wallet
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wallet
A small, flat case, usually made of leather, in which you keep banknotes, cards, and identification documents. Synonyms are 'Portemonnaie' (purse/wallet) or 'Geldbörse' (wallet).
Er bemerkte erst an der Kasse, dass er seine Brieftasche zu Hause vergessen hatte.
Only at the checkout did he notice that he had forgotten his wallet at home.
The word is made up of 'Brief' (letter) and 'Tasche' (bag/pocket). Historically, this was a case for carrying important letters and documents. Today, the meaning has expanded to include money and cards.
Obwohl keine Briefe mehr darin sind, heißt es immer noch Brieftasche.
Even though there are no letters in it anymore, it is still called a Brieftasche.
Common verbs used with 'Brieftasche' (wallet) describe everyday actions: 'die Brieftasche herausnehmen' (to take out the wallet), 'verlieren' (to lose), 'wiederfinden' (to find again), or 'gestohlen werden' (to be stolen).
Leider wurde ihm im Gedränge die Brieftasche gestohlen.
Unfortunately, his wallet was stolen in the crowd.
To understand the word better, it helps to know what people typically have 'in der Brieftasche' (in their wallet): cash, credit cards, an ID card, and a driver's license.
Ich habe nie viel Bargeld in meiner Brieftasche, nur Karten.
I never have much cash in my wallet, only cards.
stock exchange / market / purse
Both Börse and Brieftasche can refer to a small pouch or bag for money. In this meaning, Börse sounds regional or outdated and appears more often in the compound Geldbörse. Brieftasche is the usual term for a flat case containing banknotes, cards, and documents.
Mein Vater bewahrt seine Karten in einer flachen Brieftasche auf.
My father keeps his cards in a flat wallet.
Mein Großvater bewahrt seine Münzen in einer alten Börse auf.
My grandfather keeps his coins in an old purse.
