entgelten

Entgelten is a German verb meaning to remunerate, compensate, or pay remuneration for a service, claim, or right. It is used mainly in formal, legal, or administrative language and emphasizes the act of providing payment or consideration in response to an obligation. The related noun Entgelt denotes the payment itself—the fee, price, or compensation owed or paid for a service or good.

Etymology and usage notes: Entgelten is formed with the prefix ent- and gelt (a historical term related to value or money). In modern usage the verb appears relatively rarely and is considered formal or archaic in everyday speech. In typical communication, speakers more often use verbs such as bezahlen, vergüten, or entschädigen, while Entgelt remains common in noun form in tariff and contract language.

Contexts and terminology: The verb is most common in legal or contractual formulations, where it may appear in expressions describing the act of compensating a party for services, damage, or other obligations. In contrast, the noun Entgelt is widely used in everyday and professional language to refer to the remuneration itself. In tariff and administrative language, related terms such as Entgeltordnung, Entgelttarif, and Entgeltgruppen are common, describing the pricing or pay structure for services or labor.

See also: Entgelt, Vergütung, Gebühren, Honorar, Tarif, Entgeltordnung, Entgelttarif.