die  Aktie

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈakti̯ə/

📈 What exactly is an 'Aktie'?

The German word die Aktie (plural: die Aktien) translates to share or stock in English. It's a security that certifies a share in the share capital (Grundkapital) of a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft or AG).

Essentially, when you buy an Aktie, you become a co-owner (Aktionär) of the company. This usually grants you certain rights, such as voting rights at the general meeting (Hauptversammlung) or a claim to dividends (Dividende), which is a share of the company's profits.

The value of an Aktie can fluctuate on the stock exchange (Börse), depending on supply and demand, the company's economic situation, and general market trends.

There are different types, for example:

• Stammaktien: Common stock/shares, typically granting voting rights.
• Vorzugsaktien: Preferred stock/shares, often without voting rights but usually with a higher or guaranteed dividend.

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse die Aktie (share/stock) with die Aktion (action, campaign, promotion).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: 'Die Aktie' in Detail

The noun Aktie is feminine. The definite article is always die.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Wert der Aktie ist gestern gefallen.
   (The value of the share fell yesterday.)
2. Ich habe eine Aktie von diesem Technologieunternehmen gekauft.
   (I bought a share from this technology company.)
3. Viele Anleger investieren in Aktien.
   (Many investors invest in shares.)
4. Die Dividenden der Aktien wurden ausgezahlt.
   (The dividends of the shares were paid out.)
5. Mit diesen Aktien ist ein Stimmrecht verbunden.
   (A voting right is associated with these shares.)

📊 How to Use 'die Aktie'?

The term die Aktie is used almost exclusively in the context of business, finance, and the stock market (Börse).

• Investments: People talk about buying or selling shares (Aktien kaufen/verkaufen), stock portfolios (Aktienportfolios), or mutual funds specializing in stocks (Aktienfonds). Example: "Er hat sein Geld in vielversprechende Aktien investiert." (He invested his money in promising stocks.)
• Company Shares: An Aktie represents a share in a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft - AG) or a partnership limited by shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien - KGaA). Example: "Die Gründer halten immer noch die Mehrheit der Aktien." (The founders still hold the majority of the shares.)
• Stock Trading: Shares are traded on stock exchanges (Börsen), and their price (Kurs) changes constantly. Example: "Die Frankfurter Börse ist ein wichtiger Handelsplatz für deutsche Aktien." (The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is an important trading venue for German stocks.)
• Financial News: In reports about the economy or individual companies, stock prices and developments (Aktienkurse und -entwicklungen) are a central topic. Example: "Die Aktie des Autobauers legte heute um 3% zu." (The car manufacturer's stock gained 3% today.)

Typical Collocations:

• Aktien kaufen/verkaufen (to buy/sell shares)
• Aktien halten (to hold shares)
• Aktienkurs (share price)
• Aktienmarkt (stock market)
• Aktiengesellschaft (stock corporation)
• Aktienindex (stock index, e.g., DAX - German Stock Index)
• Stammaktie / Vorzugsaktie (common share / preferred share)

💡 Memory Aids for 'Aktie'

Mnemonic for the Article (die):

Many German nouns ending in "-ie" are feminine, including die Aktie. Think of other feminine words like die Biologie (biology), die Theorie (theory). Imagine a sophisticated lady discussing her stocks - SHE (die) talks about her Aktie.

Mnemonic for the Meaning (Share/Stock):

An Aktie allows you to take action (like voting - Stimmrecht) in a company and gives you a piece of the profits. It makes you an active participant!

🔄 Synonyms & Related Terms

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse with Aktion (action, sale, campaign).

😄 A Little Stock Market Joke

German: Fragt der Börsenneuling seinen erfahrenen Kollegen: "Ist jetzt ein guter Zeitpunkt, um Aktien zu kaufen?" Antwortet der Kollege: "Ja, unbedingt! Kauf Aktien, warte bis sie steigen, und verkaufe sie dann wieder." Fragt der Neuling: "Und was mache ich, wenn sie nicht steigen?" Der Kollege: "Ach, das ist noch einfacher: Dann kaufst du einfach Aktien, verkaufst sie wieder und wartest gar nicht erst!"

English Translation: A stock market novice asks his experienced colleague: "Is now a good time to buy stocks?" The colleague replies: "Yes, absolutely! Buy stocks, wait until they go up, and then sell them again." The novice asks: "And what do I do if they don't go up?" The colleague: "Oh, that's even easier: Then you just buy stocks, sell them again, and don't wait at all!"

📜 Poem about the 'Aktie'

German:
Ein kleines Stück vom großen Glück,
die Aktie bringt's vielleicht zurück.
Mal steigt der Kurs, mal fällt er tief,
ein stetes Auf und Ab, kein Schlaf, kein Rief'.

Man hofft auf Dividende, jedes Jahr,
als Aktionär ist man nun da.
Ein Teil vom Ganzen, klein und fein,
so soll die Wirtschaft für uns sein.

English Translation:
A little piece of great fortune,
the share might bring it back soon.
Sometimes the price rises, sometimes it falls deep,
a constant up and down, no rest, no sleep.

One hopes for dividends, every year,
as a shareholder, one is now here.
A part of the whole, small and fine,
this is how the economy should align.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Papier, doch kein Brief,
mal mach ich reich, mal sorgt' ich für Verdruss und Rief'.
Ich geb dir Stimmrecht, manchmal Geld,
bin Teil von Firmen dieser Welt.
An Börsen werd' ich heiß gehandelt,
mein Wert sich stündlich wandelt.

Was bin ich?
... Die Aktie

English Translation:
I am a paper, but not a letter,
sometimes I make you rich, sometimes I make things less better.
I give you voting rights, sometimes cash,
I'm part of companies in a dash.
On exchanges, I'm hotly traded,
my value hourly updated.

What am I?
... A share/stock (Die Aktie)

🌐 Further Information

Word Origin:

The German word "Aktie" comes from the Middle Dutch word "actie," which originally meant "legal claim" or "share in a company." It is related to the Latin word "actio" (action, activity, lawsuit).

Related Terms:

• Aktiengesellschaft (AG): The type of company (stock corporation) that issues shares.
• Aktionär: Shareholder; owner of shares.
• Aktienindex: Stock index; an indicator that reflects the average development of selected stock prices (e.g., DAX, Dow Jones).
• Aktienkapital / Grundkapital: Share capital; the capital of an AG divided into shares.
• Börse: Stock exchange; the organized market where shares are traded.