geld
/χɛlt/
The Afrikaans word for money is geld.
In a formal or global context, the term Valuta is more appropriate when specifically referring to currency and Finansies is used when discussing finances.
Meaning: currency (noun)
Which one should you use?
Doekoe is a slang term that refers to money in an urban and street-wise context. For more formal discussions regarding global currency, use Valuta.
How do you pronounce it?
/χɛlt/
Did you know?
- In South Africa, you might hear the slang term doekoe used for money, which originates from a word for 'cloth' in an Indian language.
- The word geld shares its ancestry with the English word 'yield', as both stem from a Proto-Germanic root related to paying or rendering.
- While geld is the standard word, South Africans often use the English word 'cash' in casual Afrikaans conversations without translating it.
Examples in context
- Ons het geld nodig.We need money.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for geld.Tatoeba #5671385 by CJuser01, translation #493908 by adjusting
- Ek sien hom as geld se slaaf.I see him as slave of money.This sentence uses geld in a metaphorical way to describe someone controlled by wealth.Tatoeba #13577983 by Pietpetoors, translation #11878714 by Aghanim
- Ek het nie geld om jou te bêl nie.I don't have any money to call you.This sentence shows how geld is used to explain a lack of funds for a specific action.Tatoeba #13370646 by Pietpetoors, translation #13370507 by frpzzd
- Ek moet my geld by die bank gaan haal.I need to go to the bank to get my money.
- Kan jy my sommer 'n paar bucks leen?Can you lend me a few bucks?
- Daai sokkies kos 'n sak doekoe.Those socks cost a lot of money.
- Hy is baie vinnig om pesewas uit te gee.He is quick to spend money.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andries and Anika are discussing a purchase at a store.
- AndriesHet jy genoeg geld vir die kos?Do you have enough money for the food?
- AnikaNee, ek het my beursie vergeet.No, I forgot my wallet.
- AndriesMoenie bekommerd wees nie, ek het geld.Don't worry, I have money.
- AnikaDankie, Andries, ek sal jou terugbetaal.Thank you, Andries, I will pay you back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries geld, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geld, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
