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Guilder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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guilder

[หˆษกษชldษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical currency

The guilder was a unit of currency used in the Netherlands and its colonies, as well as in some neighboring countries. It was historically divided into 100 cents. The name 'guilder' originates from the Dutch word 'gulden', which means 'golden' in reference to the gold coins minted by the Dutch in the Middle Ages. The guilder was replaced by the euro in 2002, marking the end of its long-standing use in Dutch monetary history.

Synonyms

Dutch currency, gulden.

Examples of usage

  • I exchanged my dollars for guilders when I visited the Netherlands.
  • The old guilder notes are now considered collector's items.
  • During the 17th century, the guilder was a strong currency in Europe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The guilder was the official currency of the Netherlands until it was replaced by the euro in 2002.
  • During its peak, the guilder was used not only in the Netherlands but also in several other colonized areas and trade routes.
  • The Dutch East India Company, which played a significant role in global trade in the 17th century, facilitated transactions using guilders.

Art and Culture

  • In paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, guilders are often depicted as symbols of wealth and prosperity in bustling marketplaces.
  • Artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer lived during a time when guilders represented significant monetary power in the flourishing art culture of the Netherlands.

Modern Usage

  • While the guilder is no longer in use, it remains a historical reference in discussions about European currencies and economic history.
  • Many tourists visiting the Netherlands can still find 'guilder' coin replicas, often as keepsakes from a vibrant monetary past.

Origin of 'guilder'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'guilder' comes from the Dutch term 'gulden', which means 'golden', referring to the gold coins used centuries ago.
  • The term can be traced back to the 14th century when it initially described gold coins minted in the Netherlands.
  • In many cases, the guilder was used to signify a currency based on the quality of gold in the coin.

The term 'guilder' is derived from the Dutch word 'gulden', which means 'golden'. This name was originally used for a gold coin that was minted in the Netherlands during the late Middle Ages. The guilder became widely recognized as a unit of currency, especially during the Golden Age of Dutch trade in the 17th century. The currency was influential in the economy of the Netherlands and was also used in various forms in its colonies. Over the centuries, the guilder underwent several changes, including the introduction of silver and paper guilder notes. The guilder remained the official currency until the Netherlands adopted the euro in 2002, which was part of a larger movement towards European monetary integration.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,405 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.