die Abschreibung
Translation
depreciation, amortisation, write-off, deduction
Examples
Die Abschreibung der Maschine erfolgt über zehn Jahre.
The depreciation of the machine takes place over ten years.
Man kann die Kosten als Abschreibung geltend machen.
You can claim the costs as a depreciation.
Grammar Patterns
to claim ((sth.)) as a depreciation/deduction You can claim the travel costs as a deduction.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Wertminderung (decrease in value)
Etymology
From `ab-` (off, away) + `schreiben` (to write). It literally means 'a writing off', as in writing down the value of an asset.
Memory Tips
Imagine an accountant 'writing off' (abschreiben) the value of a machine from a ledger. The noun form is 'Abschreibung'.