A small container, usually made of leather or fabric, in which you keep cash, cards, and IDs. Synonyms are 'Portemonnaie' (wallet) or 'Geldbeutel' (purse/wallet).
example
Beim Bezahlen bemerkte ich, dass ich meine Geldbörse zu Hause vergessen hatte.
When paying, I noticed that I had forgotten my wallet at home.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Die Geldbörse' (the wallet) is a compound word made up of 'das Geld' (money) and 'die Börse' (purse/exchange). Here, 'Börse' is an old word for a small pouch or bag, so literally a 'money pouch.'
EXAMPLE
Er bewahrt sein Münzgeld in einer kleinen Geldbörse auf.
He keeps his coins in a small wallet.
Typical verbs
When referring to the physical object, 'Geldbörse' (wallet) is often used with verbs such as 'verlieren' (to lose), 'finden' (to find), 'stehlen' (to steal), or 'zücken' (to pull out quickly).
EXAMPLE
An der Kasse zückte sie ihre Geldbörse, um zu bezahlen.
At the checkout, she pulled out her wallet to pay.
Typical combinations
In the figurative meaning of 'Budget' (budget), 'Geldbörse' (wallet/budget) is often combined with verbs such as 'belasten' (to strain), 'strapazieren' (to put a strain on), or 'schonen' (to spare).
EXAMPLE
Die hohen Heizkosten belasten die Geldbörse vieler Familien.
The high heating costs are straining many families' budgets.
Compare with
synonym · confusable
Geldbörse vs Börse
stock exchange / market / purse
'die Börse' and 'die Geldbörse' can both mean a small container for money, cards, and ID documents. In this sense, they are synonyms. 'Geldbörse' is a normal and clear word for this. 'Börse' by itself can confuse learners because it much more often means the financial market, for example in stock trading. So the confusion arises because 'Börse' has several meanings. If you definitely mean the object, 'Geldbörse' is more precise.
Geldbörse
Vor der Reise steckt Fiona ihren Ausweis in die Geldbörse.
Before the trip, Fiona puts her ID in her wallet.
Börse
Ich habe am Wochenende meine alte Börse in der Jackentasche gefunden.
At the weekend, I found my old purse in my jacket pocket.