Münze
[ˈmʏnt͡sə]feminine
The German word for coin is Münze. Wiktionary also lists Geldstück.
Meaning: (currency) a piece of currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Münze | [ˈmʏnt͡sə] (Germany, narrow) [ˈmʏnt͡sɛ] (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland, narrow) |
feminine |
| Geldstück | /ˈɡɛltˌʃtʏk/ | neuter |
The term Münze is used to refer to a minted coin. You can also use the related verb prägen to describe the act of creating or minting coins, or to mean making up, inventing or establishing something.
Which one should you use?
While Münze specifically refers to a minted coin, Geldstück is a more generic term for a piece of money or a coin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Münze is a feminine noun and takes the article die. The plural form is Münzen. Geldstück is a neuter noun and takes the article das.
When do people say it?
To describe the act of a coin toss used to make a decision, the noun Münzwurf is used.
Did you know?
- In German, the verb prägen is used for both minting a Münze and for describing how a traumatic or powerful experience 'shaped' a person's personality.
- Germany's history of fragmented city-states meant that for centuries, different cities minted their own unique Münzen even within the same region.
- German has a specific word Kleingeld for the collective 'coins' in your pocket, which literally translates to 'small money'.
Examples in context
- Das ist eine Münze.This is a coin.This sentence is useful for identifying a single coin.Tatoeba #12450440 by Waldelfe, translation #9998766 by Nylez
- Die Münze ist silbern.The coin is silver.This sentence describes the color or material of a coin.Tatoeba #2983898 by Zaghawa, translation #2900427 by rul
- Werfen wir eine Münze!Let's decide by coin toss.This sentence shows how to use a coin toss to make a decision.Tatoeba #6619942 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #355604 by Hautis
- Wo kann ich meine Münzen wechseln?Where can I exchange my coins?
- Ich würde gern eine Münze in den Automaten werfen.I would like to insert a coin into the vending machine.
- Können Sie mir bitte das Wechselgeld in Geldstücken geben?Can you please give me the change in coins?
- Das Museum akzeptiert nur Geldstücke.The museum only accepts coins.
- Ich habe mir einen alten Taler als Glücksbringer gekauft.I bought an old coin as a lucky charm.
- Kannst du mir bitte ein paar Groschen für die Telefonzelle geben?Can you please give me a few coins for the telephone booth?
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are at a vending machine.
- FelixHast du noch eine Münze für mich?Do you still have a coin for me?
- HannahJa, ich habe hier eine kleine Münze.Yes, I have a small coin here.
- FelixDanke, Hannah! Das passt genau.Thanks, Hannah! That fits perfectly.
- HannahGerne, Felix. Viel Spaß mit deinem Getränk.You're welcome, Felix. Enjoy your drink.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coin” translations and entries Münze, Geldstück, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
