielen"

— To be overly focused on the commission rather than the customer's needs.

Der Berater schielt nur auf die Provision.

informal

"die Provision einstreichen"

— To pocket the commission (often implying it was easy money).

Nach dem Deal konnte er eine dicke Provision einstreichen.

informal

"nur wegen der Provision"

— Doing something solely for the money/commission.

Er hat mir das Handy nur wegen der Provision verkauft.

neutral

"Provisionsjäger"

— A 'commission hunter' – someone who only cares about sales for the money.

Sei kein Provisionsjäger, denk an die Kunden.

informal/pejorative

"Provision abgreifen"

— To snatch or grab a commission.

Er hat schnell die Provision abgegriffen.

slang

"sich die Provision verdienen"

— To truly earn the commission through hard work.

Mit diesem schwierigen Verkauf hat er sich die Provision verdient.

neutral

"um die Provision bringen"

— To cheat someone out of their commission.

Sie wollten ihn um seine Provision bringen.

neutral

"Provisionsbasis"

— The foundation of being paid by commission.

Das ganze Team arbeitet auf Provisionsbasis.

professional

"Provisionsverbot"

— A legal ban on commissions (often discussed in financial reform).

Ein Provisionsverbot für Versicherungen wird diskutiert.

formal

"Provision als Anreiz"

— Commission as an incentive.

Wir nutzen die Provision als Anreiz für mehr Verkäufe.

professional

Easily Confused

Provision vs Rabatt

Both involve percentages of a price.

A Rabatt is a discount for the buyer; a Provision is a payment for the seller/agent.

Ich bekomme 10% Rabatt, aber der Verkäufer bekommt 5% Provision.

Provision vs Bonus

Both are extra payments.

A Bonus is usually a general performance reward; a Provision is tied to a specific transaction.

Zusätzlich zur Provision erhielt er einen Weihnachtsbonus.

Provision vs Gebühr

Both are costs for a service.

A Gebühr is often a flat fee; a Provision is usually a percentage of a sale.

Die Bank verlangt eine Gebühr von 5 Euro und eine Provision von 1%.

Provision vs Trinkgeld

Both are extra money given in a transaction.

Trinkgeld is voluntary and informal; Provision is contractual and formal.

Der Kellner bekommt Trinkgeld, der Makler eine Provision.

Provision vs Gehalt

Both are ways to get paid.

Gehalt is a fixed monthly salary; Provision is variable based on sales.

Mein Gehalt ist sicher, aber die Provision ist ein schönes Extra.

Sentence Patterns

Ich bekomme [Adjektiv] Provision.

Ich bekomme kleine Provision.

Die Provision beträgt [Zahl] Prozent.

Die Provision beträgt drei Prozent.

Er arbeitet auf [Substantiv].

Er arbeitet auf Provisionsbasis.

Trotz der [Genitiv] ist es teuer.

Trotz der Provision ist es teuer.

Die Provision wird [Adverb] berechnet.

Die Provision wird anteilig berechnet.

Es besteht ein Anspruch auf [Substantiv].

Es besteht ein Anspruch auf Provisionsnachzahlung.

Wann wird die Provision [Verb]?

Wann wird die Provision ausgezahlt?

Wer zahlt die [Substantiv]?

Wer zahlt die Maklerprovision?

Word Family

Nouns

Provisionshöhe

Provisionsabrechnung

Provisionsanspruch

Provisionssatz

Provisionsmodell

Verbs

provisionieren (rare, technical)

verprovisionieren

Adjectives

provisionspflichtig

provisionsfrei

provisionsbasiert

Vermittlung

Makler

Umsatz

Abschluss

Honorar

How to Use It

frequency

Common in business and real estate.

Common Mistakes

Ich habe Provisionen zum Wandern gekauft. → Ich habe Proviant zum Wandern gekauft.
Provision means commission, Proviant means food supplies.
Das ist ein hoher Provision. → Das ist eine hohe Provision.
Provision is feminine, so it takes 'eine' and 'hohe'.
Er arbeitet mit Provision. → Er arbeitet auf Provision.
The correct preposition for working on commission is 'auf'.
Die Provision im Vertrag ist ungültig. → Die Klausel im Vertrag ist ungültig.
If you mean a paragraph/clause in a contract, use 'Klausel', not 'Provision' (unless referring to the commission amount).
Ich gebe dem Kellner eine Provision. → Ich gebe dem Kellner ein Trinkgeld.
Tips for service are 'Trinkgeld', not 'Provision'.

Tips

The -ion Rule

Almost all German words ending in -ion are feminine. This makes it easy to remember: die Provision, die Aktion, die Union.

False Friend Alert

Don't use 'Provision' for 'supplies'. Use 'Proviant' for food and 'Vorsorge' for general preparations.

Negotiation

In Germany, many commissions (like real estate) are negotiable. It never hurts to ask: 'Können wir über die Provision verhandeln?'

Written Contracts

Always ensure your commission agreements are in writing. Verbal agreements for 'Provision' can be very hard to prove in court.

Hidden Fees

When buying high-ticket items, ask if the price includes 'Vermittlungsprovisionen' to understand the true cost.

Job Hunting

If a job is 'nur auf Provision' (commission only), be careful. It means you have no guaranteed income if you don't sell anything.

Currency Exchange

Avoid airport exchange booths; they usually have the highest 'Wechselprovision'. Use local banks or ATMs for better rates.

Transparency

Germans value transparency. If you are an agent, clearly list your 'Provisionssatz' upfront to build trust with German clients.

The Sales Mission

Link 'Commission' to 'Mission'. A salesperson is on a mission to sell, and the reward is the Provision.

Compound Words

German speakers love compounds. Instead of 'Provision für den Makler', just write 'Maklerprovision' to sound more native.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PRO' salesperson who gets a 'VISION' of money. That vision is their PRO-VISION (commission).

Visual Association

Imagine a real estate agent holding a 'FOR SALE' sign in one hand and a percentage symbol (%) made of gold in the other.

Word Web

Geld Verkauf Makler Prozent Vertrag Gehalt Bank Versicherung

Challenge

Try to find three German job advertisements online that mention 'Provision' and see how the pay structure is described.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'provisio', meaning 'forethought' or 'providing'. It entered German through the financial language of the late Middle Ages.

Original meaning: The act of providing or looking ahead, which evolved in a business sense to mean a reward for providing a service or deal.

Indo-European (Latin root via Romance influence).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing commissions with agents; it can be a sensitive point of negotiation. Always clarify if a price is 'brutto' (including tax) or 'netto'.

In English, 'provision' is much broader. In German, 'Provision' is strictly financial commission. Do not use it for 'food provisions' (use Proviant).

The 'Bestellerprinzip' (legal principle governing who pays the Provision). Financial columns in 'Handelsblatt' discussing 'Provisionsverbot'. Real estate portals like ImmoScout24 always list 'Provision' details.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Real Estate

Wie hoch ist die Maklerprovision?
Ist das Angebot provisionsfrei?
Wer zahlt die Provision?
Die Provision ist im Preis enthalten.

Job Interview

Arbeite ich auf Provision?
Wie hoch ist der Provisionssatz?
Wann wird die Provision ausgezahlt?
Gibt es ein Fixum zusätzlich zur Provision?

Banking

Fällt eine Wechselprovision an?
Die Provision für den Aktienkauf ist hoch.
Gibt es versteckte Provisionen?
Die Bank verlangt eine Bearbeitungsprovision.

Insurance

Wie hoch ist die Abschlussprovision?
Bekommt der Berater eine Provision?
Ich möchte eine provisionsfreie Beratung.
Die Provision wird über die Jahre verteilt.

Online Sales

eBay verlangt eine Verkaufsprovision.
Bekomme ich eine Provision für Affiliate-Links?
Die Provision wird automatisch abgezogen.
Wie kann ich meine Provisionen tracken?

Conversation Starters

"Arbeitest du lieber für ein festes Gehalt oder auf Provision?"

"Findest du die Maklerprovisionen in Deutschland zu hoch?"

"Hast du schon einmal eine Provision für eine Vermittlung bekommen?"

"Sollten Bankberater Provisionen für den Verkauf von Produkten erhalten?"

"Wie viel Provision ist deiner Meinung nach für einen Autoverkäufer fair?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du eine Provision bezahlt hast. War der Service das Geld wert?

Würdest du einen Job annehmen, der nur auf Provision basiert? Warum oder warum unt?

Erkläre den Unterschied zwischen Provision, Trinkgeld und Bonus in deinen eigenen Worten.

Denkst du, dass Provisionen die Qualität der Beratung verschlechtern? Begründe deine Meinung.

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Immobilienmakler. Wie würdest du deine Provision gegenüber einem Kunden rechtfertigen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Eine Provision ist eine erfolgsabhängige Bezahlung für eine Vermittlung oder einen Verkauf. Sie wird meist in Prozent vom Verkaufspreis berechnet.

Seit dem Bestellerprinzip zahlt meist die Person die Provision, die den Makler beauftragt hat. Bei Immobilienverkäufen wird sie oft geteilt.

Nein. Proviant ist Essen und Trinken für eine Reise. Provision ist Geld für einen Verkauf. Das ist ein häufiger Fehler von Englischsprechern.

Ja, Provisionen gelten als Einkommen und müssen in der Steuererklärung angegeben und versteuert werden.

Provisionsfrei bedeutet, dass für den Käufer oder Mieter keine zusätzliche Vermittlungsgebühr an einen Makler anfällt.

Das hängt von der Branche ab. Bei Immobilien sind es oft 3-7%, bei Versicherungen oder Autoverkäufen variiert es stark.

Der Anspruch entsteht normalerweise, wenn der vermittelte Vertrag rechtswirksam abgeschlossen wurde und die Tätigkeit des Maklers ursächlich dafür war.

Das ist eine Gebühr, die Banken verlangen, wenn man eine Währung in eine andere umtauscht (z.B. Euro in Dollar).

Ja, wenn der Vertrag später rückgängig gemacht wird (z.B. durch Stornierung), muss die Provision oft zurückgezahlt werden (Stornohaftung).

Es gibt kaum einen inhaltlichen Unterschied. 'Courtage' ist ein speziellerer, vornehmerer Begriff, der hauptsächlich im Immobilien- und Aktienhandel verwendet wird.