German Conversation · Level 24
90 words
German word
Brieftasche
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈbʁiːfˌtaʃə/
Meaning
- feminine nounwallet
Example
Auf dem Tisch liegen zwei Brieftaschen.
There are two wallets on the table.
More examples
Die Polizei sucht nach der gestohlenen Brieftasche.
The police are looking for the stolen wallet.
Core concept
A slim personal organizer opened like a small book, with paper money and payment cards inside.
Common phrases
aus der Brieftasche nehmen
take out of the wallet
in der Brieftasche aufbewahren
keep in the wallet
Brieftasche stehlen
steal a wallet
Similar words
Portemonnaie: A compact wallet designed to fit in a pocket.
Geldbörse: A folding wallet with sections or a zippered pocket for coins.
Geldbeutel: A soft pouch for carrying coins and folded banknotes.
Definition in German
Ein flaches, meist klappbares Behältnis zum Aufbewahren von Geld, Karten und gelegentlich Papieren.
Word origin
Brieftasche is formed from Brief and Tasche, referring historically to a bag for letters before developing its modern wallet sense.
Usage tips
- German also uses Portemonnaie, Geldbörse, and Geldbeutel for a wallet, with regional and personal preferences affecting the choice.
Related words
- Brieftaschenklauwallet theftnoun
- Brieftaschenfachwallet compartmentnoun