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A2 noun #6,000 más común 14 min de lectura

Portemonnaie

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos Portemonnaie en 30 segundos

Explicación Portemonnaie in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'Portemonnaie' as a basic noun for an object you carry every day. You should focus on its gender (das) and its simple use in sentences like 'Das ist mein Portemonnaie' (That is my wallet). You will likely use it when talking about things you have in your bag or when you are at a shop. It is one of the essential 'survival' words for travelers. You don't need to worry about complex spelling yet; just being able to recognize and say it is enough. Think of it as part of your 'essentials' kit along with 'Schlüssel' (keys) and 'Handy' (mobile phone). At this stage, you might also learn the word 'Geld' (money) to go along with it. Practice saying 'Mein Portemonnaie ist weg!' (My wallet is gone!) just in case you need help while traveling. You will also learn to use possessive pronouns with it, such as 'dein Portemonnaie' or 'sein Portemonnaie.' The focus is on identification and ownership.

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At the A2 level, you start using 'Portemonnaie' in more descriptive sentences. You will learn to use adjectives like 'schwarz' (black), 'groß' (large), or 'neu' (new) to describe it. You will also practice using it in different cases, especially the accusative: 'Ich suche mein Portemonnaie' (I am looking for my wallet). You should be able to talk about where it is using prepositions like 'in,' 'auf,' or 'unter.' For example, 'Das Portemonnaie liegt auf dem Tisch' (The wallet is on the table). You might also learn to talk about past events, like 'Ich habe mein Portemonnaie gestern verloren' (I lost my wallet yesterday). This level requires you to be more comfortable with the word in daily interactions, such as at a market or a restaurant. You should also be aware that there are other words like 'Geldbeutel' that mean the same thing. You will begin to notice how the word changes slightly in sentences depending on its function.

By B1, you should be able to handle more complex situations involving your 'Portemonnaie.' This includes describing its contents, such as 'Kreditkarten' (credit cards), 'Münzen' (coins), and 'Ausweise' (IDs). You might have to explain a situation at a police station or a lost property office in more detail. You will use the word in subordinate clauses, like 'Ich bin sicher, dass ich mein Portemonnaie in den Rucksack gesteckt habe' (I am sure that I put my wallet in the backpack). You will also start to encounter the word in more idiomatic contexts or in news reports about prices and spending. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the plural 'Portemonnaies' and the dative case 'in meinem Portemonnaie.' You might also learn about 'Brieftaschen' and when to use that term instead. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the actions you do with a wallet, like 'zücken' (to pull out) or 'durchsuchen' (to search through).

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At the B2 level, you use 'Portemonnaie' in more abstract and formal contexts. You might discuss the pros and cons of cash versus digital payments and how the physical 'Portemonnaie' is becoming less necessary. You will understand more nuanced expressions like 'das belastet mein Portemonnaie' (that strains my wallet/finances). You should be able to read articles about consumer behavior where the word is used as a metaphor for spending power. Your grammar should be precise, correctly using the genitive case 'die Farbe des Portemonnaies' or complex passive structures. You will also be aware of the regional differences between 'Portemonnaie' and 'Geldbeutel' and might even adapt your speech depending on where you are in Germany. You can discuss the quality of materials, like 'hochwertiges Rindsleder' (high-quality cowhide), and use the word in professional settings, such as in a retail job or when discussing business expenses.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its stylistic value. You can use 'Portemonnaie' in sophisticated literary or academic discussions. For example, you might analyze how the loss of a wallet in a story symbolizes a loss of identity or security. You are familiar with rare idioms and can use the word with flair. You understand the subtle social signals associated with different types of wallets and can describe them with high precision. Your spelling is perfect, and you can explain the history of the spelling reform regarding 'Portemonnaie' and 'Portmonee.' You can follow fast-paced conversations where the word is used colloquially or shortened. You are also able to use the word in complex legal or financial contexts, such as describing the contents of a found wallet in an official statement. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including the correct use of register and tone.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'Portemonnaie' and all its synonyms. You can appreciate the word's French heritage and how it fits into the broader history of the German language. You can write essays or give presentations where the 'Portemonnaie' is used as a central metaphor for economic policy or personal philosophy. You are comfortable with all regional dialects and can switch between 'Geldbeutel,' 'Börserl,' and 'Portemonnaie' effortlessly to build rapport with different speakers. You understand the most obscure cultural references involving wallets in German film, literature, and history. Your command of the grammar is flawless, even in the most complex and archaic constructions. You can also discuss the future of the word in a cashless society, speculating on whether the term will survive as a 'skeuomorph' for digital apps. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool you can use with absolute precision and creative flexibility.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

Portemonnaie en 30 segundos

Portemonnaie is the standard German word for a wallet or purse, essential for carrying cash and cards in daily life.
It is a neuter noun (das Portemonnaie) and its plural form is formed by adding an 's' (die Portemonnaies).
The word is a French loanword, which explains its unique spelling and pronunciation, though a simplified version 'Portmonee' also exists.
Common synonyms include Geldbeutel and Geldbörse, with regional preferences varying across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The German word Portemonnaie is a fascinating linguistic artifact that reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between Germany and France. At its core, it refers to a small, portable case used for carrying money, specifically coins and banknotes, and often credit cards or identification documents. In English, we translate this as 'wallet' or 'purse,' though in German, it is a gender-neutral noun: das Portemonnaie. While the word looks distinctly French, it has been fully integrated into the German language for centuries. You will hear this word in almost every transaction-based interaction in Germany, from the local bakery to high-end boutiques. It is the most common term for a wallet in many parts of Germany, particularly in the west and north, although it competes with regional synonyms. To understand the word, one must look at its components: 'porter' (to carry) and 'monnaie' (money). Thus, it is literally a 'money-carrier.' In a society like Germany, which historically has had a very strong preference for cash over digital payments, the Portemonnaie is more than just an accessory; it is a vital tool for daily survival. Even today, as digital wallets gain ground, the physical Portemonnaie remains a staple of German life.

Grammatical Gender: The word is neuter: das Portemonnaie. In the plural, it becomes die Portemonnaies. It is crucial to remember the 'das' because using 'der' or 'die' is a common mistake for beginners.
Spelling Variations: Following the German spelling reform of 1996, the phonetic spelling 'Portmonee' was introduced to make it easier. However, the traditional French-style spelling 'Portemonnaie' remains the most widely used and respected version in formal writing.

Entschuldigung, ich glaube, Sie haben Ihr Portemonnaie an der Kasse liegen lassen.

Beyond its literal meaning, the word often appears in metaphors regarding personal finances. If someone says their Portemonnaie is 'thin,' they are implying they are short on cash. Conversely, a 'fat' Portemonnaie suggests wealth. Because Germans carry many coins (1 and 2 Euro coins are very common), German wallets tend to be bulkier than American ones, featuring a dedicated zippered or snapped compartment for 'Kleingeld' (small money/change). This physical reality influences how the word is perceived; it is a heavy, tangible object that one must carefully guard. In public places like train stations or Christmas markets, signs often warn: 'Vorsicht, Taschendiebe! Achten Sie auf Ihr Portemonnaie!' (Watch out for pickpockets! Pay attention to your wallet!). This highlights the word's association with security and personal responsibility.

Ich muss mir ein neues Portemonnaie kaufen, weil der Reißverschluss an meinem alten kaputt ist.

Regional Usage: While 'Portemonnaie' is understood everywhere, in Southern Germany and Austria, you are much more likely to hear 'Geldbeutel' or 'Börserl.' In Switzerland, 'Portemonnaie' is the dominant term due to the closer proximity to French culture.

Ultimately, mastering the word Portemonnaie is a rite of passage for German learners. It tests your ability to handle French loanwords, navigate complex spelling, and understand the practicalities of German daily life.

Using the word Portemonnaie correctly involves more than just knowing its meaning; it requires an understanding of its grammatical role and the common verbs it pairs with. Since it is a neuter noun, it follows the declension patterns of 'das.' For example, in the accusative case (direct object), it stays 'das Portemonnaie' or 'ein Portemonnaie.' In the dative case (indirect object or after certain prepositions), it becomes 'dem Portemonnaie' or 'einem Portemonnaie.' Common verbs associated with this word include verlieren (to lose), suchen (to look for), finden (to find), öffnen (to open), and vergessen (to forget).

Verbal Collocations: 'Das Portemonnaie zücken' is a classic idiomatic expression meaning to pull out your wallet, usually to pay for something quickly or eagerly. 'Im Portemonnaie kramen' describes the common action of rummaging through one's wallet to find the right coin.

Er hat sein Portemonnaie zu Hause vergessen und konnte die Rechnung nicht bezahlen.

When describing the state of a wallet, adjectives like leer (empty), voll (full), alt (old), or ledern (leather) are frequently used. If you are describing where the wallet is located, you will use prepositions like 'in' or 'auf.' For instance, 'Das Portemonnaie liegt in meiner Tasche' (The wallet is in my bag). Note that 'Tasche' can mean bag or pocket, so context is key. If you specifically mean a pocket, you might say 'Hosentasche' (pants pocket).

In meinem Portemonnaie befinden sich nur noch ein paar Münzen und ein alter Kassenbeleg.

In more complex sentence structures, such as the passive voice, you might say: 'Das Portemonnaie wurde gestohlen' (The wallet was stolen). This is a sentence every traveler hopes never to use, but it is grammatically vital. Another common construction involves the genitive case, though it is often replaced by 'von' in spoken German: 'Die Farbe des Portemonnaies' (The color of the wallet). If you are asking a question, you might ask: 'Wessen Portemonnaie ist das?' (Whose wallet is this?). This uses the genitive interrogative pronoun.

Prepositional Usage: 'Aus dem Portemonnaie' (out of the wallet) – used when taking money out. 'Nach dem Portemonnaie greifen' (to reach for the wallet) – often used in narratives to describe the start of a payment.

Sie suchte verzweifelt in ihrem Portemonnaie nach ihrem Personalausweis.

Finally, consider the social context of using the word. In a group setting, if you want to pay for everyone, you might say: 'Das geht auf mein Portemonnaie,' which is a slightly more creative way of saying 'I am paying.' Understanding these nuances ensures that you don't just speak German, but you speak it naturally and correctly.

The word Portemonnaie is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, appearing in a wide variety of social and professional settings. One of the most common places to hear it is at the 'Kasse' (checkout counter) of a supermarket or retail store. As customers fumble for their loyalty cards or cash, they might apologize by saying, 'Moment, ich muss erst mein Portemonnaie finden' (Wait, I have to find my wallet first). In this context, the word is perfectly neutral and standard. You will also hear it frequently in public transport settings. If a ticket inspector (Kontrolleur) asks for your 'Fahrschein' (ticket), you might be seen reaching into your Portemonnaie. Similarly, at a 'Fundbüro' (lost and found office), the word is central to the conversation. 'Ich habe mein schwarzes Leder-Portemonnaie im Bus verloren' is a sentence that staff there hear daily.

Public Service Announcements: In busy areas like the 'Hauptbahnhof' (main station) or during major festivals like Oktoberfest, recorded announcements or police officers often remind people to keep their 'Portemonnaie' close to their body to prevent theft.

An der Garderobe: 'Bitte lassen Sie kein Geld oder Portemonnaies in den Taschen Ihrer Mäntel.'

In a domestic setting, family members often ask each other about the location of this essential item. 'Hast du mein Portemonnaie gesehen? Es lag vorhin noch auf dem Küchentisch.' This highlights its status as one of the 'big three' items people check for before leaving the house: 'Handy, Schlüssel, Portemonnaie' (Phone, keys, wallet). In television news or newspapers, the word is used when discussing economic issues affecting the average citizen. A headline might read, 'Inflation belastet das Portemonnaie der Bürger' (Inflation burdens the citizens' wallets), using the word as a metonym for purchasing power or personal wealth.

Der Kellner fragte: 'Zahlen Sie zusammen oder getrennt?' Sie antwortete: 'Getrennt, jeder hat sein eigenes Portemonnaie.'

Another interesting place to encounter the word is in literature and film. It is often used to characterize a person's social standing. A 'zerfleddertes Portemonnaie' (tattered wallet) might suggest a character who has fallen on hard times, while a 'handgefertigtes Portemonnaie aus Straußenleder' (handmade ostrich leather wallet) signals luxury. Even in the digital age, as Germans transition to 'Apple Pay' or 'Google Wallet,' they still refer to these apps colloquially as a 'digitales Portemonnaie.' This shows the word's enduring relevance. Whether you are at a flea market ('Flohmarkt') haggling over a price or at a bank ('Bank') opening an account, the concept and the word will be your constant companions.

The 'Lost' Scenario: If you find a wallet on the street, the standard phrase is: 'Ich habe ein Portemonnaie gefunden und möchte es abgeben.' This will be understood at any police station or city hall.

Beim Bezahlen im Taxi merkte er, dass sein Portemonnaie noch im Restaurant lag.

Through these various contexts, you can see that 'Portemonnaie' is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the essential, making it a vital part of your German vocabulary.

Learning to use Portemonnaie correctly presents several pitfalls for English speakers and even some native speakers. The most obvious challenge is the spelling. Because it is a direct loan from French, it does not follow standard German phonetic rules. Many learners forget the double 'n' or the 'ai' at the end. While the simplified spelling 'Portmonee' is technically correct according to modern rules, many Germans still view it as 'lesser' or simplified. To be safe in professional or formal contexts, stick to 'Portemonnaie.' Another frequent mistake is the grammatical gender. English speakers, who are used to 'the wallet' being genderless, often default to 'der' (masculine) because they associate wallets with men. However, it is strictly das Portemonnaie. Mixing this up can lead to incorrect adjective endings, such as saying 'mein alter Portemonnaie' instead of the correct 'mein altes Portemonnaie.'

Spelling Error: Commonly misspelled as 'Portmonnee' or 'Portemonai.' Always remember the French roots: 'Porte' + 'monnaie.'
Gender Confusion: Using 'der' instead of 'das.' This is particularly tricky because the synonym 'Geldbeutel' is masculine (der Geldbeutel).

Falsch: Ich habe meinen Portemonnaie vergessen. Richtig: Ich habe mein Portemonnaie vergessen.

Another mistake involves the plural form. Learners often try to pluralize it as 'Portemonnäe' or 'Portemonnaies' (with an extra 'e'). The correct plural is simply adding an 's': 'Portemonnaies.' This is a rule for many foreign words in German (like 'Autos' or 'Pizzen' - though 'Pizzen' is the Germanized plural). Furthermore, there is often confusion between 'Portemonnaie' and 'Brieftasche.' While they are similar, a 'Brieftasche' is typically larger, flatter, and designed specifically for paper money and documents (literally a 'letter bag'), whereas a 'Portemonnaie' is the general term for what you carry in your pocket. Using 'Brieftasche' for a small coin purse would sound slightly odd.

Verwechseln Sie nicht das Portemonnaie mit einer Handtasche; das eine ist für Geld, das andere für alles Mögliche.

Regional confusion is also a factor. If you are in Bavaria and stubbornly use 'Portemonnaie' while everyone else says 'Geldbeutel,' you will be understood, but you might sound a bit 'Preußisch' (Prussian/Northern). Adapting your vocabulary to the region is a sign of an advanced learner. Lastly, avoid using 'Portemonnaie' to refer to a digital wallet in a formal technical document unless specified; 'E-Wallet' or 'digitale Geldbörse' are more common in tech circles. By avoiding these common errors, you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the confusion that often plagues beginners.

False Friends: In English, 'purse' can mean a woman's handbag. In German, 'Portemonnaie' never means handbag. That would be 'Handtasche.'

Sie hat ihr Portemonnaie in ihrer Handtasche gefunden.

In summary, pay close attention to the spelling, the gender, and the regional context to master this word.

While Portemonnaie is a versatile and widely used term, German offers several synonyms and related words that can add nuance to your speech. The most common alternative is der Geldbeutel. Literally translating to 'money bag,' this term is especially popular in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It feels slightly more 'Germanic' than the French-derived Portemonnaie. Another common term is die Geldbörse, which is often used in more formal or retail contexts. You might see this on signs in shops or in official police reports. Then there is die Brieftasche, which refers specifically to a larger, flat wallet used for bills and documents, often carried in the inner pocket of a suit jacket.

Geldbeutel vs. Portemonnaie: 'Geldbeutel' is masculine (der) and sounds more colloquial in the south. 'Portemonnaie' is neuter (das) and is the standard term in the north and west.
Geldbörse: Feminine (die). Often used in advertising or when describing the product in a catalog. It sounds a bit more sophisticated.

Früher trugen die Menschen ihr Geld in einem einfachen Geldbeutel aus Stoff.

For very specific types of wallets, you might encounter words like das Münzetui (coin case) or die Klammer (money clip). In Switzerland, you might hear the charming diminutive das Börserl, which is also common in Bavaria and Austria. If you are talking about a child's wallet, you might call it a Kinderportemonnaie. Understanding these variations helps you tailor your language to the situation. For example, if you are writing a formal report about a theft, 'Geldbörse' might be more appropriate. If you are chatting with friends in Munich, 'Geldbeutel' will make you sound more like a local.

Er bewahrt seine Kreditkarten lieber in einer schmalen Brieftasche auf.

There are also metaphorical alternatives. When talking about the government's budget, people might use the term der Staatssäckel (the state's purse), which is a very old-fashioned and slightly humorous term. In slang, you might hear die Marie or die Kohle to refer to the money inside the wallet, though these don't replace the word for the container itself. Another interesting word is der Kassensturz, which refers to the act of counting all the money in your wallet (or a cash register) to see how much is left.

Börse: Note that 'die Börse' on its own usually refers to the Stock Market (e.g., the Frankfurt Stock Exchange). Always use 'Geldbörse' if you mean a wallet.

Nach dem Urlaub war sein Geldbeutel komplett leer.

By learning these alternatives, you gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the German language and can express yourself with greater precision and flair.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Despite being a French word, the German spelling with the double 'n' and 'ai' is often more strictly maintained in Germany than in some modern informal French contexts. The spelling reform tried to change it to 'Portmonee' to reflect German phonetics, but the public largely rejected it in favor of the 'fancier' French look.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˌpɔːtmɒˈneɪ/

US /ˌpɔːrtmoʊˈneɪ/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: port-mon-NAIE.

Rima con

Ade Kaffee Schnee See Tee Allee Idee Klischee

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'e' as a separate syllable (like 'ee'). It should be a long 'ay' sound.
Emphasizing the first syllable instead of the last.
Trying to pronounce the 'ai' as a diphthong like in 'high'. In this word, it is a monophthong [eː].
Omitting the 'r' sound completely in the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'o' too broadly like in 'pot'; it should be a bit more closed.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The spelling is tricky due to French roots, but it's easily recognizable.

Escritura 4/5

The double 'n' and the 'ai' ending are common sources of spelling errors.

Expresión oral 2/5

The pronunciation is fairly straightforward once you know the final 'e' sound.

Escucha 2/5

It is a distinct-sounding word that stands out in a sentence.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Geld Tasche Bezahlen Suchen Finden

Aprende después

Quittung Bargeld Kreditkarte Wechselgeld Girokonto

Avanzado

Zahlungsverkehr Währungsreform Kaufkraft Inflationsrate Vermögensverwaltung

Gramática que debes saber

Neuter Noun Declension

Das Portemonnaie (Nom), des Portemonnaies (Gen), dem Portemonnaie (Dat), das Portemonnaie (Acc).

Foreign Plural with 's'

Ein Portemonnaie -> zwei Portemonnaies.

Dative Prepositions (Location)

Das Geld ist IN dem (im) Portemonnaie.

Accusative Prepositions (Motion)

Ich stecke das Geld IN das (ins) Portemonnaie.

Possessive Adjectives with Neuter Nouns

Mein Portemonnaie, dein Portemonnaie, sein Portemonnaie.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Das ist mein Portemonnaie.

This is my wallet.

Uses the nominative case with the neuter article 'mein'.

Wo ist dein Portemonnaie?

Where is your wallet?

A simple question using the possessive pronoun 'dein'.

Mein Portemonnaie ist rot.

My wallet is red.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ich habe ein Portemonnaie.

I have a wallet.

Uses the accusative case, but 'ein' remains the same for neuter.

Das Portemonnaie ist klein.

The wallet is small.

Definite article 'das' used with a neuter noun.

Ist das dein Portemonnaie?

Is that your wallet?

Interrogative sentence structure.

Hier ist das Portemonnaie.

Here is the wallet.

Adverb 'hier' followed by the verb and subject.

Ich brauche mein Portemonnaie.

I need my wallet.

The verb 'brauchen' takes the accusative case.

Ich habe mein Portemonnaie im Auto vergessen.

I forgot my wallet in the car.

Perfekt tense with 'haben' and the past participle 'vergessen'.

Hast du Geld in deinem Portemonnaie?

Do you have money in your wallet?

Dative case after the preposition 'in' (location).

Er sucht sein Portemonnaie in der Tasche.

He is looking for his wallet in the bag.

Accusative object 'sein Portemonnaie'.

Mein neues Portemonnaie ist aus Leder.

My new wallet is made of leather.

Adjective ending '-es' for a neuter noun in the nominative.

Gestern habe ich ein schwarzes Portemonnaie gefunden.

Yesterday I found a black wallet.

Adjective ending '-es' in the accusative for a neuter noun.

Können Sie mir mein Portemonnaie geben?

Can you give me my wallet?

Modal verb 'können' with the infinitive 'geben' at the end.

Das Portemonnaie liegt unter dem Buch.

The wallet is lying under the book.

Dative case after 'unter' (position).

Ich kaufe dieses Portemonnaie.

I am buying this wallet.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieses' for a neuter noun.

Ich habe mein Portemonnaie verloren und muss zur Polizei gehen.

I lost my wallet and have to go to the police.

Compound sentence with 'und' and two main clauses.

In meinem Portemonnaie sind viele Kreditkarten und wenig Bargeld.

In my wallet, there are many credit cards and little cash.

Plural verb 'sind' because the subject 'Kreditkarten' is plural.

Wissen Sie, wem dieses Portemonnaie gehört?

Do you know who this wallet belongs to?

Indirect question with 'wem' (dative) and 'gehört'.

Obwohl ich mein Portemonnaie dabei hatte, konnte ich nicht bezahlen.

Although I had my wallet with me, I couldn't pay.

Subordinate clause starting with 'obwohl'.

Er hat das Portemonnaie aus seiner Hosentasche gezogen.

He pulled the wallet out of his pants pocket.

Preposition 'aus' always takes the dative case.

Ich brauche ein Portemonnaie, das mehr Platz für Münzen hat.

I need a wallet that has more space for coins.

Relative clause starting with 'das'.

Könnten Sie nachsehen, ob mein Portemonnaie im Restaurant liegt?

Could you check if my wallet is in the restaurant?

Subjunctive II 'könnten' for politeness.

Sie hat ihr Portemonnaie immer in der Handtasche.

She always has her wallet in her handbag.

Adverb 'immer' placed for emphasis.

Heutzutage benutzen viele Menschen ihr Smartphone statt eines Portemonnaies.

Nowadays, many people use their smartphone instead of a wallet.

Preposition 'statt' takes the genitive case.

Der Diebstahl meines Portemonnaies hat mir viel Ärger bereitet.

The theft of my wallet caused me a lot of trouble.

Genitive case 'meines Portemonnaies'.

Ich achte beim Kauf eines Portemonnaies vor allem auf die Qualität des Leders.

When buying a wallet, I primarily look at the quality of the leather.

Preposition 'bei' with a nominalized verb 'dem Kauf'.

Es ist riskant, sein Portemonnaie in der Gesäßtasche zu tragen.

It is risky to carry one's wallet in the back pocket.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Das Portemonnaie enthielt wichtige Dokumente, die schwer zu ersetzen sind.

The wallet contained important documents that are difficult to replace.

Präteritum tense 'enthielt'.

Trotz des hohen Preises entschied sie sich für das handgefertigte Portemonnaie.

Despite the high price, she decided on the handmade wallet.

Preposition 'trotz' with the genitive case.

Wenn ich mein Portemonnaie nicht finde, muss ich alle Karten sperren lassen.

If I don't find my wallet, I have to have all cards blocked.

Conditional sentence with 'wenn' and 'lassen' as a causative verb.

Ein gut organisiertes Portemonnaie spart viel Zeit an der Kasse.

A well-organized wallet saves a lot of time at the checkout.

Participle 'organisiertes' used as an adjective.

Die zunehmende Digitalisierung könnte das physische Portemonnaie bald obsolet machen.

Increasing digitalization could soon make the physical wallet obsolete.

Use of the subjunctive 'könnte' for speculation.

Er kramte nervös in seinem Portemonnaie, um das passende Kleingeld zu finden.

He rummaged nervously in his wallet to find the right change.

Final clause with 'um...zu'.

Das Portemonnaie ist oft ein Spiegelbild der Persönlichkeit seines Besitzers.

The wallet is often a reflection of its owner's personality.

Metaphorical use of the noun.

Nachdem er sein Portemonnaie verloren hatte, fühlte er sich völlig hilflos.

After he had lost his wallet, he felt completely helpless.

Temporal clause with 'nachdem' and Plusquamperfekt.

In seinem Portemonnaie bewahrte er ein vergilbtes Foto seiner Großmutter auf.

In his wallet, he kept a yellowed photo of his grandmother.

Separable verb 'aufbewahren'.

Die Polizei konnte den rechtmäßigen Eigentümer des Portemonnaies anhand eines Bibliotheksausweises ermitteln.

The police were able to identify the rightful owner of the wallet by means of a library card.

Preposition 'anhand' with the genitive.

Ein leeres Portemonnaie am Ende des Monats ist für viele Studenten bittere Realität.

An empty wallet at the end of the month is a bitter reality for many students.

Adjective 'leer' used as a predicative adjective.

Obwohl das Portemonnaie prall gefüllt war, gehörte kein einziger Cent ihm.

Although the wallet was bulging, not a single cent belonged to him.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Die Etymologie des Wortes 'Portemonnaie' verdeutlicht den weitreichenden Einfluss des Französischen auf die deutsche Sprache.

The etymology of the word 'Portemonnaie' illustrates the far-reaching influence of French on the German language.

Complex noun phrase with genitive attributes.

In der Literatur dient das verlorene Portemonnaie häufig als Motiv für die Entfremdung des Individuums.

In literature, the lost wallet often serves as a motif for the alienation of the individual.

Abstract usage in a literary context.

Man sollte sein Portemonnaie niemals unbeaufsichtigt lassen, ungeachtet der vermeintlichen Sicherheit des Ortes.

One should never leave one's wallet unattended, regardless of the perceived safety of the location.

Preposition 'ungeachtet' with the genitive.

Das Portemonnaie, einst ein rein funktionaler Gegenstand, hat sich zu einem modischen Status-Symbol gewandelt.

The wallet, once a purely functional object, has transformed into a fashionable status symbol.

Apposition and Perfekt tense.

Es bedarf einer gewissen Fingerfertigkeit, um die winzigen Münzen aus dem Portemonnaie zu fischen.

It requires a certain dexterity to fish the tiny coins out of the wallet.

Impersonal construction 'es bedarf'.

Die haptische Qualität eines Portemonnaies aus feinstem Nappaleder ist unverkennbar.

The tactile quality of a wallet made of the finest nappa leather is unmistakable.

Superlative 'feinstem' in the dative case.

Sollte das Portemonnaie nicht wiederauftauchen, wäre der bürokratische Aufwand immens.

Should the wallet not reappear, the bureaucratic effort would be immense.

Conditional clause with 'sollte' (inversion).

Das Portemonnaie quoll über vor alten Quittungen, die er längst hätte entsorgen sollen.

The wallet was overflowing with old receipts that he should have disposed of long ago.

Double infinitive construction in a relative clause.

Colocaciones comunes

das Portemonnaie zücken

im Portemonnaie kramen

ein prall gefülltes Portemonnaie

das Portemonnaie verlieren

ein leeres Portemonnaie

das Portemonnaie öffnen

ins Portemonnaie schauen

das Portemonnaie stehlen

ein ledernes Portemonnaie

das Portemonnaie vergessen

Frases Comunes

Das geht auf mein Portemonnaie.

— I am paying for this; it's on me. It implies the cost will be taken from my wallet.

Bestellt ruhig noch einen Nachtisch, das geht auf mein Portemonnaie.

Ein tiefes Portemonnaie haben.

— To have a lot of money or be very wealthy. It suggests the wallet has a lot of depth.

Für dieses Auto braucht man ein tiefes Portemonnaie.

Das Portemonnaie schonen.

— To save money or be frugal. Literally to 'spare' the wallet.

Diesen Monat muss ich mein Portemonnaie etwas schonen.

Jemandem das Portemonnaie füllen.

— To provide someone with money or make them rich. Often used in business contexts.

Dieser Auftrag wird uns das Portemonnaie füllen.

Das Portemonnaie zücken.

— To pull out one's wallet quickly, often to pay for something with enthusiasm.

Kaum sah er das Angebot, zückte er sein Portemonnaie.

Ein schmales Portemonnaie haben.

— To have very little money. The opposite of a 'deep' wallet.

Als Student hatte ich immer ein sehr schmales Portemonnaie.

Griff ins Portemonnaie.

— A cost or expense. Literally a 'reach into the wallet.'

Die neue Steuer ist ein weiterer Griff ins Portemonnaie der Bürger.

Das Portemonnaie weit öffnen.

— To spend a lot of money generously. To be very liberal with spending.

Für die Hochzeit seiner Tochter öffnete er sein Portemonnaie weit.

Das Portemonnaie bleibt zu.

— No money will be spent. A refusal to pay or buy something.

Bei diesem schlechten Service bleibt mein Portemonnaie zu.

Ein Loch im Portemonnaie haben.

— To spend money very quickly, as if it were falling through a hole.

Ich habe das Gefühl, ich habe ein Loch im Portemonnaie.

Se confunde a menudo con

Portemonnaie vs Handtasche

A Handtasche is a large bag for many items; a Portemonnaie is only for money and is kept inside the bag.

Portemonnaie vs Brieftasche

A Brieftasche is usually flatter and larger, often without a coin compartment, used for bills and IDs.

Portemonnaie vs Kasse

Kasse is the cash register in a shop, not the personal wallet you carry.

Modismos y expresiones

"auf der hohen Kante liegen"

— To have money saved up, often referring to savings not in the wallet but in the bank.

Er hat ein paar Tausend Euro auf der hohen Kante liegen.

informal

"tief in die Tasche greifen"

— To pay a large amount of money for something, often more than one wanted.

Für die Reparatur musste ich tief in die Tasche greifen.

neutral

"den Gürtel enger schnallen"

— To live more frugally because one has less money in the wallet.

Nach dem Jobverlust mussten sie den Gürtel enger schnallen.

neutral

"Geld aus dem Fenster werfen"

— To waste money on useless things. To throw money out the window.

Kauf nicht diesen Schrott, das ist wie Geld aus dem Fenster werfen.

informal

"flüssig sein"

— To have enough cash available in one's wallet or account right now.

Bist du gerade flüssig? Ich habe mein Geld vergessen.

informal

"blank sein"

— To be completely broke, having zero money in the wallet.

Ich kann nicht mitkommen, ich bin völlig blank.

informal

"jemandem das Geld aus der Tasche ziehen"

— To trick someone into spending money or to overcharge them.

Diese Touristenfallen ziehen den Leuten nur das Geld aus der Tasche.

informal

"nicht auf Rosen gebettet sein"

— To not be wealthy; to have a difficult financial situation.

Die Familie ist finanziell nicht gerade auf Rosen gebettet.

literary

"sein Geld zusammenhalten"

— To be careful with spending; to be thrifty.

In Krisenzeiten muss man sein Geld zusammenhalten.

neutral

"auf großem Fuß leben"

— To spend a lot of money and live a luxurious lifestyle.

Seit seiner Beförderung lebt er auf ziemlich großem Fuß.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

Portemonnaie vs Geldbeutel

They mean the same thing but have different genders.

Portemonnaie is neuter (das), Geldbeutel is masculine (der). Portemonnaie is more common in the north, Geldbeutel in the south.

Er hat seinen Geldbeutel verloren. Er hat sein Portemonnaie verloren.

Portemonnaie vs Börse

Börse can mean wallet but usually means stock exchange.

Always use 'Geldbörse' for wallet to avoid confusion with the 'Frankfurter Börse' (stock market).

Ich schaue auf die Kurse an der Börse. Ich habe mein Geld in der Geldbörse.

Portemonnaie vs Mappe

Both hold documents.

A Mappe is a folder or briefcase for large papers; a Portemonnaie is for small cards and cash.

Die Dokumente sind in der Mappe, aber mein Ausweis ist im Portemonnaie.

Portemonnaie vs Beutel

Part of 'Geldbeutel'.

A Beutel is any kind of pouch or bag (like a plastic bag). A Portemonnaie is specifically for money.

Ich habe einen Beutel Äpfel gekauft.

Portemonnaie vs Tasche

Generic term for bag or pocket.

A Portemonnaie is placed inside a Tasche. A Tasche can be a pocket in your pants or a handbag.

Mein Portemonnaie ist in meiner Tasche.

Patrones de oraciones

Das ist mein [Noun].

Das ist mein Portemonnaie.

Ich habe mein [Noun] [Preposition] [Place] vergessen.

Ich habe mein Portemonnaie im Bus vergessen.

Ich suche ein [Noun], das [Relative Clause].

Ich suche ein Portemonnaie, das viele Kartenfächer hat.

Anstatt eines [Noun] benutze ich [Object].

Anstatt eines Portemonnaies benutze ich nur mein Handy.

Der Verlust des [Noun] führte zu [Consequence].

Der Verlust des Portemonnaies führte zu großen Unannehmlichkeiten.

Es ist [Adjective], sein [Noun] [Preposition] zu tragen.

Es ist unklug, sein Portemonnaie offen in der Tasche zu tragen.

Sollte das [Noun] [Verb], wäre [Result].

Sollte das Portemonnaie gestohlen werden, wäre der Schaden groß.

Das [Noun] fungiert als [Metaphor].

Das Portemonnaie fungiert als Symbol für den privaten Wohlstand.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Portemonnaiediebstahl (wallet theft)

Hosenportemonnaie (pocket wallet)

Lederportemonnaie (leather wallet)

Relacionado

Geld (money)

Münze (coin)

Geldschein (banknote)

Kreditkarte (credit card)

Bezahlen (to pay)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high; it is a core vocabulary word used daily.

Errores comunes

Using 'der' instead of 'das'. → das Portemonnaie
Because it's a neuter noun, using 'der' will make your following adjectives and pronouns incorrect. For example, 'meinen Portemonnaie' is wrong; it must be 'mein Portemonnaie'.
Spelling it as 'Portmonnaie' or 'Portemonai'. → Portemonnaie
Learners often forget the 'e' after 'port' or the double 'n'. Always think of the French origin: Porte + Monnaie.
Pluralizing as 'Portemonnäe'. → Portemonnaies
Foreign words ending in vowels usually take an 's' in the plural in German. Do not try to use an umlaut here.
Confusing 'Portemonnaie' with 'Handtasche'. → Handtasche (for bag), Portemonnaie (for wallet)
In English, 'purse' can mean both. In German, they are strictly separate. A Portemonnaie goes *inside* the Handtasche.
Pronouncing the final 'e' like 'ee' in 'bee'. → [neː] (like 'neigh' but without the 'y' glide)
The German 'e' at the end of French loanwords is a long, closed vowel. Avoid the English 'ee' sound.

Consejos

Remember the Neuter

Always associate 'Portemonnaie' with 'das'. A good way to remember is to visualize a neutral, gray wallet. This will help you with adjective endings like 'ein schönes Portemonnaie'.

The French Connection

If you struggle with the spelling, remember it's just 'Porte' (carry) + 'monnaie' (money). If you know some French, this word becomes much easier to spell correctly every time.

When in Munich...

If you are traveling to Bavaria or Austria, try using 'Geldbeutel'. It will make you sound more integrated into the local culture. However, 'Portemonnaie' will always be understood.

The Big Three

Learn the phrase 'Handy, Schlüssel, Portemonnaie'. It's the standard checklist Germans use before leaving the house. Practicing this trio helps cement the word in your memory.

Long 'E' at the End

The end of the word is pronounced [neː]. It's a long, tense 'e' sound. Make sure not to shorten it or add a 'y' sound at the very end like in English 'money'.

Cash is King

In Germany, always keep some cash in your Portemonnaie. Many places do not accept cards, especially for small amounts under 10 Euros. A 'leer' Portemonnaie can be a real problem.

Pickpocket Awareness

In crowded areas, Germans often say 'Achten Sie auf Ihr Portemonnaie'. It's a good phrase to know for your own safety and to understand announcements in train stations.

Money Slang

While 'Portemonnaie' is the container, the money inside can be called 'Kohle', 'Kröten', or 'Mäuse'. Knowing these can help you understand more casual conversations about finances.

Paying Separately

When the waiter asks 'Zusammen oder getrennt?', and you want to pay for yourself, just pull out your Portemonnaie. It’s a clear signal that you are ready to pay your share.

Formal vs. Informal

In a formal email (e.g., to a lost and found), always use the full spelling 'Portemonnaie'. In a text message to a friend, 'Portmonee' or even just 'Geldbeutel' is perfectly fine.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Porter' carrying your 'Money'. Porter + Monnaie = Portemonnaie. He carries it in his pocket!

Asociación visual

Imagine a tiny French waiter (a porter) holding a giant gold coin (monnaie) in a small leather pouch.

Word Web

Geld Leder Kreditkarte Münzen Bezahlen Tasche Diebstahl Fundbüro

Desafío

Try to say 'In meinem Portemonnaie ist kein Geld' five times fast without tripping over the 'n' and 'ai' sounds.

Origen de la palabra

The word is a direct loan from the French word 'porte-monnaie.' It entered the German language during the 18th or 19th century, a period when French was the language of the elite and fashion in Germany.

Significado original: In French, 'porter' means 'to carry' and 'monnaie' means 'money/coins.' Thus, it literally translates to 'money-carrier.'

It belongs to the Romance family (French) but has been fully assimilated into the Germanic lexicon.

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to confuse it with 'Handtasche' (handbag). Also, in some regions, 'Geldbeutel' is much preferred, and using 'Portemonnaie' might seem overly formal or 'Northern'.

In English, we often use 'wallet' for men and 'purse' for women. In German, 'Portemonnaie' is used for both genders' money containers.

The song 'Portemonnaie' by the German band 'Die Ärzte' (a humorous take on having no money). Commonly featured in German 'Krimis' (crime dramas) where a dropped wallet provides a clue. The 'Geldbeutel' is a symbol in many German fairy tales, often being magic and never-ending.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the supermarket

Einen Moment, mein Portemonnaie ist ganz unten in der Tasche.
Ich muss erst mein Portemonnaie suchen.
Passt das Portemonnaie in die Tüte?
Haben Sie mein Portemonnaie an der Kasse gesehen?

At a restaurant

Ich hole kurz mein Portemonnaie aus dem Auto.
Soll ich mein Portemonnaie schon mal rausholen?
Das geht alles auf mein Portemonnaie.
Mein Portemonnaie liegt noch auf dem Tisch.

Police station / Lost and Found

Ich möchte den Verlust meines Portemonnaies melden.
In dem Portemonnaie waren etwa 50 Euro.
Es ist ein braunes Portemonnaie aus Kunstleder.
Wurde hier ein Portemonnaie abgegeben?

With friends

Kannst du mir Geld leihen? Mein Portemonnaie ist leer.
Schau mal, mein neues Portemonnaie!
Wer hat sein Portemonnaie vergessen?
Dein Portemonnaie sieht echt alt aus.

Getting ready to leave

Handy, Schlüssel, Portemonnaie – alles dabei!
Wo hast du mein Portemonnaie hingelegt?
Steck dein Portemonnaie lieber tief in die Tasche.
Vergiss dein Portemonnaie nicht!

Inicios de conversación

"Was hast du normalerweise alles in deinem Portemonnaie außer Geld?"

"Hast du schon mal dein Portemonnaie verloren? Was ist passiert?"

"Bevorzugst du ein großes oder ein kleines Portemonnaie?"

"Glaubst du, dass wir in zehn Jahren noch ein physisches Portemonnaie brauchen?"

"Welche Farbe hat dein Portemonnaie und warum hast du sie gewählt?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe den Inhalt deines Portemonnaies im Detail. Welche Erinnerungsstücke oder Karten sind darin?

Stell dir vor, du findest ein Portemonnaie mit viel Geld auf der Straße. Was machst du?

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem du dein Portemonnaie vergessen hast. Wie hast du den Tag überstanden?

Warum ist das Portemonnaie für viele Menschen ein so persönlicher Gegenstand?

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile von Bargeld gegenüber digitalen Portemonnaies.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always 'das Portemonnaie.' Many learners mistakenly use 'der' because the synonym 'Geldbeutel' is masculine, but 'Portemonnaie' is neuter. For example, you say 'mein altes Portemonnaie' (my old wallet).

The traditional and most accepted spelling is 'Portemonnaie.' It comes from French. Since the 1996 spelling reform, 'Portmonee' is also allowed, but it is less common in formal writing. Remember the double 'n' and 'ai' at the end.

In terms of meaning, there is almost no difference. However, 'Portemonnaie' is the standard term in Northern and Western Germany, while 'Geldbeutel' is more common in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Also, 'Geldbeutel' is masculine (der).

Yes, 'Portemonnaie' is gender-neutral and can be used for both men's wallets and women's purses. However, if you mean a large handbag, you must use 'Handtasche.' For a small evening bag, 'Clutch' or 'Abendtasche' is better.

You say: 'Ich habe mein Portemonnaie verloren.' This uses the Perfekt tense. If you want to be more specific about where, you could add: 'Ich habe mein Portemonnaie in der U-Bahn verloren.'

The plural is 'die Portemonnaies.' Like many foreign loanwords in German, it simply adds an 's' to the end. For example: 'In dem Geschäft werden viele verschiedene Portemonnaies verkauft.'

Yes, it is the dominant term in Switzerland, even more so than in Germany, due to the strong French influence in the country. You will hear it in both Swiss German and High German contexts.

This is a common idiom meaning 'I will pay for this.' It implies that the person is treating others or taking responsibility for the cost. For example, if you are at a cafe with a friend, you might say this to offer to pay for their coffee.

You should take it to the nearest 'Fundbüro' (lost and found) or a 'Polizeistation' (police station). You can say: 'Ich habe dieses Portemonnaie auf der Straße gefunden.' It is legally required to report found items over a certain value.

Not exactly. A 'Brieftasche' is usually larger and flatter, designed to hold paper bills and documents like a passport. A 'Portemonnaie' usually has a coin compartment and is more compact. Men often carry a 'Brieftasche' in their jacket pocket.

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