das  Erziehungsgeld

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛɐ̯ˈtsiːʊŋsɡɛlt/

💰 What does "das Erziehungsgeld" mean?

Das Erziehungsgeld refers to a former German state social benefit (Sozialleistung) granted to parents after the birth of a child to provide financial support during the child-rearing period (Erziehungszeit). It was intended to compensate for loss of earnings if one parent stayed at home to care for the child or only worked part-time.

🚨 Important: Das Erziehungsgeld was replaced by das Elterngeld (parental allowance) on January 1, 2007. However, the term is sometimes still used in a historical context or colloquially when discussing previous regulations.

It is a compound noun (Kompositum) consisting of:

• Erziehung (die): Upbringing, education
• -s- (Fugen-s): Linking element
• Geld (das): Money

Since the last part of the compound is "das Geld", this determines the gender of the entire word: das Erziehungsgeld.

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Erziehungsgeld

"Erziehungsgeld" is a neuter noun (sächliches Substantiv). It is usually only used in the singular, as it refers to a financial benefit.

Example Sentences in German with English Translation

1. Früher erhielten Eltern nach der Geburt eines Kindes das Erziehungsgeld.
   (Previously, parents received the Erziehungsgeld after the birth of a child.)
2. Die Höhe des Erziehungsgeldes hing vom Einkommen ab.
   (The amount of the Erziehungsgeld depended on income.)
3. Mit dem Erziehungsgeld wollte der Staat Familien unterstützen.
   (With the Erziehungsgeld, the state wanted to support families.)
4. Sie beantragte das Erziehungsgeld kurz nach der Entbindung.
   (She applied for the Erziehungsgeld shortly after giving birth.)

💬 How is "das Erziehungsgeld" used?

The term das Erziehungsgeld is mainly used today in the following contexts:

• Historical Context: When discussing German family policy (Familienpolitik) before 2007.
• Comparisons: To explain the differences between the old Erziehungsgeld and the current Elterngeld.
• Colloquial Speech: Sometimes it's still used incorrectly or out of habit as a synonym for Elterngeld, although this is factually incorrect.

It's important to know that applications today are for Elterngeld, not Erziehungsgeld.

⚠️ Risk of Confusion: Do not confuse it with Kindergeld, another state benefit paid regardless of the parents' employment status.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

How to remember the article and meaning of "Erziehungsgeld"?

Article Mnemonic: The word ends in "-geld". And Geld (money) is neuter: das Geld. Therefore, it's also: das Erziehungsgeld. Imagine a big bag of Geld with "DAS" written on it.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the two parts: Erziehung (upbringing) requires time and effort, and for that, there used to be extra Geld (money) from the state. So: Money for upbringing = Erziehungsgeld.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Terms:

• Kindergeld: A general state benefit for all children, independent of parental employment status.
• Betreuungsgeld: A former benefit for parents who did not use publicly funded daycare for their toddlers (controversial and abolished).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum war das Erziehungsgeld bei Schlafmangel so beliebt?

Weil es half, die Nerven mit etwas anderem als nur Kaffee zu beruhigen – nämlich mit der Aussicht auf finanzielle Unterstützung! 😉

Translation:

Why was the Erziehungsgeld so popular during periods of sleep deprivation?

Because it helped soothe the nerves with something other than just coffee – namely, the prospect of financial support! 😉

📜 Poem about Erziehungsgeld

Ein Kind kommt an, die Freude groß,
doch kostet's auch, ganz ohne Moos.
Der Staat, er half, mit das Erziehungsgeld,
für Windeln, Brei, was sonst noch fehlt.
Ein Elternteil blieb gern daheim,
dank diesem finanziellen Schein.
Heut' heißt es anders, ist bekannt,
doch bleibt die Hilfe relevant im Land.

Translation:

A child arrives, the joy is great,
But it costs money, sealing its fate.
The state, it helped, with the Erziehungsgeld,
For diapers, food, and things compelled.
One parent gladly stayed at home,
Thanks to this financial foam.
Today it's called differently, it's known,
But help remains relevant, seeds are sown.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich war ein Geld vom deutschen Staat,
für Mama oder Papa parat,
wenn nach der Geburt, fürs Kindeswohl,
die Arbeit ruhte, das war mein Goal.
Mein Name klingt nach Lernen, Knete,
heut' gibt's mich nicht mehr, 's ist zu späte?
(Naja, fast – mein Nachfolger ist da!)

Wer oder was bin ich?

Translation:

I was money from the German state,
Ready for Mom or Dad, it was fate,
When after the birth, for the child's good,
Work paused, that was understood.
My name sounds like learning, dough,
I'm gone today, is it too slow?
(Well, almost – my successor is here!)

Who or what am I?

Solution: Das Erziehungsgeld

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

Das Erziehungsgeld is a compound noun (Kompositum):

• Die Erziehung: The process of raising and educating a child.
• Das Geld: Money, financial means.

The linking element "-s-" (Fugen-s) connects the two parts.

Historical Note:

The Federal Parental Allowance Act (Bundeserziehungsgeldgesetz - BErzGG) came into force in 1986 and regulated the Erziehungsgeld. It was amended several times before being replaced in 2007 by the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz - BEEG) and the Elterngeld regulated therein. The aim of the reform was to align the benefit more closely with previous income and to encourage a more equal sharing of parental leave between partners.