Vorzahlen

Vorzahlen is a German verb meaning to pay money before a service is provided or goods are delivered. It commonly refers to paying in advance or covering costs that will later be reimbursed. The noun form is Vorauszahlung.

Etymology: from vor- meaning before and zahlen meaning to pay. In modern usage, vorzahlen is written as one word; there is also the noun Vorauszahlung and the related concept Anzahlung (down payment).

Usage: It is used in consumer, business, and travel contexts. Examples: “Ich muss heute noch vorzahlen” (I still have to pay in advance). “Der Mieter zahlt die erste Miete vor dem Einzug vor.” When a Vorauszahlung is required, the buyer pays before the service is delivered; in many cases this is a partial amount with the remainder due at delivery or after service.

Legal and practical notes: In many jurisdictions, prepaid amounts must be kept secure and refunded if the service is not provided or the contract is canceled. In travel and hospitality, prepayments are often governed by consumer protection rules and deposit regulations. The exact rights and obligations depend on local law and the terms of the contract.

Related terms: Vorauszahlung, Anzahlung, and Kaution; the choice among them reflects whether the payment is made upfront for a service, a product, or to secure a claim or rental.