What's the English word for Gutschein?

Ever held a Gutschein and thought, "Wait, what's the English word for this?" There isn't just one. English uses different words depending on whether it's a gift, a discount, or money back from a shop, and British and American English don't always agree. Here's how to get it right.

If it's a gift

If someone gives you a Gutschein so you can choose something yourself, it's usually a "gift card." That's the most common word today in both British and American English, whether it's a plastic card or a code in your inbox.

• She got me a gift card for my favorite sushi place.
• I used my birthday gift card to buy these shoes.
• I didn't know what to get him, so I bought him a gift card.

You'll also hear "gift voucher," especially in the UK, and "gift certificate," which is more American and usually means a paper one from a specific business, like a spa or a restaurant.

• He surprised me with a gift voucher for a massage.
• They raffled off a $100 gift certificate at the event.

If it's a discount

This is where German speakers often get caught out. A Gutschein that gives you money off, like 10 % Rabatt, isn't a gift card. In English, that's a "coupon," a "voucher," or online, a "discount code" or "promo code."

• I've got a coupon for 20% off at the supermarket.
• Enter the discount code at checkout.
• Is there a promo code for first-time customers?

If it's from a return

When a shop doesn't give you your money back but lets you spend it there later, that's "store credit."

• I returned the jacket, and they gave me store credit instead of a refund.
• The shop didn't have my size, so they gave me store credit to use later.

So before you translate Gutschein, ask yourself what it's for. A present? Probably a gift card. Money off? A coupon or discount code. Money back? Store credit. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a gift they get to pick themselves?

Still not sure how to use it? Watch our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs to get a feel for how it sounds.