das  Bußgeld

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊsɡɛlt/

💰 What Exactly is a 'Bußgeld'?

The German word das Bußgeld (neuter gender, article: das) refers to a fine or monetary penalty imposed for an Ordnungswidrigkeit (minor administrative offense). It's not a punishment for a criminal offense in the legal sense (that would be eine Geldstrafe), but rather a sanction for a less serious violation of rules or regulations.

Typical examples include traffic violations (e.g., illegal parking, speeding) or other administrative offenses (e.g., noise disturbance, violations of registration requirements).

🚨 Attention: Although often used synonymously in everyday language, das Bußgeld (for administrative offenses) must be legally distinguished from die Geldstrafe (for criminal offenses).

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declining 'das Bußgeld'

The word "Bußgeld" is a neuter noun. Its declension is as follows:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Das Bußgeld für Falschparken ist ärgerlich. (The fine for illegal parking is annoying.)
2. Die Höhe des Bußgeldes hängt vom Vergehen ab. (The amount of the fine depends on the offense.)
3. Ich muss mit einem Bußgeld rechnen. (I have to expect a fine.)
4. Er hat das Bußgeld bereits bezahlt. (He has already paid the fine.)
5. Die Einnahmen aus Bußgeldern fließen oft in die Staatskasse. (The revenue from fines often flows into the state treasury.)

🚦 When to Use 'das Bußgeld'?

The term Bußgeld is primarily used in the context of Ordnungswidrigkeiten (administrative/minor offenses). These are violations that are not considered criminal but are still penalized.

• Road Traffic: This is the most common area of application. Speeding (zu schnelles Fahren), parking violations (Parkverstöße), using a mobile phone while driving (Handy am Steuer) – all these can lead to a Bußgeld. Often, one receives a Bußgeldbescheid (fine notification).
• Administration: Violations of local ordinances (e.g., noise regulations, waste separation rules) or registration laws can also be subject to a Bußgeld.
• Distinction: As mentioned, it's important to distinguish das Bußgeld from die Geldstrafe (fine for criminal acts) and die Gebühr (fee for a government service, e.g., issuing a passport).

Common phrases include: ein Bußgeld bekommen (to get a fine), ein Bußgeld zahlen (to pay a fine), ein Bußgeld verhängen (to impose a fine), or Einspruch gegen ein Bußgeld einlegen (to appeal against a fine).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article (das): Think of "das Geld" (the money). A Bußgeld is a form of money, and Geld is neuter (das Geld). So, das Bußgeld is also neuter. It's just money the state wants.

For the Meaning (Fine): The word "Buße" relates to penance or atonement. A Bußgeld is the financial 'penance' you pay for breaking a rule. Imagine your wallet (Geldbeutel) doing penance 👛 by losing some Geld.

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• die Gebühr: Fee. Payment for a specific government service or use (e.g., parking fee, passport fee). No punitive character.
• die Strafe: Penalty/punishment. Sanction for a criminal offense (Straftat), not just a minor administrative offense (Ordnungswidrigkeit).

😄 A Little Chuckle

Richter: "Warum sind Sie mit 180 km/h durch die Ortschaft gerast?"
Angeklagter: "Ich wollte nur schnell nach Hause, um das Bußgeld für das letzte Mal zu bezahlen, bevor die Mahnung kommt!"

Translation:
Judge: "Why were you speeding through the town at 180 km/h?"
Defendant: "I just wanted to get home quickly to pay the fine from last time before the reminder arrives!"

📜 A Rhyme for the Fine

Zu schnell gefahren, nicht bedacht,
hat's im Briefkasten gekracht.
Ein Zettel kam, nicht grad zum Lachen,
drauf stand: "Sie müssen Buße machen!"
Das Bußgeld, ja, das tut schon weh,
kostet mehr als nur Kaffee.Drum fahr bedacht, halt dich an Regeln,
sonst musst du bald dein Konto pflegen.

Translation:
Drove too fast, without a thought,
Something in the mailbox caught.
A paper came, no cause for laughter,
Saying: "You must make penance after!"
The fine, oh yes, it brings some pain,
Costs much more than coffee again.
So drive with care, obey the rule,
Or soon your bank account won't be cool.

❓ What Am I?

Ich komme oft per Post, ganz ungeladen,
für falsches Parken oder schnelles Fahren.
Ich koste Geld, bin keine Freud,
verhängt werd' ich von der Obrigkeit.
Man zahlt mich für 'ne kleine Sünd',
damit man wieder regelkonform ist und geschwind.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I often arrive by mail, quite uninvited,
For parking wrong or driving too excited.
I cost money, I'm no delight,
Imposed upon you by the powers that might.
You pay me for a minor sin,
So you're compliant once again.

What am I?

Solution: Das Bußgeld (The fine)

ℹ️ Additional Info on 'Bußgeld'

Word Composition: The word is composed of:

• Buße (die): Originally in a religious context for penance, atonement. Here in the sense of making amends for breaking a rule.
• Geld (das): Money - the financial form of the sanction.

Bußgeldkatalog: In Germany, there is a so-called Bußgeldkatalog (catalog of fines, often abbreviated BKat), which specifies the standard rates for fines, penalty points (Punkte in Flensburg), and driving bans (Fahrverbote) for many common administrative offenses, especially in road traffic.