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German Phrase

Kommt auf den Produkttyp an.

/kɔmt aʊf deːn pʁoˈdʊktˌtyːp an/
Meaning"It depends on the product type."
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Meaning

Literally “It comes on the product type”, the idiomatic meaning is “It depends on the product type”. The sentence is often used in technical, sales or logistics discussions to point out that a decision, price, or feature varies with the kind of product being considered.

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When to use

Use this short clause when you want to give a quick, neutral answer to a question about why something varies. It works well in business emails, presentations, or casual conversation among colleagues.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KommtaufdenProdukttypan

1

Kommt (3rd pers. sg.)

Third‑person singular present of the verb *kommen*; here it forms the separable verb phrase *auf … ankommen*.

2

auf … ankommen

A fixed separable verb construction meaning “to depend on”. The preposition *auf* governs the accusative case.

3

den (Accusative)

Definite article in the masculine accusative; required because *auf* in this idiom takes the accusative.

4

Produkttyp (masc.)

Masculine noun meaning “product type”. The ending *‑typ* is a loanword, pronounced with a long *y*.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie lange dauert die Lieferzeit?

How long does the delivery take?

Kommt auf den Produkttyp an.

It depends on the product type.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kommt auf dem Produkttyp an.

    The preposition *auf* in this idiom requires the accusative, not the dative.

  • Ist auf den Produkttyp an.

    Using *ist* changes the structure; the idiomatic expression uses the separable verb *ankommen*.

  • Kommt auf die Produktart an.

    While *Produktart* is understandable, the set phrase uses *Produkttyp*.

↔Alternatives

  • Hängt vom Produkttyp ab.

    It depends on the product type.

  • Es ist abhängig vom Produkttyp.

    It is dependent on the product type.

  • Das variiert je nach Produkttyp.

    That varies according to the product type.

de

Cultural Tip

In German business communication brevity is valued. A phrase like *Kommt auf den Produkttyp an* is perfectly acceptable in emails and meetings, but if you need to sound more formal you can expand it to *Das hängt vom Produkttyp ab* or *Die Entscheidung ist abhängig vom Produkttyp*.