der
Geldbeutel
👛 What Exactly is a 'Geldbeutel'?
The German word der Geldbeutel refers to a small container, usually made of leather, fabric, or plastic, primarily used for storing cash (Bargeld - coins and bills), but often also for credit cards (Kreditkarten), ID cards (Ausweise), and other important papers. It's typically carried in a trouser or jacket pocket (Hosentasche, Jackentasche) or in a handbag (Handtasche).
It's a compound noun (zusammengesetztes Substantiv) formed from Geld (money) and Beutel (pouch, bag). The article is always der (masculine).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
📊 Grammar: Declension of 'der Geldbeutel'
The word "Geldbeutel" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension (Deklination):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Geldbeutel |
| Genitive | des | Geldbeutels |
| Dative | dem | Geldbeutel |
| Accusative | den | Geldbeutel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Geldbeutel |
| Genitive | der | Geldbeutel |
| Dative | den | Geldbeuteln |
| Accusative | die | Geldbeutel |
Example Sentences
- Nominative: Der Geldbeutel liegt auf dem Tisch. (The wallet is lying on the table.)
- Genitive: Der Inhalt des Geldbeutels ist wertvoll. (The content of the wallet is valuable.)
- Dative: Ich habe das Geld in dem Geldbeutel gefunden. (I found the money in the wallet.)
- Accusative: Hast du den Geldbeutel gesehen? (Have you seen the wallet?)
- Plural: Die neuen Geldbeutel sind sehr modisch. (The new wallets are very fashionable.)
💡 How to Use 'Geldbeutel'?
The term Geldbeutel is commonly used in everyday German. It's considered quite neutral and perhaps slightly more common than Portemonnaie or Geldbörse, although all three can be used synonymously for 'wallet' or 'purse'.
- Everyday life: "Ich habe meinen Geldbeutel verloren!" (I lost my wallet!)
- Shopping: "Zück deinen Geldbeutel, wir müssen bezahlen." (Get out your wallet, we have to pay.)
- Figurative use: Sometimes 'Geldbeutel' is used metaphorically for one's financial situation or budget: "Das sprengt meinen Geldbeutel." (That breaks my budget / That's too expensive for me.)
Compared to das Portemonnaie (often sounds a bit more elegant, from French) or die Geldbörse (sometimes sounds slightly more formal or specific to women's purses, but not exclusively), der Geldbeutel is a very down-to-earth and universal term.
🧠 Mnemonics for Memorization
Article 'der': Imagine DER strong MAN pulling out his big, fat Geldbeutel. Masculine strength -> masculine article der.
Meaning: The word clearly breaks down: Geld (money) + Beutel (pouch/bag). A pouch for money. It couldn't be simpler!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Geldbeutel
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- das Portemonnaie: Often perceived as slightly more elegant, borrowed from French. Note the neuter article 'das'.
- die Geldbörse: Very common, sometimes used more for women's purses, but not exclusively. Note the feminine article 'die'.
- die Brieftasche: Often focuses more on bills (Scheine) and cards, less on coins (Münzen). Primarily 'wallet'. Note the feminine article 'die'.
Antonyms (Opposing Concepts)
Direct antonyms hardly exist. However, one could think of contrasting concepts:
- die Schulden: Debts - the opposite of having money.
- Leere Taschen: Empty pockets - a figurative expression for having no money.
- Digitale Zahlungsmittel: Digital payment methods - e.g., smartphone app, credit card (as the object, not the wallet itself).
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette keinen Geldbeutel mit zum Fest?
Weil sie keine Körper haben, um ihn hineinzustecken – und kein Geld! 😉
Translation: Why don't skeletons take a wallet to the party?
Because they have no body to put it in – and no money! 😉 (Pun relies on Körper = body, but sounds like Körbchen = little basket)
📜 A Poem About the Geldbeutel
Im Beutel, klein und fein,
steckt mancher Euroschein.
Mal prall, mal eher leer,
trägt man ihn hin und her.
Der Geldbeutel, treu und alt,
bewahrt das Geld vor Kalt.
Translation:
In the pouch, small and fine,
lies many a Euro note.
Sometimes full, sometimes rather bare,
one carries it here and there.
The wallet, loyal and old,
keeps the money from the cold.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe Zähne, doch kann nicht beißen.
Ich hüte Schätze auf vielen Reisen.
Mal bin ich dick, mal bin ich flach,
mal lieg ich sicher unterm Dach,
mal in der Tasche, gut versteckt.
Was bin ich, wenn man's übercheckt?
Translation:
I have teeth, but cannot bite.
I guard treasures on many a flight (journey).
Sometimes I'm thick, sometimes I'm flat,
Sometimes I lie safely under the mat (under the roof/safe),
Sometimes in a pocket, well hidden away.
What am I, if you check today?
Solution: Der Geldbeutel (The wallet - often with a zipper = teeth/Zähne)
🧩 Word Composition and More
The word Geldbeutel is a great example of a German compound noun (Kompositum):
Together, they logically form the meaning: a pouch/bag for money.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Geldbeutel?
The German word "Geldbeutel" (wallet/purse) is a masculine noun, so its article is always der. It refers to a small container for money and cards. Its declension follows the standard pattern for German masculine nouns.