Goldgräber
The English phrase "gold digger" can be translated into German as Goldgräber.
In German, Goldgräber is used to describe a person who cultivates a personal relationship specifically to attain money, material goods or power. However, be aware that because Goldgräber literally refers to actual miners, using it as a metaphor for a person seeking a wealthy partner can sound confusing or overly literal compared to the English slang usage.
Meaning: person who cultivates a personal relationship in order to attain money or material goods, power (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Goldgräber is the standard term, if you are referring specifically to a female gold digger, you should use the feminine form Goldgräberin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Goldgräber is masculine. To refer specifically to a female gold digger, use the feminine form Goldgräberin.
Did you know?
- The German word for a person who pursues someone for money, Erbschleicher, literally translates to 'inheritance creeper'.
- In German, the term Goldgräber can also be used metaphorically in business to describe 'early adopters' who find a profitable new market.
- In German, the term Goldgräberstimmung describes a collective 'gold rush fever' or a period of intense speculation and excitement.
Examples in context
- Sie ist eine echte Ausbeuterin, die immer nach dem Geld anderer Leute sucht.She is a real gold digger, always searching for other people's money.
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are discussing a mutual acquaintance's new partner.
- LukasGlaubst du, er liebt sie wirklich?Do you think he really loves her?
- SarahNein, ich glaube, er ist ein Goldgräber.No, I think he is a gold digger.
- LukasDas wäre wirklich traurig für sie.That would be really sad for her.
- SarahJa, Lukas, sie sollte vorsichtig sein.Yes, Lukas, she should be careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Goldgräber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
