der Obolus
Translation
small contribution, mite, small fee, obolus
Examples
Jeder musste seinen Obolus entrichten.
Everyone had to pay their small contribution.
Er leistete einen kleinen Obolus für die Kaffeekasse.
He made a small contribution to the coffee fund.
Grammar Patterns
to pay/make one's contribution seinen Obolus entrichten/leisten He made his small contribution to the fund.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Beitrag (contribution), Spende (donation), Gebühr (fee)
Etymology
From Ancient Greek 'obolós', a type of coin. It was also the coin for Charon to ferry the dead across the river Styx.
Memory Tips
Imagine paying a small 'obolus' (coin) to a ferryman. This connects to its historical meaning and the idea of a small but necessary payment.