das
Taschengeld
💰 What Exactly is Taschengeld?
Das Taschengeld is the German word for pocket money or allowance. It refers to an amount of money given regularly (e.g., weekly or monthly) to children or teenagers by their parents or guardians, intended for their personal use. The purpose is to learn how to manage money, fulfill small personal wishes, and gain initial experience with consumption.
It's a compound noun, made up of:
- die Tasche: the pocket or bag. Originally perhaps referring to money carried loosely in one's pocket.
- das Geld: the money.
Although the plural form (die Taschengelder) is grammatically possible, it's rarely used, as people usually talk about the concept or a specific amount.
The Grammar Behind the Money: Declension of Taschengeld
Das Taschengeld is a neuter noun (sächlich). It is mostly used in the singular.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das Taschengeld | ein Taschengeld |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Taschengeldes / Taschengelds | eines Taschengeldes / Taschengelds |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Taschengeld | einem Taschengeld |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das Taschengeld | ein Taschengeld |
The plural "die Taschengelder" is rare but could be used when referring to the allowances of multiple people (e.g., "Die Taschengelder der Kinder wurden erhöht." - The children's allowances were increased.). Declension follows the standard rules for neuter nouns ending in -geld.
Example Sentences
- Wie viel Taschengeld bekommst du pro Monat?
(How much pocket money do you get per month?) - Ich spare mein Taschengeld für ein neues Fahrrad.
(I'm saving my pocket money for a new bike.) - Mit seinem Taschengeld kauft er sich Süßigkeiten.
(He buys sweets with his pocket money.) - Die Höhe des Taschengeldes hängt oft vom Alter ab.
(The amount of pocket money often depends on the age.)
How and When to Use Taschengeld? 🤔
Das Taschengeld is a well-established term in German-speaking countries, especially in the context of family and upbringing.
- Typical Context: Discussions about child-rearing, financial education, youth, and consumerism.
- Purpose: It's meant to enable children to make independent decisions about small expenses (e.g., for candy, magazines, cinema tickets).
- Cultural Significance: Giving Taschengeld is widespread in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is often seen as an important step towards financial literacy. Youth welfare offices even provide recommendations for appropriate amounts based on age (the so-called "Taschengeldtabelle" - pocket money table).
- Distinction: It differs from money given for specific purposes like clothing or school supplies. It is intended for free disposal.
How to Remember 'das Taschengeld'! 🧠
Mnemonic for the Article (das):
Remember: It's das Geld (the money), even if it's in der Tasche (the pocket). The more defining part (Geld) determines the article! Das Geld -> das Taschengeld.
Mnemonic for the Meaning:
Imagine a small Tasche (pocket/bag) that only fits your own, freely spendable Geld (money) – your personal Taschengeld (pocket money)!
Other Words for Taschengeld & Opposites ↔️
Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):
- Sackgeld (Swiss German, very common in Switzerland)
- Spardosengeld (Colloquial, lit. 'piggy bank money', emphasizes saving)
- Kleingeld (Sometimes used synonymously, but generally means 'small change' or coins)
- Budget (More common in an adult context, but a teenager might refer to their Taschengeld as their 'budget')
Antonyms (Opposing concepts):
There isn't a direct antonym, but opposing concepts include:
Similar but Misleading Words:
- Handgeld: Down payment or a small amount paid immediately in cash upon closing a deal.
- Trinkgeld: Tip / Gratuity (voluntary additional payment for a service).
A Little Joke 😄
DE: Fragt Fritzchen seine Mutter: "Mama, kann ich bitte 2 Euro Taschengeld für einen alten Mann haben?" Die Mutter lächelt: "Das ist aber nett von dir, Fritzchen! Wo ist der alte Mann denn?" Fritzchen: "Da drüben, er verkauft Eis!"
EN: Little Fritz asks his mother: "Mom, can I please have 2 Euros pocket money for an old man?" The mother smiles: "That's very kind of you, Fritz! Where is the old man?" Fritz: "Over there, he's selling ice cream!"
Pocket Money Poem 📜
DE:
Das Taschengeld, klein oder groß,
liegt jede Woche auf dem Schoß.
Mal hier, mal da, wird's ausgegeben,
für Süßes oder schönes Leben.
Man lernt damit, es ist doch klar,
wie schnell das Geld verschwunden war.
Drum spar es gut, sei nicht verwegen,
dann kannst du dir bald Großes legen!
EN:
The pocket money, small or grand,
Each week arrives right in your hand.
Spent here and there, a little treat,
For something tasty, nice and sweet.
You learn with it, it's plain to see,
How quickly gone the cash can be.
So save it well, be smart and keen,
For bigger dreams, a future scene!
Little Riddle 🕵️
DE:
Ich komme regelmäßig, bin aber kein Gehalt.
Kinder freuen sich auf mich, ob jung oder alt (naja, eher jung).
Ich passe in die Tasche, mal als Schein, mal als Münze klein.
Man lernt mit mir den Wert der Dinge – was mag ich sein?
EN:
I arrive regularly, but I'm not a salary.
Children look forward to me, young and old (well, mostly young).
I fit in a pocket, sometimes as a bill, sometimes a small coin.
You learn the value of things with me – what might I be?
Solution / Lösung: Das Taschengeld (Pocket Money / Allowance)
More Fun Facts 🤓
Word Composition:
Taschengeld is a Determinativkompositum (determinative compound). This means the first word (Tasche - pocket/bag) specifies the second word (Geld - money) more closely. So, it's a specific type of money – money for the pocket, figuratively meaning: money for personal spending.
Cultural Aspect: The "Taschengeldparagraph"
In Germany, § 110 of the Civil Code (BGB) is often called the "Taschengeldparagraph" (pocket money paragraph). It states that a minor (aged 7 and above) can enter into contracts that they fulfill (pay for) using means provided to them for this purpose or for free disposal (typically, their Taschengeld). This makes purchases made by minors within this scope legally valid.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Taschengeld?
The correct article for Taschengeld is always das. It refers to money (das Geld) intended for personal spending, typically given to children and teenagers.