der Ersatz
Translation
replacement, substitute, compensation, spare
Examples
Wir brauchen einen Ersatz für die kaputte Lampe.
We need a replacement for the broken lamp.
Kaffee ist kein Ersatz für Schlaf.
Coffee is no substitute for sleep.
Er leistete Ersatz für den Schaden.
He provided compensation for the damage.
Grammar Patterns
Ersatz für et4 a replacement/substitute for sth. We need a replacement for the old computer.
als Ersatz für et4 as a replacement/substitute for sth. He took sugar as a substitute for honey.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Stellvertreter, Austausch, Surrogat; Antonyms: Original
Etymology
From the verb 'ersetzen' (to replace). Composed of 'er-' (a prefix often indicating completion or substitution) and 'setzen' (to set, place).
Memory Tips
Think of 'ersatz coffee', a well-known term for a coffee substitute. The word itself means substitute or replacement.