gulden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, financial, numismatic
Quick answer
What does “gulden” mean?
A former gold coin and later a currency unit of the Netherlands (Dutch guilder) and some other European countries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A former gold coin and later a currency unit of the Netherlands (Dutch guilder) and some other European countries.
Historically, a gold coin minted in various German states and the Netherlands; the term can refer generally to monetary units, particularly in a historical or numismatic context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK English may use it slightly more in historical contexts related to European trade; US English may use 'guilder' more frequently.
Connotations
Historical, European, pre-euro currency.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, appearing almost exclusively in historical or financial history texts.
Grammar
How to Use “gulden” in a Sentence
the [Nationality/Descriptor] guldena sum of [Number] guldena gulden coinVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only in historical financial reports or discussions of past European trade.
Academic
Found in economic history texts, numismatic studies, and European history.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used only by older Dutch speakers or in museums.
Technical
Used in numismatics (coin collecting) and historical accounting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gulden”
- Using 'gulden' to refer to modern Dutch money (it's the euro).
- Spelling as 'guilder' when the historical/formal term 'gulden' is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Gulden' is the Dutch/Low German term, and 'guilder' is the English adaptation. The Dutch currency was officially the 'Nederlandse gulden' but often called the guilder in English.
No. The Netherlands adopted the euro in 2002. 'Gulden' is now a historical term.
No. Historically, various forms of gulden (also called florins) were used in German states, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe.
Yes. You can have one gulden or fifty gulden. The plural is typically 'gulden' or 'guilders'.
A former gold coin and later a currency unit of the Netherlands (Dutch guilder) and some other European countries.
Gulden is usually formal, historical, financial, numismatic in register.
Gulden: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʊldən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʊldən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a single gulden”
- “As sound as a Dutch gulden”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GOLD-en' - it was originally a gold coin.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS HISTORY (as a relic of past economic systems).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gulden' MOST appropriately used today?