der  Zloty

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtslɔti/

💰 What exactly is 'der Zloty'?

The Zloty (pronounced approximately: [ˈzwɔtɨ] in Polish) is the official currency unit of Poland. The Polish word "Złoty" means "golden". The international currency code is PLN.

In German, it always takes the masculine article: der Zloty. There are no other meanings or articles for this word in German.

• 🇵🇱 Official currency of Poland
• Symbol: zł
• Subdivision: 1 Zloty = 100 Groszy (singular: Grosz)

🧐 Grammar Check: Declining 'der Zloty'

The noun "Zloty" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Note: Both forms without 's' (Zloty) and with 's' (Zlotys) are common in the genitive singular and the plural. The form without 's' is often preferred when referring to the currency unit itself.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Wechselkurs für den Zloty schwankt täglich.
   (The exchange rate for the Zloty fluctuates daily.)
2. Wie viel sind 100 Euro in polnischen Zloty?
   (How much is 100 Euros in Polish Zloty?)
3. Der Preis für das Hotel beträgt 500 Zloty pro Nacht.
   (The price for the hotel is 500 Zloty per night.)
4. Er tauschte seine Euros gegen Zloty.
   (He exchanged his Euros for Zloty.)

🌍 When to use 'der Zloty'?

The term "Zloty" is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Travel to Poland: When discussing money needed for or spent during a trip to Poland. "Ich muss noch Euro in Zloty umtauschen." (I still need to exchange Euros for Zloty.)
• Economics and Finance: In reports about the Polish economy, exchange rates, or international financial markets. "Der Zloty hat gegenüber dem Euro an Wert gewonnen." (The Zloty has gained value against the Euro.)
• Price Indications: When stating prices for goods or services in Poland. "Das Buch kostet 40 Zloty." (The book costs 40 Zloty.)

You always use der Zloty because it's the name of the currency unit. Confusion with other words is unlikely.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Zloty'

Article Mnemonic (der): Think of the currency being strong like a man (masculine -> der). Or imagine a Polish 'Sir' (Herr -> der) holding his Zloty.

Meaning Mnemonic (Currency): It sounds a bit like 'slotted'. Imagine 'slotting' Zloty coins into a vending machine in Poland.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Terms

• Grosz (der): The subunit of the Zloty (1 Zloty = 100 Groszy). Don't confuse them!

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum nehmen polnische Vögel keine Kredite auf?

Antwort: Weil sie lieber bar Zloty!

Translation/Explanation:

Question: Why don't Polish birds take out loans?

Answer: Because they prefer cash (bar) Zloty! (This is a pun in German. "Bar zahlen" means "to pay cash". It sounds a bit like "Barszcz", Polish borscht soup, but the primary pun is on 'bar' = cash.)

✒️ Poem about the Zloty

In Polen, das ist klar,
zahlt man nicht in Euro bar.
Der Zloty glänzt so golden fein,
mal groß als Schein, mal klein als Münzlein. Von Krakau bis nach Danzig rauf,
gibt man ihn gerne aus im Kauf.

Translation:
In Poland, that is clear,
one doesn't pay cash in Euro there.
The Zloty shines so golden fine,
sometimes big as a bill, sometimes small as coin design.
From Krakow up to Gdansk's shore,
it's gladly spent when buying more.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin golden dem Namen nach,
in Polen lieg' ich vielfach brach.
Man tauscht mich ein für Euro-Scheine,
ich bin des Nachbarlandes Eine.
Mein Artikel, der ist männlich klar.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I am golden according to my name,
In Poland, I often lie in the exchange game.
You trade me for Euro notes so green,
I am the neighbour country's currency queen (well, king!).
My article is clearly masculine, you see.

What am I?
(Answer: Der Zloty)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

• Etymology: The Polish word "złoty" means "golden" and originally referred to gold coins.
• Symbol: The official symbol is "zł".
• Subunit: 1 Zloty equals 100 Groszy (singular: Grosz). The name "Grosz" derives from the German "Groschen".
• History: The modern Zloty was introduced after various currency reforms, most recently after the fall of communism.