der  Yen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/jɛn/

💰 What does 'der Yen' mean?

Der Yen (Symbol: ¥, ISO code: JPY) is the official Währung (currency) of Japan. It is a masculine noun (Maskulinum) in German.

There is only this one meaning for the word 'Yen' in German, always in the context of the Japanese currency unit.

⚠️ Be sure to use the correct article 'der'. Since it's a currency, the plural ('die Yen') is grammatically correct but less commonly used in everyday language when talking about amounts of money (e.g., "1000 Yen", not "1000 Yens"). It's more common to speak of "Yen-Münzen" (Yen coins) or "Yen-Scheine" (Yen banknotes).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension of 'der Yen'

The word 'Yen' is masculine (männlich). Here is its declension (Deklination):

Example Sentences

1. Der Wechselkurs des Yen zum Euro schwankt täglich.
   (The exchange rate of the Yen to the Euro fluctuates daily.)
2. Ich brauche 50.000 Yen für meine Reise nach Tokio.
   (I need 50,000 Yen for my trip to Tokyo.)
3. Kannst du mir diesen Betrag in Yen auszahlen?
   (Can you pay me this amount in Yen?)
4. Die japanische Zentralbank intervenierte, um den Yen zu stützen.
   (The Japanese central bank intervened to support the Yen.)
5. Er sammelt alte Yen-Münzen.
   (He collects old Yen coins.)

💴 When and how to use 'der Yen'?

The term 'der Yen' is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Wirtschaft und Finanzen (Economy and Finance): In news, reports, and analyses about the Japanese economy, financial markets, and exchange rates.
• Reisen (Travel): When planning a trip to Japan, exchanging money, or making payments locally.
• Handel (Trade): In international business relations with Japan, price quotations, or invoicing.
• Alltagssprache (Everyday Language): Whenever discussing the Japanese currency.

Although the plural 'die Yen' exists, it is usually avoided when referring to specific amounts of money. You say "100 Yen", not "100 Yens". The plural can be used when referring to the coins or banknotes themselves, e.g., "Er zeigte mir seine Sammlung verschiedener Yen." (He showed me his collection of different Yen.)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Yen'

For the article 'der': Imagine a strong Samurai (who is 'der Samurai' - masculine) paying with Yen. Or think: Der strong dragon on der coin guards den Yen. ('Der Drache' is masculine).

For the meaning (currency): 'Yen' sounds a bit like the English word 'yen' (a longing or craving). You might have a 'yen' for Japanese money (der Yen) if you want to travel there! Or think: You say 'Yes!' when you receive Japanese money (Yen).

🔄 Synonyms and Similar Terms

Words that might cause confusion

• Jen (first name): A female first name (short for Jennifer), sounds similar but is unrelated.
• Yuan (Chinese currency): The Chinese Renminbi Yuan (CNY) has a similar origin (both mean 'round object'/'coin') but is a different currency.

😂 A little Joke

Warum hat der Geldautomat in Tokio immer gute Laune?

Weil er den ganzen Tag nur Yen von sich gibt! 😄

(Why is the ATM in Tokyo always in a good mood?)

(Because it only gives 'Yen' [sounds like 'Ja' = Yes] all day long!)

📜 Poem about the Yen

Im Land der Kirschblüt' fein,
zahlt man mit dem Yen, ob groß, ob klein.
Vom Fuji bis nach Tokio,
ist der Yen der Status quo.
Ein starker Kurs, mal schwach, mal fest,
der Yen besteht den Wirtschaftstest.

(In the land of cherry blossoms fine,
you pay with the Yen, whether large or tiny.
From Fuji to Tokyo's flow,
the Yen is the status quo.
A strong rate, sometimes weak, sometimes blessed,
the Yen passes the economic test.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin rund, doch nicht zum Spielen,
komme aus dem Land der vielen Inseln.
Man braucht mich für Sushi und Tee,
mein Code ist JPY.

Wer bin ich?

(I am round, but not for playing,
I come from the land of many islands.
You need me for sushi and tea,
my code is JPY.

Who am I?)
(Answer: Der Yen)

💡 Other Information

• Etymology: The word 'Yen' (Japanese 円, en) literally means „round object“ or „circle“, similar to the Chinese Yuan or the Korean Won, and originally referred to the shape of the coins.
• Symbol: The symbol ¥ is also used for the Chinese Yuan. To avoid confusion, JP¥ is sometimes used.
• Units: There used to be smaller units like Sen (1/100 Yen) and Rin (1/1000 Yen), but they were removed from circulation in 1953.