Ersatz
replacement
The German word 'Ersatz' is used in the same way as the English word 'replacement'. It refers to something that takes the place of something else, often due to the original being unavailable or no longer functional. For example, you might use a replacement part in a car when the original part has worn out. In German, 'Ersatz' can also be used as an adjective, as in 'Ersatzteile', which means 'replacement parts'.
Example sentences using: Ersatz
Ich habe einen Ersatz für meine kaputte Uhr gefunden.
I found a replacement for my broken watch.
In this sentence, 'Ersatz' is used to mean 'replacement'. The speaker has found a substitute or replacement watch to take the place of their broken one.
Der Kaffee war aus, also musste ich ihn durch einen Ersatz ersetzen.
The coffee was out, so I had to replace it with a substitute.
Here, 'Ersatz' refers to a substitute or alternative. The speaker had run out of coffee and was therefore forced to use some sort of substitute in its place.
Könnten Sie bitte einen Ersatz für dieses defekte Teil liefern?
Could you please provide a replacement for this defective part?
In this phrase, 'Ersatz' is used in the context of requesting a replacement for something defective or broken. The speaker is asking for a replacement part to be provided.