die  Geldstrafe

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡɛltˌʃtʁaːfə/

🤔 What Exactly is a Geldstrafe?

The German word Geldstrafe (feminine, article: die) refers to a financial sanction imposed as punishment for a criminal offense or an administrative offense (Ordnungswidrigkeit). The affected person must pay it to the state or another authorized entity.

In the German legal system, a Geldstrafe is a common form of punishment, especially for minor to moderate offenses. Its amount is often based on the offender's income (using the Tagessatzsystem - daily rate system).

⚠️ Be careful: A Geldstrafe is not the same as a Bußgeld, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday language. A Bußgeld is typically imposed for administrative offenses (e.g., traffic violations), while a Geldstrafe is usually the result of criminal proceedings.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: Die Geldstrafe

The word "Geldstrafe" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

• Wegen zu schnellen Fahrens erhielt er eine hohe Geldstrafe.
  (He received a hefty fine for speeding.)
• Das Gericht verurteilte den Angeklagten zu einer Geldstrafe von 50 Tagessätzen.
  (The court sentenced the defendant to a fine of 50 daily rates.)
• Die Zahlung der Geldstrafe muss innerhalb von vier Wochen erfolgen.
  (The payment of the fine must be made within four weeks.)
• Mehrere Geldstrafen wurden gegen das Unternehmen verhängt.
  (Several fines were imposed on the company.)

💡 How to Use "Geldstrafe"?

The term die Geldstrafe is primarily used in legal and administrative contexts.

• In criminal law: As a sanction for criminal offenses, often as an alternative or in addition to imprisonment.
• In civil law: Sometimes as part of contractual penalties (then often called "Vertragsstrafe" or "Pönale," but the principle is similar: a financial sanction for breach of contract).
• In everyday life: Often in connection with traffic stops, court proceedings, or official notices.

Distinction from Bußgeld:

• Geldstrafe: More related to criminal law, result of criminal proceedings, amount often income-dependent (Tagessätze - daily rates). Usually involves an entry in the Federal Central Criminal Register (Bundeszentralregister).
• Bußgeld: More for administrative offenses (e.g., parking violations, minor speeding), result of an administrative fine procedure (Bußgeldverfahren), amount usually fixed (Bußgeldkatalog - schedule of fines). No entry in the certificate of conduct (Führungszeugnis), but possibly points in Flensburg (driving record).

Although often mixed up in daily conversation, the legal distinction is relevant.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (die)

Think of it this way: A Strafe (punishment) is often unpleasant, maybe like a strict requirement or task. Many German nouns ending in -e that describe an action or state are feminine. Strafe ends in -e. So: die Strafe -> die Geldstrafe.

Meaning Mnemonic

It's straightforward: What do you have to give up for this punishment? Geld (money)! It's a Strafe (punishment) paid with Geld (money). Geld + Strafe = Geldstrafe.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Potentially Confusing Words

• Gebühr: Fee for a service or usage (e.g., administrative fee). Not a punishment.
• Mahnung: Reminder for an overdue payment, often includes late fees, but not originally a penalty.
• Steuernachzahlung: Back payment of owed taxes, not a penalty itself (though penalty interest might apply).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie die Parkuhr mit einem Hammer zertrümmert?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ich musste doch irgendwie an Kleingeld für meine Geldstrafe kommen!"

--- Translation ---

The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you smash the parking meter with a hammer?"
The defendant replies: "Well, I had to get some change for my fine somehow!"

📜 Poem about a Geldstrafe

Zu schnell gefahren, nicht bedacht,
ein Blitz hat kurz die Nacht durchfacht.
Ein Brief kommt an, oh Schreck, oh Graus,
drin steht: Das kostet, aus die Maus!
Die Geldstrafe, sie tut weh,
nächstes Mal fahr' ich im Schritt, juchhe!

--- Translation ---

Drove too fast, without a thought,
A flash briefly pierced the night.
A letter arrives, oh dear, oh dread,
Inside it says: This costs, game over, head!
The fine, it truly hurts,
Next time I'll drive at walking speed, no spurts!

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin kein Geschenk, bring' selten Freud',
man zahlt mich meist mit großem Leid.
Ich komme oft per Post ins Haus,
für ein Vergehen zahlst du mich aus.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation ---

I am not a gift, I rarely bring joy,
You usually pay me with great annoy.
I often arrive by mail to your place,
For an offense, you pay me apace.

What am I?

Solution: die Geldstrafe (the fine)

🤓 Trivia & Details

Word Composition

The word "Geldstrafe" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Geld (neuter, 'das'): money
• Strafe (feminine, 'die'): punishment, penalty

Together, they signify a punishment carried out through the payment of money. The gender of the compound noun is determined by the last part, hence 'die Strafe' -> 'die Geldstrafe'.

The Daily Rate System (Tagessatzsystem)

In Germany, the amount of a Geldstrafe is often calculated in daily rates (Tagessätze) according to § 40 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). The number of daily rates depends on the severity of the offense (e.g., 30 daily rates). The monetary value of a single daily rate depends on the personal and economic circumstances of the offender (usually their net daily income). This system aims to ensure that the fine is equally felt by both wealthy and less wealthy individuals.