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
Derived from the verb 'ersetzen' (to replace). It combines 'er-' (a prefix that can mean substitution) and 'setzen' (to set or place).
Memory Tips
The English word 'ersatz' comes directly from this German word, so you can remember it means a substitute or replacement, often of inferior quality.