German word

Kohle

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkoːlə/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncoal

Example

Die Kohlen im Lager sind feucht.

The coal in the warehouse is damp.

Illustration for Kohle (coal)

More examples

Die Nutzung von Kohle beeinflusst das Klima.

The use of coal affects the climate.

Core concept

A heap of dark fuel valued both for its heat and, colloquially, as money.

Common phrases

  • Kohleabbau

    coal mining

  • Kohlekraftwerk

    coal-fired power plant

  • Kohlevorrat

    coal stockpile

Similar words

Geld: A general term for money suitable in casual and formal contexts.

Definition in German

Schwarzer fossiler Brennstoff, aus pflanzlichen Resten entstanden; umgangssprachlich auch Geld

Word origin

The German noun Kohle belongs to the inherited Germanic word family that also includes English coal, while its money sense is a later colloquial use.

Usage tips

  • The money meaning is slang, so Geld is the neutral choice in formal or general contexts.

Other meanings

  • moneynoun

Opposites

  • Erneuerbare Energienrenewable energynoun

Related words

  • Kohleabbaucoal miningnoun
  • Kohlekraftwerkcoal-fired power plantnoun
  • Kohlevorratcoal stockpilenoun

Word lists with this word