When German builds long compound nouns, it often uses linking elements (Fugenlaute) to make the transition between words easier to pronounce.
Remember the golden rule of German compounds: the last word always determines the gender and plural form of the entire noun.
The "-s-" and "-es-" Link
The most common linking element is -s- or -es-. You will almost always use an -s- when the first noun ends in -ung, -heit, -keit, -ion, or -tät (e.g., die Rechnung + s + der Betrag = der Rechnungsbetrag). Many other common nouns, like die Arbeit, das Gehalt, or das Einkommen, also take an -s- when linking.
| Please transfer the invoice amount immediately. | Überweisen Sie bitte sofort den Rechnungsbetrag. |
| I am checking the processing status. | Ich prüfe den Bearbeitungsstand. |
| The salary statement of the employee is missing. | Die Gehaltsabrechnung des Mitarbeiters fehlt. |
| I am working in the study today. | Ich arbeite heute im Arbeitszimmer. |
| Do you know the income limit? | Kennst du die Einkommensgrenze? |
The "-n-" and "-en-" Link
When the first noun in the compound ends in -e (especially feminine nouns), you will typically use an -n- to glue the words together. For example, die Spende (donation) adds an -n- before joining with die Quittung (receipt) to form die Spendenquittung.
| Do you need a donation receipt for the tax? | Brauchen Sie eine Spendenquittung für die Steuer? |
| You must check the cash book daily. | Du musst das Kassenbuch täglich prüfen. |
| Please write down the file number. | Bitte schreiben Sie das Aktenzeichen auf. |
The "-er-" Link
Sometimes, the linking element mimics the plural form of the first noun. A classic example is das Kind (child), which becomes die Kinder in the plural. When forming a compound noun, it uses that -er- as its link.
| When do we receive the child benefit? | Wann bekommen wir das Kindergeld? |
