Der Ersatz
Example: Wir brauchen einen Ersatz für den kaputten Stuhl.
Definition
"Der Ersatz" refers to a replacement or substitute for something that is broken, missing, or otherwise unavailable. It is commonly used to describe an alternative item or person that takes the place of the original, as in the phrase "Wir brauchen einen Ersatz für den kaputten Stuhl."
Etymology
The word "der Ersatz" comes from the German verb "ersetzen," which means to replace or substitute. It originated in the 18th century and has been used to describe the act or result of substituting one thing for another. Did you know that "ersetzen" itself is formed from "er-" (a prefix implying completion) and "setzen" (to set or place)?
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"Der Ersatz" appears in the Vocaplus list "German - General - (B1) - set 3", containing 113 commonly used words.
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