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das Cash
cash
Cash; money in the form of coins and banknotes.
example
Ich habe leider nicht genug Cash dabei, kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
Unfortunately, I don't have enough cash with me. Can I pay by card?
das Cash
cash
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and origin
'Cash' is a word from English and is used mainly in informal colloquial language. It sounds more modern and casual than the German word for cash.
EXAMPLE
Sorry, ich hab grad kein Cash, nur die Karte.
Sorry, I don't have any cash right now, only my card.
Grammatical use
In German, 'Cash' is treated as a neuter noun ('das Cash'). It is used almost exclusively in the singular as an uncountable word, similar to 'Geld' (money) or 'Wasser' (water).
EXAMPLE
Für den Flohmarkt brauchst du genug Cash.
You need enough cash for the flea market.
Typical collocations
Common everyday phrases are 'Cash dabeihaben' (to have cash with you), 'mit Cash zahlen' (to pay with cash), or the question 'Nehmen Sie auch Cash?' (Do you also take cash?). It emphasizes payment with bills and coins.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Wochenmarkt zahle ich immer mit Cash.
At the weekly market, I always pay with cash.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Cash auf die Hand' (cash in hand) is a fixed unit. It describes a cash payment without an invoice, often with the intention of avoiding taxes or social security contributions.
EXAMPLE
Für die Gartenarbeit hat er 100 Euro Cash auf die Hand bekommen.
He got 100 euros cash in hand for the gardening work.
Compare with
Cash vs Geld
money
'das Geld' and 'das Cash' can both refer to a means of payment. 'Geld' is the normal and general word. It can mean cash, money in a bank account, or even wealth. 'Cash' mainly means cash, that is, coins and bills, and sounds colloquial. Learners may confuse the words because you can pay with both. When you are talking generally about prices, income, or finances, 'Geld' is more natural. When you specifically mean cash and are speaking casually, 'Cash' fits.
Cash
Frau Meier bezahlt den kleinen Einkauf in der Pause mit Cash.
Mrs. Meier pays for the small purchase during the break with cash.
Geld
Nach dem Unterricht zählt Lena ihr Geld für die Busfahrkarte.
After class, Lena counts her money for the bus ticket.
In real life
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