Geld
/ɡɛlt/neuter
The German word for money is Geld. Wiktionary also lists Bargeld.
Meaning: currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geld | /ɡɛlt/ | neuter |
| Bargeld | /ˈbaːɐ̯ɡɛlt/ | neuter |
Geld is the standard term used to refer to money in a general sense. When you want to express the action of spending money, you use the phrase Geld ausgeben.
Which one should you use?
While Geld refers to money in general, Bargeld is used specifically when you mean physical cash, such as coins and banknotes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Germany, particularly Bavaria, Schotter is an informal term for money.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Geld is a neuter noun. To indicate possession or a relationship to the money, use the genitive singular form Geldes, as in der Wert des Geldes (the value of the money).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɛlt/
Did you know?
- The English word 'geld', which means to castrate an animal, is actually a cognate of the German word for money, sharing the same ancient root of 'payment' or 'reward'.
- Germany is famously more reliant on Bargeld than many other European nations, with cash remaining a preferred payment method in many shops and restaurants.
- If you are looking for 'rubble' or 'gravel', you might accidentally ask for money, as the slang term Schotter literally translates to 'gravel'.
Examples in context
- Er bat um Geld.He asked for money.This sentence demonstrates the use of Geld when someone is asking for it.Tatoeba #3004991 by freddy1, translation #289449 by CK
- Wo ist Ihr Geld?Where's your money?This sentence shows how to ask for someone's Geld.Tatoeba #2262533 by Zaghawa, translation #1579451 by fanty
- Es ist nur Geld.It's just money.This sentence uses Geld to describe something as being merely money.Tatoeba #6611450 by Felixjp, translation #2249094 by CK
- Ich habe das Geld überwiesen.I transferred the money.
- Die Währung in Deutschland ist der Euro.The currency in Germany is the Euro.
- Ich brauche etwas mehr Kohle für das Konzert.I need some more money for the concert.
- Hast du ein bisschen Knete für einen Kaffee?Do you have some money for a coffee?
- Ich habe einen Haufen Schotter für das Auto gezahlt.I paid a heap of money for the car.
- Kannst du mir ein paar Moneten leihen?Can you lend me some money?
- 3901 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are deciding how to pay for a meal.
- LukasHast du genug Geld dabei?Do you have enough money with you?
- LauraJa, ich habe genug Geld.Yes, I have enough money.
- LukasKann ich dir etwas Geld leihen?Can I borrow some money from you?
- LauraKlar, hier ist das Geld.Sure, here is the money.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries Geld, Bargeld, 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.
