Berechnen

Berechnen is a German verb meaning to calculate or compute, and in financial contexts to bill or charge someone. It can refer to determining a numerical value, an amount of money, or an overall total. The noun Berechnung denotes the act or result of calculating.

Etymology and usage: Berechnen is formed from the verb rechnen (to count or calculate) with the prefix be-, which adds a sense of applying the action to something or making it formal. The verb is transitive and used with a direct object, for example the sum or the price. Examples: “Ich berechne die Gesamtsumme.” “Die Software berechnet den Zins.” In billing contexts it can take a dative object for the recipient: “Der Arzt berechnet dem Patienten die Kosten.”

Grammar and forms: Berechnen is a regular verb. Present tense forms include ich berechne, du berechnest, er berechnet, wir berechnen, ihr berechnet, sie berechnen. The past participle is berechnet, used with haben: “Ich habe die Kosten berechnet.” The verb is not separable, unlike some other prefix verbs.

Related terms and variants: Berechnung (calculation or computation), Kostenberechnung, Preisberechnung, Kalkulation. Synonyms include ausrechnen and kalkulieren, though these can have slight nuances in formality or emphasis.

See also: Calculation in mathematics, billing and invoicing practices, and financial accounting terminology.