das  Kleingeld

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈklaɪ̯nɡɛlt/

🪙 What exactly is 'Kleingeld'?

Das Kleingeld is the German word for coins or small change. It refers specifically to money in the form of coins, as opposed to banknotes (Scheine). Usually, it implies coins of lower denominations used for everyday small payments.

It's a collective noun (Sammelbegriff) and is generally only used in the singular form.

There is only one meaning associated with das Kleingeld, making the article straightforwardly das (neuter).

🧐 Grammar: The Article and Cases

The noun 'Kleingeld' is neuter, so its definite article is das. As it's a collective noun referring to an uncountable quantity (coins in general), it is predominantly used in the singular.

Declension (Singular):

A plural form ("die Kleingelder") is highly unusual and practically never used.

Example Sentences

1. Ich suche mein Kleingeld für den Parkautomaten. (I'm looking for my small change for the parking meter.)
2. Hast du etwas Kleingeld für mich? (Do you have some small change for me?)
3. Das Geräusch von Kleingeld in der Tasche kann nerven. (The sound of coins in the pocket can be annoying.)
4. Mit Kleingeld kann man oft passend bezahlen. (With small change, you can often pay the exact amount.)

💡 How to Use 'Kleingeld'

Das Kleingeld is a common word used in various everyday situations:

• Paying small amounts: It's often used for purchases at kiosks (am Kiosk), for ticket machines (Fahrkartenautomaten), parking meters (Parkuhren), or tips (Trinkgelder).
• Collecting: Many people collect their Kleingeld in a piggy bank (Spardose) or a jar.
• Colloquially: Sometimes it's used slightly dismissively for a small, insignificant amount of money (e.g., "Das ist doch nur Kleingeld für ihn." - "That's just small change/peanuts for him.").
• Sound: The jingling sound of coins is often associated with the word Kleingeld.

Unlike Wechselgeld (change received back after payment), Kleingeld specifically refers to the coins themselves that one possesses or needs.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Kleingeld'

Article Mnemonic: Think of "das Geld" (the money). Since Kleingeld is a type of Geld, it keeps the neuter article das. Alternatively, picture a small child (das Kind) collecting small change (das Kleingeld).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word itself helps: "klein" means small, and "Geld" means money. So, Kleingeld is literally "small money" – the coins, which are generally smaller in value and size than bills. Think of the jingling sound in your pocket – that's typical Kleingeld.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Wechselgeld is not the same as Kleingeld. Wechselgeld is the change (often including bills) you receive back after paying with a larger amount. Kleingeld refers only to the coins.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Geldbeutel geweint?

Weil er nur noch Kleingeld hatte und sich so „klein“ fühlte! 😄

(Why did the wallet cry? Because it only had small change left and felt so "small"!)

📜 Kleingeld Poem

In meiner Tasche, da klimpert es leis,
ein Haufen von Münzen, mal kalt und mal heiß.
Für Kaugummi, Parkuhr, ein schnelles Eis,
das Kleingeld, es hilft auf manch kleiner Reis'.
Mal Cents, mal Euros, ein bunter Kreis,
oft lästig, doch nützlich, wie jeder weiß.

(In my pocket, it jingles softly,
a pile of coins, sometimes cold, sometimes hot.
For chewing gum, parking meter, a quick ice cream,
the small change helps on many a small journey.
Sometimes cents, sometimes euros, a colorful circle,
often annoying, but useful, as everyone knows.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin aus Metall, doch kein großes Gut,
man sammelt mich oft mit frohem Mut.
Ich klimpere gerne, wenn man mich schüttelt,
und werde für Kleinigkeiten gezückt.

Was bin ich?

(I am made of metal, but not a great treasure,
people often collect me with cheerful pleasure.
I like to jingle when I am shaken,
and am pulled out for small things undertaken.

What am I?)

Solution: Das Kleingeld (Small change / Coins)

🧩 Word Composition & Trivia

Word Formation: The word 'Kleingeld' is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from:

• klein: Adjective meaning 'small' or 'of little value'.
• Geld: Noun (neuter, das Geld) meaning 'money'.

Together, it literally means "small money", accurately reflecting the meaning of coins or small denominations.

Trivia: In Germany, coins range from 1 Cent to 2 Euros. All of these can be referred to as Kleingeld, even though the 1 and 2 Euro coins hold significant value compared to the cents.