guilder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2formal, historical, financial
Quick answer
What does “guilder” mean?
The basic monetary unit of the Netherlands until the introduction of the euro in 2002.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The basic monetary unit of the Netherlands until the introduction of the euro in 2002.
1. A former gold coin of the Netherlands. 2. Historically, any of various gold or silver coins used in the Dutch and German territories, such as the florin. 3. By extension, the monetary unit of Suriname, which retained the name after independence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the term primarily in historical/economic contexts related to the Netherlands.
Connotations
Evokes images of the Dutch Golden Age, trade, and colonialism. Neutral economic term.
Frequency
Equally low in both variants, used only in specific historical or financial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “guilder” in a Sentence
N in guildersV (cost/pay/be worth) X guildersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guilder” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- the guilder era
- guilder-denominated bonds
American English
- guilder coins
- guilder exchange
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In historical financial reports or discussing pre-euro Dutch economics.
Academic
Used in economic history, post-colonial studies, and numismatics.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by older generations recalling pre-euro times or by collectors.
Technical
Specific to numismatics (coin collecting) and historical finance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guilder”
- Misspelling as 'guilder' (with an 'i' after 'g') is common. Confusing it with the modern euro. Using it as a current term for the Eurozone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Surinamese dollar is sometimes still referred to as the Surinamese guilder in historical contexts, but its official name is the Surinamese dollar.
They are essentially the same thing. 'Guilder' is the English term derived from Dutch, while 'florin' originates from the Italian 'fiorino'. Both refer to the same historical Dutch currency unit.
The Netherlands adopted the euro in 2002 as part of the European Union's single currency initiative to facilitate trade and economic integration.
Yes, but only at the Dutch central bank (De Nederlandsche Bank), and the exchange is indefinite for banknotes, not coins.
The basic monetary unit of the Netherlands until the introduction of the euro in 2002.
Guilder is usually formal, historical, financial in register.
Guilder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪl.də(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪl.dər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a guilder (rare, modelled on 'not worth a penny')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GUILD of merchants trading in gold coins in the Netherlands.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A HISTORICAL ARTEFACT.
Practice
Quiz
Which country currently uses the 'guilder' as its currency?