goldmark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical, Academic, Specialized (Numismatics/Economic History)
Quick answer
What does “goldmark” mean?
A monetary unit used in Germany, particularly the German Empire, from 1873 to 1923.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A monetary unit used in Germany, particularly the German Empire, from 1873 to 1923.
A historical term for a specific gold-based German mark. Can be used metaphorically or figuratively to refer to old or historical currency, a standard of value, or a bygone economic era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally historical and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes German economic history, the pre-WWI era, and the gold standard.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions, limited to specific historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “goldmark” in a Sentence
[Number] goldmarksthe goldmark [verb, e.g., was introduced, collapsed]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goldmark” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The goldmark era preceded the hyperinflation.
American English
- He collected goldmark coins from the Imperial period.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business. Only appears in historical business case studies.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, and numismatic writings about Germany from 1871-1923.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in economic history and numismatics for the currency unit.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goldmark”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goldmark”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goldmark”
- Using it to refer to modern German currency. Spelling as two words ('gold mark') when referring specifically to the historical unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has been obsolete since 1923 and holds only collector's value.
The goldmark (1873-1923) was on the gold standard. The Reichsmark (1924-1948) was introduced after hyperinflation and was not convertible to gold.
No, it is a purely historical term. For modern currency, use 'euro' or, historically, 'Deutsche Mark'.
Because its value was defined by and could be converted into a fixed quantity of gold.
A monetary unit used in Germany, particularly the German Empire, from 1873 to 1923.
Goldmark is usually historical, academic, specialized (numismatics/economic history) in register.
Goldmark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊldmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊldmɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think GOLD + MARK: the German MARK that was backed by GOLD.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GOLDMARK IS A RELIC: used to represent a past, solid, but obsolete standard of value.
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary backing for the goldmark?