Grundkapital

/ˈɡʁʊntkapitaːl/
share capital

Das Grundkapital einer Aktiengesellschaft beträgt mindestens fünfzigtausend Euro.

The share capital of a public limited company must be at least fifty thousand euros.


Law
formal

The total nominal value of a company's issued shares, representing the minimum capital required by law for certain corporate forms.

Die Satzung der GmbH muss das Grundkapital und die Anzahl der Geschäftsanteile festlegen.

The articles of association of the GmbH must specify the share capital and the number of shares.

In Germany, the Grundkapital is a legal requirement for stock corporations (Aktiengesellschaft) and limited liability companies (GmbH).

Finance
formal

The initial capital contributed by shareholders to start a business, often used in the context of corporate finance.

Das Grundkapital wird in der Bilanz als Teil des Eigenkapitals ausgewiesen.

The share capital is reported in the balance sheet as part of equity.

The Grundkapital is a fixed amount and does not change unless the company undergoes a capital increase or reduction.

Collocations

Grundkapital erhöhento increase share capitalGrundkapital herabsetzento reduce share capitalGrundkapital einfordernto call up share capital

Pro Tip

Capital vs. Grundkapital

Grundkapital is a legal term referring to the nominal share capital, while 'Kapital' in general can refer to any form of capital (e.g., working capital, venture capital).

Gold Rule

Legal Requirement

In Germany, the Grundkapital must be at least €50,000 for an Aktiengesellschaft (AG) and €25,000 for a GmbH, as per the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) and Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG).

Word Origin

From German 'Grund' (foundation, base) + 'Kapital' (capital), first attested in the 19th century in the context of corporate law.

Usage Notes

Grundkapital is a fixed nominal amount and is distinct from the actual market value of shares. It is a key term in German corporate law and must be disclosed in company documents.

Word Breakdown

Grund
foundation, base
root
+
Kapital
capital
root
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch