Show me the money! Let’s talk about money! To be more precise, German money and what the Germans might call it.
First some ‘normal’ words (plural ending in brackets):
- der Euro(s) – Euro
- der Cent(s) – Cent(s)
- das Bargeld – cash
- das Kleingeld – small/ loose change
- das Wechselgeld – change
- das Taschengeld – pocket money
- das Falschgeld – counterfeit money
- die Banknote(n) – banknote(s)
- der Geldschein(n) – banknote(s)
- die Münze(n) – coin(s)
Now for some slang words instead of ‘Geld’. Just like in English people might say mint, monkey, an arm and a leg, etc….., you may hear Germans use others words, too. I wouldn’t suggest that you use those words, but if you hear them in a German film, a song or you hear it said on the streets, you’ll know what people talk about ☺
Here are those slang words again:
- Asche
- Bares
- Blüten (counterfeit money)
- Cash
- Finanzen
- Flöhe
- Kies
- Knete
- Kohle
- Kröten
- Mäuse
- Moneten
- Moos
- Peseten
- Piepen
- Pinkepinke
- Scheine
- Schotter
- Taler
- Zaster
Some phrases/ idioms:
- Geld ist Macht – money talks
- Geld spielt keine Rolle – money is no object
- Geld stinkt nicht – money doesn’t smell
- Geld wie Heu haben – to have money to burn
- Geld regiert die Welt – a golden key can open any door
- Das Geld liegt auf der Straße – the street are paved with money
- Geld zum Fenster hinauswerfen – to pour money down the drain
- Zeit ist Geld – time is money
How about Abba’s song ‘Money Money Money in German? Here it is from Mamma Mia, the German version of the musical:
Or if you’d rather find out how money was invented (AND learn some German) check out the following easy videos:
And, of course, show me the money ☺
But now, that you have read all this, here’s one more German saying:
Über Geld spricht man nicht!
I’ll leave it to you to translate that sentence ☺
I am deeply indebted to you madam. Thank you so much.
You’re very welcome!