das  Lösegeld

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈløːzɡɛlt/

💰 What does 'das Lösegeld' mean?

Das Lösegeld refers to a sum of money or other valuables demanded or paid to secure the release of a kidnapped person, a captured animal, or seized property. It is essentially the price for release or "loosening" (from 'lösen' - to loosen, release).

The article is always das because it's a neuter noun (like das Geld - the money). There is only one meaning associated with this article.

🧐 Grammar of Lösegeld in Detail

Das Lösegeld is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is mostly used in the singular, as it often refers to a specific demanded sum. A plural form exists theoretically (“die Lösegelder”), but it is very rarely used.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension (rare)

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Entführer forderten ein hohes Lösegeld.
   The kidnappers demanded a high ransom.
2. Die Familie konnte das Lösegeld nicht aufbringen.
   The family could not raise the ransom money.
3. Nach Zahlung des Lösegeldes wurde die Geisel freigelassen.
   After payment of the ransom, the hostage was released.

🗣️ How is Lösegeld used?

The term das Lösegeld is used almost exclusively in the context of kidnappings, hostage situations, or extortion. It describes the payment made to secure someone's or something's release.

• Typical verbs: fordern (to demand), verlangen (to demand), zahlen (to pay), bezahlen (to pay for), übergeben (to hand over), erhalten (to receive), aufbringen (to raise/muster).
• Context: News reports about criminal cases, historical accounts of prisoner exchanges, films and literature (thrillers, crime stories).
• Distinction: It's not the same as 'Schweigegeld' (hush money) or a 'Strafe' (fine/penalty imposed by law).

⚠️ Sometimes it's used metaphorically, e.g., when payment is demanded for the release of encrypted data (ransomware), this is also often called 'Lösegeld'.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Lösegeld'

For the article 'das': Think of das Geld (the money). Ransom is a specific type of money, so it keeps the neuter article: das Lösegeld.

For the meaning: Imagine someone needs to be "loosened" or released ('lösen' in German) from captivity. The money ('Geld') required for this is das Lösegeld – the 'loosening money'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie die Schwiegermutter entführt und Lösegeld gefordert?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, ich war verzweifelt! Ich dachte, wenn ich sie entführe, zahlt vielleicht jemand, um sie nicht zurückzubekommen!"

Translation:

The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you kidnap your mother-in-law and demand ransom?"
The defendant replies: "Your Honor, I was desperate! I thought if I kidnapped her, maybe someone would pay to not get her back!"

📜 Poem about Lösegeld

Ein Anruf in der Nacht so kalt,
eine Stimme fordert mit Gewalt.
Ein Leben hängt am dünnen Faden,
man muss die Summe schnell beschaffen.

Das Lösegeld, so schwer zu tragen,
lässt Hoffen und lässt auch verzagen.
Wird es reichen, kommt die Freiheit bald?
Ein teurer Preis im dunklen Wald.

Translation:

A call in the night so cold,
a voice demands, forceful and bold.
A life hangs by a thin thread,
the sum must quickly be widespread.

The ransom, so heavy to bear,
brings hope and also despair.
Will it suffice, will freedom soon appear?
An expensive price in the forest dark and drear.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich werde gefordert, nicht gegeben freiwillig.
Ich kaufe Freiheit, doch bin schändlich.
Bin ich gezahlt, endet oft die Not,
auch wenn mein Ursprung ist Verbot.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am demanded, not given willingly.
I buy freedom, yet I am shameful.
When I am paid, the distress often ends,
even though my origin is forbidden.

What am I?

Solution: das Lösegeld (the ransom)

🧩 Word Structure & More

Word Composition: The word 'Lösegeld' is a compound noun, composed of:

• lösen: Meaning to free, release, loosen.
• das Geld: The money.

So, it literally means "money for loosening/releasing".

Historically: The concept of ransom (Lösegeld) is ancient and was common, for example, in the Middle Ages to buy the freedom of captured knights or nobles.