The total amount of money that a state or municipality collects from citizens and businesses by levying taxes. This term is used almost exclusively in the plural in German.
example
Mit Steuergeldern werden öffentliche Dienstleistungen wie Schulen, Straßen und die Polizei finanziert.
Tax money is used to finance public services such as schools, roads, and the police.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a compound of 'Steuer' (tax) and 'Gelder' (plural of Geld, money). So it literally means 'tax monies.'
EXAMPLE
Die Renovierung des Rathauses wird aus Steuergeldern bezahlt.
The renovation of the town hall is being paid for with tax money.
Use in the plural
This word is used almost exclusively in the plural. People rarely speak of 'dem Steuergeld' in the singular, but almost always of 'den Steuergeldern' as the total amount of revenue.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition kritisiert die Verschwendung von Steuergeldern.
The opposition criticizes the waste of tax money.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used in connection with tax money are 'verwenden' (to use), 'finanzieren' (to finance), 'investieren' (to invest), or also 'verschwenden' (to waste). The preposition 'mit' (with) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Brücke wurde vollständig mit Steuergeldern finanziert.
The new bridge was financed entirely with tax money.