German Phrase
Das deckt Verluste oder Schäden ab.
Meaning
The sentence states that something (usually an insurance policy or a guarantee) provides coverage for any losses or damages that might occur.
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining the scope of a contract, warranty, or insurance policy, especially when you want to reassure someone that both financial losses and physical damages are included.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasdecktVerlusteoderSchädenab
Das (demonstrative pronoun)
Neuter nominative pronoun referring to a previously mentioned thing; functions as the subject of the sentence.
deckt (verb decken)
3rd person singular present of 'decken' meaning 'covers'; the main verb of the clause.
Verluste (noun, plural, accusative)
Means 'losses'; as the direct object it takes the accusative case.
oder (conjunction)
Coordinating conjunction meaning 'or', linking two alternatives.
Schäden (noun, plural, accusative)
Means 'damages' or 'injuries'; also in the accusative as a second object.
ab (separable prefix)
Part of the separable verb 'abdecken' (to cover); in main clauses it moves to the sentence end.
🗨In Conversation
Was deckt meine Versicherung ab?
What does my insurance cover?
Das deckt Verluste oder Schäden ab.
That covers losses or damages.
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist Verluste oder Schäden.
The verb must be 'deckt' (covers), not 'ist' (is). 'Ist' would change the meaning entirely.
Das deckt Verluste und Schäden ab.
Using 'und' (and) would imply both losses and damages are always covered together, while 'oder' (or) indicates either may be covered.
Das abdeckt Verluste oder Schäden.
In a main clause the separable prefix 'ab' must be placed at the end, not attached to the verb.
Das deckt Verlust oder Schäden ab.
The noun must be plural (Verluste) because the sentence refers to multiple possible losses.
↔Alternatives
Das umfasst Verluste oder Schäden.
That includes losses or damages.
Das beinhaltet Verluste oder Schäden.
That entails losses or damages.
Damit sind Verluste oder Schäden abgesichert.
With that, losses or damages are insured.
Cultural Tip
In German insurance contracts the verb 'abdecken' is very common and sounds formal. Avoid using colloquial synonyms like 'abdecken' in casual conversation; instead you might say 'Das schützt dich vor Verlusten und Schäden' for a friendlier tone. Also note that 'Verluste' often refers to monetary loss, while 'Schäden' can be physical damage to property.