das  Geld

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡɛlt/

💰 What does 'das Geld' mean?

Das Geld (noun, neuter) generally refers to a recognised medium of exchange and payment that serves as a store of value. It exists in various forms such as Münzen (coins), Banknoten (banknotes), Buchgeld (book money/deposits), or even digital currencies.

• Main meaning: means of payment, currency, financial resources.
• More abstract: wealth, fortune.

It is almost exclusively used in the singular. The plural form 'die Gelder' exists but is used more specifically for certain sums or funds (e.g., Steuergelder - tax funds, Fördergelder - subsidies).

⚠️ Attention: Although there are many different currencies (Euro, Dollar, Yen), the overarching concept 'Geld' remains neuter: das Geld.

Article rules for der, die, and das

💸 Grammar of Geld: Cases and Forms

The word "Geld" is a neuter noun (Neutrum) and is typically used in the singular. The plural "Gelder" is rare and has a specific meaning.

Declension Singular

*Use with the indefinite article is rare as Geld is usually considered uncountable. If used, it's often in specific contexts like "ein kleines Geld verdienen" (to earn a little money).

Declension Plural - 'Gelder'

The plural "die Gelder" is used to denote specific sums, funds, or types of money.

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominativ: Das Geld liegt auf dem Tisch.
  (The money is on the table.)
• Genitiv: Der Wert des Geldes schwankt.
  (The value of the money fluctuates.)
• Dativ: Mit dem Geld kann ich mir ein Auto kaufen.
  (With the money, I can buy a car.)
• Akkusativ: Ich brauche das Geld dringend.
  (I urgently need the money.)
• Plural: Die Gelder für das Projekt wurden bewilligt.
  (The funds for the project were approved.)

🏦 How to use 'das Geld'?

"Das Geld" is a very common word in German, central to conversations about Wirtschaft (economy), Handel (trade), Arbeit (work), and daily life.

• Everyday life: "Hast du genug Geld dabei?" (Do you have enough money with you?), "Ich habe kein Geld mehr." (I have no money left.)
• Work & Business: "Das Unternehmen braucht mehr Geld für Investitionen." (The company needs more money for investments.), "Geld regiert die Welt." (Money rules the world.)
• Idioms (Redewendungen): There are numerous fixed expressions with "Geld", e.g.:
  • Geld wie Heu haben: to be rolling in money (lit. 'to have money like hay').
  • Geld zum Fenster hinauswerfen: to throw money down the drain (lit. 'to throw money out the window').
  • Sein Geld zusammenhalten: to be thrifty/frugal (lit. 'to hold one's money together').
  • Etwas zu Geld machen: to cash in on something, to sell something (lit. 'to make something into money').
• Usage of 'Gelder' (Plural): Mostly in formal contexts, often referring to public or earmarked funds. Examples: Steuergelder (tax money/funds), Forschungsgelder (research funds), EU-Gelder (EU funds), Spendengelder (donations/charity funds).

Compared to more specific terms like Bargeld (cash), Münzen (coins), Scheine (bills/notes), or Währung (currency), "Geld" is the most general umbrella term.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Geld'

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of the English phrase "Dash for the cash!" The word 'Das' sounds like the German article das. So, das Geld.

Meaning Mnemonic (money): Imagine someone saying "It's all about the GEL'd!" as if 'Geld' were a slightly mispronounced version of 'gold'. Gold is a form of money/wealth. So, Geld = money.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for 'Geld'

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• der Wert: value - Money has value, but isn't the same concept.
• die Kosten (Pl.): costs - The price one has to pay.
• die Gebühr: fee - A specific charge for a service.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum nimmt ein Skelett nie Geld mit zum Feiern?

Weil es keinen Körper hat, um es auszugeben!

English: Why does a skeleton never take money to a party?

Because it has no body to spend it with! 😄 (Pun on 'no body'/'nobody')

📜 Poem about Geld

German:
Das Geld, mal Freund, mal Feind,
Wie es im Leben scheint.
Mal macht es froh, mal Sorgen schwer,
Man will davon stets immer mehr.
Es öffnet Türen, groß und klein,
Doch wahres Glück? Das bringt's nicht ein.

English Translation:
The money, sometimes friend, sometimes foe,
As it appears in life's flow.
Sometimes it brings joy, sometimes heavy care,
One always wants more than their share.
It opens doors, both large and small,
But true happiness? It doesn't bring that at all.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich habe keinen Kopf, aber viele 'Prägungen'.
Ich habe keine Stimme, aber große 'Überzeugungskraft'.
Ich wechsle ständig den Besitzer, aber gehöre niemandem wirklich.
Was bin ich?

Lösung: Das Geld

English Translation:
I have no head, but many 'imprints'/'faces'.
I have no voice, but great 'persuasive power'.
I constantly change owners, but truly belong to no one.
What am I?

Solution: Money (Das Geld)

💡 More about 'Geld'

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung): "Geld" is a base word, but it forms part of many compound nouns (Komposita) that specify different aspects:

• Bargeld: cash
• Taschengeld: pocket money, allowance
• Geldbeutel/Geldbörse: wallet, purse
• Geldautomat: ATM (cash machine)
• Geldstrafe: fine, penalty (monetary)
• Geldwäsche: money laundering

Etymology: The word "Geld" comes from the Old High German "gelt", which originally meant "retribution, payment, sacrifice, value". It is related to the verb "gelten" (to be valid, to apply, to count).