der  Franc

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fʁaŋk/

💰 What does "der Franc" mean?

Der Franc (sometimes also called Franken, especially in the Swiss context) is the German name for a unit of currency used in various countries, either historically or currently. In German, the word is masculine.

• Historische Währung (Historical Currency): Primarily known as the former currency of France and Belgium before the introduction of the Euro.
• Aktuelle Währung (Current Currency): The Schweizer Franken (Swiss Franc, CHF) is a well-known example of an existing currency with this name. It is also still legal tender in several African countries (CFA Franc, Comorian Franc).

🚨 Attention: Although the Swiss Franc is often simply called "Franken" in German, "Franc" is the more internationally common term (and masculine in German), especially when speaking generally about the currency or referring to historical variants.

🧐 Grammar: Declension of "der Franc"

The noun "der Franc" is masculine. It is declined as follows:

Note: In the plural and genitive singular, both forms (- or -s) are common. The form without an ending (- Franc) is often considered more standard, especially when preceded by a number (e.g., 100 Franc). However, the form with -s (des Francs, die Francs) is also used.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der alte französische Franc wurde durch den Euro ersetzt.
   (The old French franc was replaced by the Euro.)
2. Der Wert des Schweizer Franc ist relativ stabil.
   (The value of the Swiss franc is relatively stable.)
3. Er tauschte seine Dollar in Schweizer Franc um.
   (He exchanged his dollars for Swiss francs.) - Note: Plural often without -s after numbers/quantity indication.
4. Die Geschichte des belgischen Francs ist interessant.
   (The history of the Belgian franc is interesting.) - Genitive with -s shown here.

🗣️ Everyday Usage

The term "der Franc" is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Finanzwesen & Wirtschaft (Finance & Economy): When discussing currencies, exchange rates, or international financial markets (e.g., "Der Kurs des Schweizer Franc stieg." - The exchange rate of the Swiss franc rose.).
• Geschichte (History): In connection with the currency history of countries like France, Belgium, or Luxembourg before the Euro.
• Reisen (Travel): When travelling to Switzerland or countries using the CFA Franc.

In everyday German conversation, you hear "Franc" less often unless specifically discussing the Swiss Franc or historical contexts. The Swiss Franc is commonly referred to simply as "Franken".

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of a French gentleman (masculine = der) dealing with money: Der Gentleman deals with Francs.

Meaning Mnemonic: Franc sounds like frank (as in honest), but think of the Franco-phone world (French-speaking) and its money.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but Different Words

• frank: Adjective (candid, open) or part of names (Frankfurt).
• frei: Adjective (free, independent).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Franc nie Karten gespielt?
Er hatte Angst, seinen Wert zu wechseln!

(Why did the Franc never play cards?
He was afraid to change his value! - "wechseln" means both "to change" and "to exchange currency")

📜 A Little Poem

Der Franc, einst stolz in manchem Land,
Lag sicher in der Händlerhand.
In Frankreich, Belgien, weit bekannt,
Nun oft vom Euro überrannt.
Doch in der Schweiz, da hält er stand,
Ein starkes, wertbeständiges Band.

(The Franc, once proud in many a land,
Lay securely in the merchant's hand.
In France, Belgium, widely known,
Now often by the Euro overthrown.
But in Switzerland, it holds its ground,
A strong, value-stable bond.)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich war das Geld in Paris und Brüssel einst,
Doch nur in den Alpen du mich heute noch gewinnst.
Mein Name klingt französisch, männlich bin ich hier.
Welche Währung meine ich, sag es mir!

(I was the money in Paris and Brussels once,
But only in the Alps can you still win me today.
My name sounds French, I am masculine here.
Which currency do I mean, tell me!)

Solution: Der Franc (specifically the Swiss Franc in the second part)

🌍 Other Information

Etymologie (Etymology): The name "Franc" likely derives from the Latin inscription FRANCORVM REX (King of the Franks), found on early French coins.

Verbreitung (Distribution): Besides Switzerland and Liechtenstein (which use the Swiss Franc), many countries in West and Central Africa use versions of the CFA Franc, and the Comoros use the Comorian Franc.