German word

Bußgeld

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbuːsˌgɛlt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfine

Example

Ich muss ein Bußgeld zahlen.

I have to pay a fine.

Illustration for Bußgeld (fine)

More examples

Wiederholte Verstöße können zu mehreren Bußgeldern führen.

Repeated violations can lead to multiple fines.

Core concept

A traffic camera or other authority records a violation and sends a bill for the resulting penalty.

Common phrases

  • mit einem Bußgeld belegt werden

    be fined

  • ein Bußgeld begleichen

    pay a fine

Similar words

Geldbuße: A legal term for a monetary penalty imposed by an authority or court.
Geldstrafe: A monetary penalty imposed by a court as a criminal sentence.
Buße: Repentance or an act of making amends for wrongdoing.
Gebühr: A fee paid for a public service or official procedure.

Definition in German

Geldliche Sanktion, die von staatlichen Stellen bei Ordnungswidrigkeiten verlangt wird.

Word origin

The compound joins Buße, historically a payment or act of atonement, and Geld to name money demanded after an offense.

Usage tips

  • German distinguishes a Bußgeld for an administrative offense from a Geldstrafe imposed as a criminal sentence.

Other meanings

  • penaltynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Bußgeldkatalogschedule of finesnoun
  • Bußgeldpflichtobligation to pay a finenoun

Word lists with this word