das  Wechselgeld

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɛksəlˌɡɛlt/

💰 What exactly is 'das Wechselgeld'?

Das Wechselgeld (neuter, article 'das') refers to the amount of money, usually in the form of coins and small bills, that you receive back when you have paid with a larger amount than the goods or service cost.

It's the 'Geld' (money) that remains after 'wechseln' (changing/exchanging) a larger sum for a smaller one. It's a singular noun, often used collectively for the coins and notes you get back as the remainder.

Example: If something costs 7 Euros and you pay with a 10 Euro bill, the 3 Euros you get back are das Wechselgeld.

⚠️ There is only the article das for this word. It doesn't have different meanings based on the article.

📊 Grammar: How to decline 'Wechselgeld'

Das Wechselgeld is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is mostly used in the singular. A plural form ("die Wechselgelder") is very uncommon and not used in everyday language.

Declension Singular

Note: The Genitive and Dative endings -(e)s and -(e) are often omitted in modern German.

Example Sentences

1. Nominative: Das Wechselgeld liegt auf dem Tresen.
   (The change is lying on the counter.)
2. Genitive: Die Höhe des Wechselgeldes stimmte nicht.
   (The amount of the change was incorrect.)
3. Dative: Er suchte in dem Wechselgeld nach einer 2-Euro-Münze.
   (He searched for a 2-Euro coin in the change.)
4. Accusative: Bitte überprüfen Sie das Wechselgeld sofort.
   (Please check the change immediately.)

🛒 When do you need 'das Wechselgeld'?

Das Wechselgeld is an everyday term primarily used in situations involving cash payments:

• Beim Einkaufen (Shopping): At the checkout in supermarkets, shops, at the market.
  Example: "Stimmt so, Sie können das Wechselgeld behalten." (Keep the change. - literally: "It's correct like this, you can keep the change.")
• In Restaurants oder Cafés: When paying the bill.
• In öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln (Public transport): When buying tickets at the counter or from machines.
• An Automaten (Vending machines): Drink machines, snack machines, etc., give back Wechselgeld.

Typical verbs associated with Wechselgeld are:

• herausgeben: The cashier gives out the change.
• zurückbekommen: The customer gets the change back.
• nachzählen/prüfen: One should count/check the change.
• behalten: Sometimes people tip by saying: "Behalten Sie das Wechselgeld." (Keep the change.) or "Stimmt so." (It's okay / Keep the change.)

Unlike Kleingeld, which simply means coins or small change in general, Wechselgeld specifically refers to the money returned after a payment.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Mnemonic for the Article (das):

Think of das Geld (the money). Geld is neuter. The money you get back when you 'wechsel' (exchange) is also neuter: das Wechselgeld. It's like it (neuter) is the money returned.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

Imagine you wechsel (exchange) a big bill for goods. You get smaller Geld (money) back. That's your change: Wechselgeld - the exchange money.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch out, don't confuse with:

• der Geldwechsel: Currency exchange (e.g., Euros to Dollars).
• der Wechsel: Can mean many things (e.g., change of seasons, job change, but also a historical bill of exchange).

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Kassierer: "Haben Sie es vielleicht passend?" Antwortet der Kunde: "Nee, aber ich hab genug Wechselgeld dabei, um mir passendes zu machen!"

English: The cashier asks: "Do you happen to have the exact amount?" The customer replies: "Nope, but I brought enough change (Wechselgeld) with me to make the exact amount myself!"

📜 A Poem about 'das Wechselgeld'

German:
Ein Schein so groß, die Ware klein,
der Preis ist längst nicht ganz so rein.
Man zahlt und wartet, kurz und knapp,
auf das, was klimpernd fällt herab.

Münzen und vielleicht ein Schein,
das muss das Wechselgeld wohl sein.
Man zählt es nach, mal mehr, mal minder,
so ist das mit den Restbetrag-Findern.

English Translation:
A bill so large, the goods so small,
The price doesn't quite match at all.
You pay and wait, briefly and fast,
For what comes clinking down at last.

Coins and perhaps a bill so fine,
That must be the change, this return of mine.
You count it up, sometimes less, sometimes more,
That's how it is with leftover store.

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin das Geld, das übrig bleibt,
wenn Großes Kleines unterschreibt.
Man gibt mich aus der Kasse raus,
nach einem teuren Einkaufsschmaus.
Mal bin ich schwer, mal bin ich leicht,
doch selten wird auf mich verzicht'.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I am the money that remains,
When large for small makes the exchange.
I'm given from the till to you,
After a shopping spree is through.
Sometimes I'm heavy, sometimes light,
But seldom waived without a fight.

What am I?

Solution: Das Wechselgeld (the change)

➕ Additional Info

Word Composition

Das Wechselgeld is a compound noun, composed of:

• wechseln: The verb meaning 'to change', 'to exchange', or specifically 'to break' a larger bill into smaller money.
• das Geld: Money.

Together, the meaning becomes: Money that is returned when exchanging (paying with) larger denominations.

Cultural Notes

In Germany, it's common practice to carefully count your Wechselgeld. Rounding up the bill by saying "Stimmt so" (Keep the change / It's okay) is a common way to give a tip (Trinkgeld), especially in restaurants and cafés.