Business Administration and Accounting
Core concepts
Understand the Einnahmen-Ausgaben-Rechnung versus doppelte Buchhaltung, the structure of a Bilanz (Aktiva/Passiva) and a GuV. Know Umsatzsteuer: 20% standard rate, 10%/13% reduced rates, Vorsteuerabzug conditions, and the Kleinunternehmerregelung threshold (currently EUR 55,000 gross turnover). Distinguish Rechnung requirements under the UStG (supplier, recipient, date, quantity, amount, tax rate, UID). Understand Abschreibung (straight-line vs. declining balance), Rückstellungen, and Abgrenzungen.
Traps
Exams test whether you apply USt to net or gross, and whether a Kleinunternehmer may show USt. Another trap: confusing Aufwand with Ausgabe and Ertrag with Einnahme. Also watch for depreciation start (pro rata in acquisition year).
Worked example
A machine costs EUR 12,000 net, useful life 8 years, straight-line. Annual depreciation = 12,000 / 8 = EUR 1,500. If purchased in July, first-year depreciation is pro rata: 1,500 × 6/12 = EUR 750. Rule of thumb: depreciate from the month of acquisition, pro rata temporis.
Costing
Know Deckungsbeitrag = revenue − variable costs, and Break-even = fixed costs / contribution margin per unit.