das  Schulgeld

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃuːlɡɛlt/

📚 What does "das Schulgeld" mean?

Das Schulgeld refers to the fees that must be paid to attend an educational institution, particularly a school. In Germany, Schulgeld is primarily charged for attending private schools (Privatschulen), such as Waldorf schools, denominational schools, or international schools, as attending state schools is generally free of charge.

It is a compound noun (Kompositum) consisting of:

• die Schule: school
• das Geld: money

➡️ Literally: Money for school.

⚠️ In Germany, the topic of Schulgeld often sparks discussions about educational equity (Bildungsgerechtigkeit), as it can make access to certain schools dependent on income.

🧐 Grammar of "Schulgeld" in Detail

Das Schulgeld is a neuter noun (sächlich). It is mostly used in the singular because it represents a collective term for the costs. A plural form ("die Schulgelder") is rare and typically refers to different types of school fees or payments over multiple periods.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Schulgeld für diese Privatschule ist sehr hoch.
   (The school fees for this private school are very high.)
2. Die Eltern müssen das Schulgeld monatlich bezahlen.
   (The parents have to pay the school fees monthly.)
3. Gibt es eine Möglichkeit, eine Ermäßigung auf das Schulgeld zu bekommen?
   (Is there a way to get a reduction on the school fees?)
4. Wir haben die verschiedenen Schulgelder der Internate verglichen.
   (We compared the various school fees of the boarding schools. - rare plural)

💡 How to use "Schulgeld"?

The term das Schulgeld is specifically used for costs directly associated with attending a school. This distinguishes it from general educational expenses or tuition fees for universities (Studiengebühren).

• Typical Contexts: Private schools (Privatschulen), boarding schools (Internate), sometimes also specific courses or after-school care programs (Nachmittagsbetreuung) at schools.
• Differentiation: Not to be confused with Studiengebühren (for higher education/university) or costs for learning materials (Lernmaterialien) like books or notebooks, although these may also be incurred.
• Connotation: Can be neutral (simply describing the cost) or carry a negative connotation (in discussions about social inequality), depending on the context.
• Administrative Context: Applications for reimbursement or waiver of Schulgeld.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of other types of money in German: das Geld (the money), das Taschengeld (pocket money), das Kleingeld (small change)... and therefore, das Schulgeld. Money, as a general concept or amount, is often neuter ('das') in German.

Meaning Mnemonic: Very straightforward: What does the Schule (school) sometimes need from parents? Geld (money)! So: Schul-Geld = School Money.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Schulgeld

🚨 Caution - Potential Confusion:

Sometimes costs for school materials (Schulmaterialien) or field trips (Ausflüge) are charged separately and are not included in the actual Schulgeld.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum kommst du schon wieder zu spät?"
Fritzchen: "Wegen des Schildes da draußen!"
Lehrer: "Was für ein Schild?"
Fritzchen: "Da steht: 'Achtung, Schule! Langsam fahren!'"

Teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why are you late again?"
Fritzchen: "Because of the sign outside!"
Teacher: "What sign?"
Fritzchen: "It says: 'Attention, School! Drive slowly!'"

(Okay, not directly about Schulgeld, but school-related!)

✒️ Poem about Schulgeld

Manche Schule, schön und fein,
lässt dich nur für Euros rein.
Das Schulgeld, mal hoch, mal klein,
muss für Bildung manchmal sein.
Ob Wissen das wert ist, schwer zu sagen,
man muss die Eltern fragen!

Some schools, lovely and fine,
only let you in for euros' shine.
The school fee, sometimes high, sometimes low,
is sometimes needed for knowledge to grow.
If knowledge is worth it, hard to tell,
you have to ask the parents well!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Lohn, doch muss man mich zahlen,
für Wissen, Lernen in privaten Anstalten.
Ich bestehe aus Schule und Moneten,
damit die Kinder lernen und beten (manchmal).

Was bin ich?
I am not a wage, yet I must be paid,
For knowledge, learning in private grades.
I consist of school and money's gleam,
So children learn and sometimes dream (or pray).

What am I?

Answer: Das Schulgeld (School fees)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition (Kompositum):

• Determinative Compound: The first word (Schule - school) specifies the second word (Geld - money). It's money designated for school.
• Structure: die Schule + das Geld → das Schulgeld (The gender is determined by the last noun, Geld).

Cultural Context:

• In Germany, the concept of Schulgeld is less common than in many other countries (e.g., USA, UK) because the public school system dominates and is mostly free. Therefore, Schulgeld is strongly associated with attending private schools.
• Often, scholarships (Stipendien) or income-based regulations exist to reduce the financial burden of Schulgeld.