German Phrase
Was ist das Maximum, das man aus eigener Tasche zahlen muss?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the highest amount of money that a person has to pay out of their own pocket. It is often used when discussing costs that are not covered by a third party, such as insurance, tuition, or travel expenses.
When to use
Use this phrase in formal or semi‑formal conversations about financial responsibilities—e.g., when negotiating insurance policies, discussing university fees, or clarifying the cost‑sharing rules of a project.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasistdasMaximum,dasmanauseigenerTaschezahlenmuss?
Neutrum Nomen
"Maximum" is a neuter noun, so it takes the article "das" and the neuter relative pronoun "das".
Relativsatz
The clause "das man aus eigener Tasche zahlen muss" is a relative clause introduced by the pronoun "das" and follows the main clause.
Modalverb am Satzende
In German main clauses, modal verbs (here "muss") appear at the end of the clause.
Genitiv vs. Dativ in "aus eigener Tasche"
"aus" governs the dative case; "eigener" is the dative feminine form of "eigen".
Fragewortstellung
A yes‑no question starts with the interrogative word "Was" followed directly by the verb "ist".
🗨In Conversation
Was ist das Maximum, das man aus eigener Tasche zahlen muss?
What is the maximum amount one has to pay out of one's own pocket?
Das Maximum liegt bei 500 Euro pro Jahr.
The maximum is 500 euros per year.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist der Maximum, das man aus eigener Tasche zahlen muss?
"Maximum" is neuter, so the correct article is "das".
Was ist das Maximum, das man aus eigene Tasche zahlen muss?
"aus" requires the dative case; the adjective must be declined accordingly.
Was ist das Maximum, das man aus eigener Tasche zahlen müssen?
In a main clause the modal verb goes to the end; "müssen" should be "muss" for third‑person singular.
↔Alternatives
Wie hoch ist der Höchstbetrag, den man selbst bezahlen muss?
How high is the highest amount one has to pay oneself?
Welcher Betrag ist die Obergrenze für Eigenkosten?
What amount is the ceiling for out‑of‑pocket costs?
Was ist die maximale Eigenbeteiligung?
What is the maximum personal contribution?
Cultural Tip
In German business and insurance contexts, "aus eigener Tasche" is a common idiom for out‑of‑pocket expenses. It sounds natural in both formal meetings and casual discussions, but avoid overly colloquial synonyms like "aus der eigenen Geldbörse" in professional settings.