das Sparschwein
piggy bank
A container, usually shaped like a pig, into which you put coins or banknotes to save money.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind steckt sein Taschengeld in das Sparschwein.
The child puts their pocket money in the piggy bank.
das Sparschwein
piggy bank
das Sparschwein, die Sparschweine
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Sparschwein, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sparschweine |
| genitive | des Sparschweines |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Sparschwein | die Sparschweine |
| accusative | das Sparschwein | die Sparschweine |
| dative | dem Sparschwein | den Sparschweinen |
| genitive | des Sparschweines des Sparschweins | der Sparschweine |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Sparschwein' consists of 'Spar-' and 'Schwein'. 'Spar-' belongs to the verb 'sparen' (to save) and indicates the purpose; 'Schwein' explains the container's typical shape.
EXAMPLE
Zum Geburtstag bekam sie ein Sparschwein mit einer großen rosa Schnauze.
For her birthday, she got a piggy bank with a big pink snout.
Piggy bank and savings box
The more general word for a container used to save money is 'Spardose' (savings box). A 'Sparschwein' is a 'Spardose' shaped like a pig; you put the money in through a slot on its back.
EXAMPLE
Zur Einschulung bekam Paul eine Spardose, aber er hätte lieber ein Sparschwein gehabt.
Paul got a savings box for starting school, but he would have preferred a piggy bank.
Figurative expressions
Common figurative expressions include 'das Sparschwein füttern' (to feed the piggy bank) and 'das Sparschwein schlachten' (to break open the piggy bank). When you feed it, you put money inside; when you slaughter it, you take out the saved money, often for a major purchase.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Freitag füttert Lea ihr Sparschwein mit ein paar Münzen.
Every Friday, Lea feeds her piggy bank a few coins.
Für das neue Fahrrad hat Lea ihr Sparschwein geschlachtet.
Lea broke open her piggy bank to buy a new bicycle.
In real life
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