noun
die Kaution, -en
deposit
The German word "Kaution" is a noun meaning "deposit" or "bail".
- It comes from Latin cautio, meaning "security" or "guarantee."
- It refers to money or a guarantee given to secure the fulfillment of an obligation, e.g., a rental deposit or bail in legal contexts.
Similar words:
- Bürgschaft – suretyship or guarantee by a third party
- Pfand – pledge or collateral (often tangible items)
- Anzahlung – advance payment or down payment
Difference:
- Kaution is generally a financial security deposited and held by the recipient (e.g. landlord).
- Bürgschaft involves a guarantor responsible for payment.
- Pfand involves a physical item as security.
- Anzahlung is a partial payment toward a purchase, not necessarily a security.
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Examples
Er hinterlegt die Kaution für die Wohnung.noun
He deposits the security deposit for the apartment.
Für das Haus muss man eine Kaution bezahlen.noun
For the house, one must pay a deposit.
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