German Phrase
Das ist für Schäden, nicht für die Miete.
Meaning
The sentence states that a certain amount of money or payment is intended to cover damages, and explicitly clarifies that it is not meant for paying the rent. It is a typical clarification in rental or lease discussions.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to explain how a deposit, fee, or payment is allocated – especially in conversations between landlords and tenants, or when discussing the purpose of a financial transaction related to housing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasistfürSchäden,nichtfürdieMiete.
sein (ist)
The verb 'sein' (to be) is used as a copula; 'ist' is the third person singular present form.
für + Akkusativ
The preposition 'für' always governs the accusative case, so the nouns following it appear in accusative.
Schäden (plural)
Schaden (damage) becomes Schäden in the plural; the accusative plural has the same form as the nominative.
die Miete (feminine)
Miete is a feminine noun; in the accusative it keeps the article 'die'.
Negation with nicht
When negating a prepositional phrase, place 'nicht' directly before the second 'für' phrase.
🗨In Conversation
Ist die Kaution für die Miete?
Is the security deposit for the rent?
Das ist für Schäden, nicht für die Miete.
That is for damages, not for the rent.
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist für die Schäden, nicht für die Miete.
The article 'die' is nominative; after 'für' you need the accusative, which for plural nouns is also 'die', but the phrase sounds redundant. Usually you just say 'für Schäden'.
Das ist für Schäden, nicht für das Miete.
Miete is feminine, so the correct accusative article is 'die', not 'das'.
Nicht das ist für Schäden, für die Miete.
Placing 'nicht' after the comma is correct, but some learners mistakenly put it before the first 'für' phrase, which changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Das Geld ist für Reparaturen, nicht für die Miete.
The money is for repairs, not for the rent.
Das ist zur Schadensabdeckung, nicht zur Mietzahlung.
That is for covering damages, not for paying rent.
Das dient den Schäden, nicht der Miete.
It serves the damages, not the rent.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the security deposit (Kaution) is legally required to cover possible damages to the property, while rent (Miete) is paid monthly. Being precise about which amount covers what helps avoid misunderstandings and is considered good practice in landlord‑tenant relations.