das  Preisgeld

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpʁaɪ̯sɡɛlt/

🏆 What does Preisgeld mean?

Das Preisgeld (noun, neuter) refers to a sum of money that can be won as a prize in a competition, game, lottery, or similar event. It's the reward for a special achievement or simply for good luck.

It is a compound word formed from:

• Preis: award, prize
• Geld: money

Since the base word "Geld" is neuter (das Geld), "das Preisgeld" is also neuter. There are no other articles or meanings for this word. 🚨 Be careful not to confuse it with "Preis" alone (der Preis - which can mean cost/price or award).

🧐 Grammar: Declension of das Preisgeld

"Preisgeld" is a neuter noun. It is mostly used in the singular, but can also appear in the plural if referring to multiple prize funds (e.g., for different categories in a competition).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Preisgeld für den ersten Platz beträgt 10.000 Euro.
   (The prize money for first place is 10,000 Euros.)
2. Sie träumt davon, eines Tages ein hohes Preisgeld zu gewinnen.
   (She dreams of winning a large amount of prize money someday.)
3. Dem Sieger wurde das Preisgeld feierlich überreicht.
   (The prize money was ceremoniously handed over to the winner.)
4. Die verschiedenen Preisgelder wurden unter den Gewinnern aufgeteilt.
   (The various prize monies were divided among the winners.)
5. Mit dem gewonnenen Preisgeld möchte er eine Weltreise machen.
   (He wants to go on a trip around the world with the prize money he won.)

💡 How to use Preisgeld?

"Das Preisgeld" is always used when talking about a financial reward for a victory or placement. Typical contexts include:

• Sporting events: Turniere (tournaments like tennis, football, golf, etc.)
• Competitions: Quizshows, Talentshows, Schönheitswettbewerbe (beauty pageants), wissenschaftliche Wettbewerbe (scientific competitions)
• Games: Lotterien (lotteries), Preisausschreiben (prize draws), E-Sport-Turniere (e-sports tournaments)
• Arts & Culture: Literaturpreise (literary awards), Filmpreise (film awards) – often endowed with prize money (dotiert mit Preisgeld)

It differs from:

• Gewinn: A general term for something achieved/obtained, can also be non-material.
• Prämie: Often an additional reward or bonus, e.g., for good work (Arbeitsprämie).
• Lohn/Gehalt: Payment for work performed (wages/salary).
• Stipendium: Financial support for education or research, not directly linked to winning a competition.

People often talk about the "Höhe des Preisgeldes" (amount of the prize money) or about "ein Preisgeld ausschreiben" (to offer prize money) or "einstreichen" (to pocket prize money).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Geld (money). Geld is neuter. A prize (Preis) consisting of money is therefore also neuter: das Preisgeld. Imagine a neutral, transparent briefcase holding das Geld for the prize.

Meaning Mnemonic: What is the "Preis" (prize) for winning? It's "Geld" (money)! So: Preis + Geld = Preisgeld (prize money). Simply combine the two parts.

🔄 Synonyms and Opposites

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Der Preis: Can mean the cost of goods or an award/prize that isn't necessarily money (e.g., a trophy).
• Die Prämie: Can also be a bonus or an insurance premium.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Veranstalter den Gewinner des Marathonlaufs: "Was machen Sie mit dem Preisgeld von 50 Euro?"
Antwortet der Läufer: "Ich denke, ich kaufe mir davon erstmal neue Schuhe. Die alten sind nach 42 Kilometern ziemlich durch!"

(The organizer asks the winner of the marathon: "What will you do with the prize money of 50 Euros?"
The runner answers: "I think I'll buy new shoes first. The old ones are quite worn out after 42 kilometers!")

✍️ A Poem about Prize Money

Im Wettbewerb, heiß und lang,
erhofft man sich den Siegesklang.
Doch was am meisten lockt und zieht,
ist, was am Ende Bares wiegt.

Das Preisgeld glänzt, ein schöner Lohn,
für Mühe, Schweiß und Passion.
Ein Batzen, groß vielleicht, vielleicht auch klein,
es motiviert, der Beste zu sein!

(In competition, hot and long,
one hopes for the victory song.
But what attracts and pulls the most,
is what, in the end, weighs cash, we boast.)

(The prize money shines, a lovely reward,
for effort, sweat, and passion adored.
A wad, perhaps big, perhaps small and lean,
it motivates, to be the best on the scene!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin aus Scheinen oder Münzen gemacht,
werde aber nur dem Sieger gebracht.
Man muss mich gewinnen, durch Können, durch Glück,
man kauft mit mir Freude, Stück für Stück.

Was bin ich?

(I am made of bills or coins,
but only brought to the winner's loins.
You must win me, through skill or luck,
with me, you buy joy, buck by buck.)

(What am I?)

Solution: Das Preisgeld (The prize money)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

"Preisgeld" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• der Preis: Can mean 'award' or 'prize' here.
• das Geld: Money.

The gender (Genus) of the compound word is determined by the last word, hence "das Geld" → "das Preisgeld".

Interesting Fact: The amount of Preisgeld can vary extremely – from a few Euros at a local chess tournament to millions at major sports events or lotteries.