Erhöhung

Erhöhung is a German noun (feminine die Erhöhung). It comes from the verb erhöhen ("to raise" or "to increase") and denotes an increase in amount, level, or height. The term has several uses in different domains, always conveying a rise or uplift.

In everyday language, Erhöhung commonly refers to increases in value or quantity: a price increase (eine Preis- oder Mieterhöhung), a salary increase (Gehaltserhöhung or Lohnerhöhung), or a tax increase (Steuererhöhung). In business and administration it can describe adjustments to fees, tariffs, or subsidies.

In geography and physical contexts, Erhöhung can denote height or elevation relative to a reference level. For example, "eine landschaftliche Erhöhung" can refer to a hill or rise in the terrain, and in measurements one speaks of "Höhe" or "Erhebung." The term is more formal in this sense and is often replaced by "Erhebung" or "Höhe" depending on the context.

In law and policy, Erhöhung is common in formulations about changes to rates, contributions, or benefits. It is neutral and regulatory in tone: "eine Erhöhung der Mehrwertsteuer" or "eine Erhöhung der Zuschüsse."

Related terms include Steigerung, Zunahme, Anstieg or Preissteigerung; compounds like Gehalts- or Lohnerhöhung are frequently used to specify the type of increase.