die Münze
coin
A flat, usually round piece of metal that has been minted as official means of payment.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe keine passende Münze für den Parkautomaten.
I don't have the right coin for the parking meter.
die Münze
coin / mint
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Meanings
die Münze
commemorative coin
A medal or commemorative metal piece that is issued in memory of an event or awarded as a distinction.
EXAMPLE
Zur Feier des Stadtjubiläums wurde eine spezielle Münze herausgegeben.
A special commemorative coin was issued to celebrate the city's anniversary.
die Münze
mint
A state institution where coins are produced and minted; a coin minting facility.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Euro-Gedenkstücke werden in der staatlichen Münze in Hamburg geprägt.
The new euro commemorative pieces are minted at the state mint in Hamburg.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'etwas für bare Münze nehmen' means to believe something immediately without questioning it. 'Bar' here means 'genuine' or 'pure'.
EXAMPLE
Das war nur ein Scherz, du solltest nicht alles für bare Münze nehmen.
That was just a joke; you shouldn't take everything at face value.
Typical collocations
In everyday use as a means of payment, 'Münze' (coin) is often used with verbs such as 'einwerfen' (to insert, into a machine), 'sammeln' (to collect), or 'wechseln' (to change/exchange).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch Geld wechseln, um eine passende Münze für den Einkaufswagen zu haben.
I still need to change some money so I have the right coin for the shopping cart.
Context clue
When referring to a medal or collector's item, 'Münze' (coin) is often combined with words like 'Gedenk-' (commemorative), 'Sonder-' (special), or 'Jubiläums-' (anniversary). Verbs like 'prägen' (to mint) or 'herausgeben' (to issue) also point to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Zum 200. Geburtstag des Dichters wurde eine Gedenkmünze geprägt.
A commemorative coin was minted for the poet's 200th birthday.
Place of production
In the rare meaning of the minting facility, 'Münze' (mint) almost always appears with the preposition 'in' and often with a place name. It then refers to the building where money is produced.
EXAMPLE
Diese seltene Münze wurde in der Münze Berlin hergestellt.
This rare coin was produced at the Berlin Mint.
Compare with
Münze vs Medaille
medal
A coin and a medal can both be made of metal and commemorate a special event. A coin is more likely to recall the form and tradition of money, while a medal is intended as a commemorative or honorary item. Use „Medaille“ especially for an award that is presented to someone.
Münze
Zum Jubiläum wurde eine Gedenkmünze mit dem Bild des Gründers geprägt.
A commemorative coin bearing the founder’s image was minted for the anniversary.
Medaille
Zum Jubiläum erhielt die langjährige Mitarbeiterin eine Medaille als Auszeichnung.
The long-serving employee received a medal as an award for the anniversary.
In real life
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