die Pflichtausgaben
Translation
mandatory spending, compulsory expenditure, obligatory expenditure
Examples
Sozialleistungen sind große Pflichtausgaben des Staates.
Social benefits are major mandatory expenditures of the state.
Grammar Patterns
Pflichtausgaben ((subject)) rise/fall. The federal government's mandatory spending is rising annually.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Zwangsausgaben (forced expenditures); Antonyms: freiwillige Ausgaben (voluntary expenditures)
Etymology
Composed of 'Pflicht' (duty, obligation) and 'Ausgaben' (expenditures). Literally 'duty expenditures'.
Memory Tips
Think of government spending that is required by law, like social security. It's a 'Pflicht' (duty) to spend it.