Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| penningmeester | /ˈpɛ.nɪŋˌmeːs.tər/ | |
| schatmeester | masculine | |
| schatbewaarder | masculine | |
| quaestor | masculine | |
| thesaurier | /teːˈzɑu̯.riːr/ /teːˈzoː.riːr/ |
masculine |
A treasurer is an official entrusted with the funds and revenues of an organisation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word penningmeester is a compound of penning, meaning coin or token and meester, meaning master.
Which one should you use?
penningmeester is the most common term for a treasurer in small-to-medium scale associations or clubs. For large-scale, professional or institutional contexts, use thesaurier. The term schatbewaarder literally means 'treasure keeper' and is often used in more traditional or ceremonial contexts. Other masculine forms include schatmeester and quaestor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, the term schatbewaarder may be used instead of penningmeester to mean treasurer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of penningmeester is formed by adding -s: penningmeesters. While the default form is masculine, in modern usage, penningmeester is often used for any gender, though penningmeesteres can be used specifically for a female treasurer.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of penningmeester is /ˈpɛ.nɪŋˌmeːs.tər/. The stress is on the first syllable of the four-syllable word.
Did you know?
- The word penning is a cognate of the English 'penny', reflecting a time when both languages shared a common Germanic currency system.
- The Dutch language maintains quaestor as an unadapted loanword, preserving the exact Latin spelling of the Roman financial official.
- The word meester in penningmeester does not imply ownership, but rather denotes a level of expertise or a designated 'master' of a specific craft or duty.
Examples in context
- De penningmeester heeft de financiële administratie van de vereniging goed op orde.The treasurer has the financial administration of the association well organized.
- De kasbewaarder zorgt ervoor dat er voldoende geld in de kas zit voor het feest.The treasurer ensures that there is enough money in the treasury for the party.
- Onze penningbaas zorgt ervoor dat onze uitgaven binnen het budget blijven.Our treasurer ensures that our expenses stay within the budget.
- De penningmeester is verantwoordelijk voor de financiënThe treasurer is responsible for the finances
- De penningmeester betaalt de rekeningen van de club.The treasurer pays the club's bills.
- Zoek je een nieuwe penningmeester voor de vereniging?Are you looking for a new treasurer for the association?
- Ik ben de penningmeester van deze stichting.I am the treasurer of this foundation.
Example conversation
Julia and Levi are discussing roles for a local sports club.
- JuliaLevi, wil je de penningmeester worden?Levi, do you want to become the treasurer?
- LeviDat is een grote verantwoordelijkheid, Julia.That is a big responsibility, Julia.
- JuliaHet is een belangrijke taak voor de club.It is an important task for the club.
- LeviIk zal erover nadenken.I will think about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “treasurer” translations and entries penningmeester, schatmeester, schatbewaarder, quaestor, thesaurier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries penningmeester, quaestor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
