In German
die Kohle
Meaning: money, dough, cash (slang)
Formal or informal? Casual slang for “Geld” (money) — literally “Kohle” means “coal”, a metaphor similar to English “dough” for money. Common across generations in informal speech.
Example sentences
IchhabkeineKohlemehr.
I don't have any money left.
DieKohlereichtnicht.
The money isn't enough.
ErverdientguteKohle.
He earns good money.
Common mistake
Don't use “Kohle” in formal or written German, like a bank document or job application — use “Geld” there; “Kohle” is strictly casual slang.
Quick check
Which slang word means “money”, literally “coal”?
More words on this topic
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Why does “Kohle” (coal) mean “money”?
It's a metaphor, similar to English “dough” — something valuable and solid, standing in for money in casual speech.
What's the standard word for “money”?
“Geld” — “Kohle” is just the casual slang alternative.