das Groschengrab, ¨-er
money pit
Definition & meaning
The German word „Groschengrab“ literally translates to “penny grave” or “small coin grave” in English. It is a colloquial and somewhat ironic expression used to describe something that constantly consumes small amounts of money, which eventually accumulate into a large, wasteful expense.
For example, a very old car that frequently needs minor repairs or a cheap electronic gadget that constantly requires new batteries could be called a Groschengrab. Essentially, it refers to an object, investment, or hobby that seems inexpensive at first but ends up costing a lot over time.
Grammar & Word origin
Groschengrab is a compound noun formed from:
- der Groschen – former small German coin (similar to a cent or penny)
- das Grab – grave
It is a neuter noun: das Groschengrab, plural die Groschengräber.
The word originates from everyday language after the use of the Groschen coin in Germany and Austria, expressing a situation where money metaphorically “disappears into a grave”.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
There is no direct antonym, but the opposite sense might be implied by terms like Schnäppchen (bargain) or gute Investition (good investment).
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Examples
Das alte Auto ist ein echtes Groschengrab.noun
The old car is a real money pit.
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