Reichtum

Reichtum is the German term for wealth or affluence. It denotes the abundance of valuable resources or possessions and can refer to material capital, financial assets, land, and natural resources as well as intangible assets such as human capital, education, skills, social networks, and reputation. In everyday language and in economic analysis, Reichtum is used to describe the relative level of resource endowment of individuals, households, firms, or nations.

Etymology and scope: Reichtum derives from reich, meaning rich, with the suffix -tum forming a noun that expresses a state or condition. The concept thus covers a broad spectrum from concrete property and money to less tangible advantages that contribute to economic power and life chances.

Measurement and distinction: In economics, wealth is a stock variable, equal to assets minus liabilities (net worth) at a point in time. National or household wealth aggregates are used to assess economic strength and living standards. Wealth differs from income, which is a flow of resources over time. Wealth distribution is often analyzed with metrics like the Gini coefficient or the share of wealth held by the top percentiles.

Societal and historical context: Reichtum interacts with policy, inheritance, taxation, and social welfare. Debates on wealth focus on growth versus inequality, access to education, and opportunities for mobility. Cultural and ethical dimensions consider the purposes and uses of wealth, as well as responsibilities toward social cohesion.

See also: Vermögen, Wohlstand, Armut.