Zuwachs

Zuwachs is a German noun meaning increase, gain, addition, or growth. It denotes the amount by which something has grown within a defined period or context. The term is used across several fields to express numerical growth rather than qualitative development. It is commonly combined with figures, for example: Zuwachs um 3 Prozent or Zuwachs an Einwohnern.

Etymologically, Zuwachs is formed from the prefix zu- meaning added or toward and from Wuchs (growth) or Wachstum (growth, increase). The word emphasizes an incremental addition to a base quantity.

In demography, Zuwachs describes population growth, while in economics it can denote increases in revenue, production, or assets. In statistics and planning, Zuwachs is used when reporting periodic gains, often contrasted with Zunahme (increase) or Wachstum (growth) depending on emphasis. In forestry and botany, Zuwachs refers to the annual increment of a tree or plant, the amount by which its size increases in a year.

Usage notes: Zuwachs conveys an additive sense of increase and is common in formal or technical writing. It can apply to numerical totals, capacity, or living standards, among others. Depending on context, more common synonyms include Zunahme or Wachstum, but Zuwachs remains prevalent when the focus is on measured increments or additions. See also Zunahme, Wachstum, Bevölkerungswachstum.