geldwerte

Geldwerte is a German term used in economics and accounting to denote values that are expressed and settled in money. The concept is used to differentiate monetary values or monetary assets from non-monetary assets.

In accounting, Geldwerte include cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits, and claims such as receivables that can be valued directly in currency units, as well as financial instruments whose value is measured in monetary terms. Non-monetary assets, by contrast, are assets whose value is not determined solely by a fixed amount of money, such as real estate, machinery, and other physical or intangible assets.

The distinction between Geldwerte and non-monetary assets is relevant for assessing wealth, evaluating investment options, and understanding inflationary effects. Inflation and exchange rate movements affect the purchasing power and nominal value of Geldwerte, while non-monetary assets may respond differently to price changes or hedging strategies. In economic discussions, some investors prefer a balance between Geldwerte (for liquidity and flexibility) and non-monetary or real assets (for potential inflation protection).

Etymology: Geldwert comes from Geld (money) and Wert (value). The plural Geldwerte is used to refer to multiple monetary values or monetary assets in German-language texts.

Usage notes: The term is common in theoretical discussions, older economic literature, and some accounting frameworks in German-speaking countries. In modern international accounting, the concepts of monetary versus non-monetary assets align with broader classifications, though terminology may vary by standard-setter.