die  Spende

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃpɛndə/

🎁 What exactly is a Spende?

Die Spende (noun, feminine) refers to a voluntary gift, usually for a charitable or non-profit purpose. It can involve money (Geld), goods (Sachmittel), or even physical contributions.

• Geldspende: A financial contribution.
• Sachspende: The donation of goods (e.g., Kleidung - clothes, Lebensmittel - food).
• Blutspende: The voluntary donation of blood.
• Organspende: The consent to organ removal after death or (less commonly) during life for transplantation.

The word is almost exclusively used with the article die. It describes the act of giving or the item given itself. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with the verb spenden (to donate, to give).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declension of die Spende

As a feminine noun, „die Spende“ follows the feminine declension pattern.

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Jede Spende hilft den Betroffenen. (Every donation helps those affected.)
2. Wir danken Ihnen für die Großzügigkeit der Spende. (We thank you for the generosity of the donation.)
3. Mit dieser Spende können wir neue Medikamente kaufen. (With this donation, we can buy new medicine.)
4. Er überreichte die Spende persönlich. (He handed over the donation personally.)
5. Die Spenden aus dem letzten Jahr waren rekordverdächtig. (The donations from last year were record-breaking.)
6. Die Verteilung der Spenden erfordert viel Organisation. (The distribution of the donations requires a lot of organization.)
7. Wir helfen mit den Spenden direkt vor Ort. (We help directly on site with the donations.)
8. Das Rote Kreuz sammelt Spenden für die Opfer der Flutkatastrophe. (The Red Cross is collecting donations for the victims of the flood disaster.)

💡 How is 'die Spende' used?

The term die Spende is firmly rooted in the context of charity (Wohltätigkeit), relief campaigns (Hilfsaktionen), and solidarity (Solidarität).

• Typical Contexts: People talk about Spenden in connection with aid organizations (e.g., UNICEF, Rotes Kreuz - Red Cross), churches (Kirchen), disaster relief (Katastrophenhilfe), medical research (medizinische Forschung), or even political campaigns (Parteispende - party donation).
• Related Terms: The verb is spenden (to donate). A person who donates is a Spender (male donor) or a Spenderin (female donor). An event to collect donations is a Spendenaktion (donation campaign) or a Spendenaufruf (appeal for donations).
• Distinction: A Spende is always voluntary (freiwillig) and without direct reciprocation (Gegenleistung). It differs from a Kauf (purchase), a Tausch (exchange), or a Gebühr (fee). A Geschenk (gift, present) is often more personal, while a Spende usually serves a higher purpose.

🧠 Mnemonics for Spende

Article Mnemonic: Think of other feminine '-e' ending words related to giving, like "die Gabe" (the gift) or "die Hilfe" (the help). Die Spende fits this common feminine pattern.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you generously spend money, but instead of buying something for yourself, you give it away – that's a Spende! You're 'spending' for a good cause.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words:

• Spind: Locker (masculine: der Spind). Sounds similar but unrelated.
• Spange: Clasp, brooch, hairclip (feminine: die Spange).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Bettler: "Haben Sie eine kleine Spende für einen Kaffee?"
Sagt der Geizhals: "Aber ich trinke doch gar keinen Kaffee!"

Translation:
The beggar asks: "Do you have a small donation for a coffee?"
The miser replies: "But I don't even drink coffee!"

✍️ Poem about the Spende

Ein kleiner Betrag, ein großes Herz,
Die Spende lindert manchen Schmerz.
Ob Geld, ob Zeit, ob Sach', ob Blut,
Sie tut so vielen Menschen gut.
Ein Akt der Hoffnung, klar und rein,
So soll Gemeinschaft sein.

Translation:
A small amount, a big heart,
The donation eases much hurt.
Whether money, time, goods, or blood,
It does so many people good.
An act of hope, clear and pure,
That's how community should endure.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Geschenk, doch kaufst du mich nicht.
Ich helfe anderen, das ist meine Pflicht.
Man gibt mich freiwillig, aus gutem Grund.
Mal bin ich Geld, mal Kleidung kunterbunt.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a gift, but you don't buy me.
I help others, that is my duty.
I am given voluntarily, for good reason.
Sometimes I'm money, sometimes colorful clothing in season.

What am I? (Solution: die Spende - the donation)

🧩 Other Interesting Facts

• Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The word "Spende" derives from the verb "spenden", which in turn comes from the Latin word "spondere", originally meaning "to promise" or "to vow".
• Tax Deductibility (Steuerliche Absetzbarkeit): In many countries, including Germany, donations to recognized charitable organizations are tax-deductible. A donation receipt (Spendenbescheinigung) is usually required for this.
• Types of Donations (Spendenarten): Besides the ones mentioned, there are more specific forms like Zeitspende (time donation, i.e., volunteering) or Samenspende (sperm donation) and Eizellspende (egg donation) in a medical context.