alms
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alms
A small donation in the form of money or food that is given to a needy or begging person.
Er gab dem Obdachlosen ein kleines Almosen und ein paar freundliche Worte.
He gave the homeless man a small amount of alms and a few kind words.
pittance
A derogatory term for a very small, almost insulting amount of money or an inadequate concession.
Die angebotene Gehaltserhöhung von einem Prozent ist doch ein reines Almosen!
The offered salary increase of one percent is nothing but a pittance!
When you give someone alms, the person receiving them is in the dative. The typical verb is 'geben' (to give) in the structure: jemandem (dative) ein Almosen geben.
Die alte Frau gab dem Bettler ein Almosen.
The old woman gave the beggar alms.
The word 'Almosen' (alms) can sound somewhat old-fashioned or literary. Today it is used less often in everyday spoken language, but it is still present in texts and in its derogatory meaning.
Im historischen Roman bat der Pilger um ein Almosen für seine Weiterreise.
In the historical novel, the pilgrim asked for alms for his onward journey.
Common phrases are 'um ein Almosen bitten' (to ask for alms) or 'von Almosen leben' (to live on alms). These describe the situation of need from the perspective of the person receiving them.
Ohne feste Arbeit musste die Familie von Almosen leben.
Without steady work, the family had to live on alms.
The derogatory meaning can often be recognized from the context of negotiations, such as salary, and from adjectives like 'lächerlich' (ridiculous), 'rein' (mere), or 'geradezu' (downright). The tone is always outraged or disappointed.
Diese Entschädigung ist ein lächerliches Almosen, keine echte Wiedergutmachung.
This compensation is a ridiculous pittance, not real restitution.
donation
A „Spende“ is a neutral voluntary gift for a charitable purpose and can also benefit an organization. An „Almosen“ is usually a small gift given directly to a needy or begging person and can therefore sound derogatory. „Spende“ is suitable for neutral assistance, while „Almosen“ is used for direct help in a small amount.
Der Bettler nahm das kleine Almosen entgegen, obwohl es kaum für ein Essen reichte.
The beggar accepted the small handout, although it was barely enough for a meal.
Die Passanten sammelten eine Spende für die obdachlosen Menschen der Stadt.
The passersby collected a donation for the city's homeless people.
