Learn Hardcore German: In meiner Geldbörse klirren Münzen, aber ich gebe trotzdem Trinkgeld. - Coins jingle in my wallet, but I still leave a tip.

Because in is a two-way preposition. With location (where?), it takes the dative; with direction (into), it takes the accusative. Here it’s location, so feminine dative singular of mein is meiner: In meiner Geldbörse .... With movement: In meine Geldbörse stecke ich das Geld.

Why does the verb come right after the prepositional phrase?

German main clauses are verb-second (V2). Any one element can come first; here the fronted phrase is In meiner Geldbörse. The finite verb must then be second: klirren. The subject follows: In meiner Geldbörse klirren Münzen. You can also say Münzen klirren in meiner Geldbörse (different emphasis, same meaning).

Is Münzen the subject? Why is there no article?

Yes, Münzen is the nominative plural subject. German often omits an article with indefinite plurals when speaking generally: Münzen klirren ≈ “coins are clinking.” Use die Münzen if you mean specific coins.

Why is klirren plural here?

Subject–verb agreement. The plural subject Münzen takes klirren. Singular: Eine Münze klirrt.

Could I say Es klirren Münzen in meiner Geldbörse?

Yes. German allows a placeholder es when the subject is postponed: Es klirren Münzen in meiner Geldbörse. Your original sentence doesn’t need it because something else already fills the first position.

Is klirren the best verb for coins? What are alternatives?

klirren = sharp, metallic clink (coins, glass). Alternatives:

klimpern = jingle/tinkle (softer; coins can klimpern).
klappern/scheppern = rattle/clatter (harsher, noisy change in a jar).
klingen = to sound (neutral, not onomatopoeic).
klingeln = to ring (a bell), not used for coins.

What does trotzdem do, and where can I put it?

trotzdem means “nevertheless.” It’s a sentence adverb:

Neutral placement: ..., aber ich gebe trotzdem Trinkgeld.
Fronted for emphasis (triggers inversion): ..., trotzdem gebe ich Trinkgeld. It usually comes before manner/time adverbs: ..., ich gebe trotzdem gern Trinkgeld.

Why is there a comma before aber?

Here aber connects two independent main clauses, so a comma is required: ..., aber .... No comma when aber only joins words/phrases: nicht reich, aber großzügig.

Is aber trotzdem redundant or wrong?

It’s acceptable and common for emphasis, though somewhat pleonastic. Both are fine:

..., aber ich gebe trotzdem Trinkgeld.
..., trotzdem gebe ich Trinkgeld. (no aber)

How does obwohl compare to trotzdem?

obwohl introduces a subordinate clause and already conveys concession. Typical pattern:

Obwohl in meiner Geldbörse Münzen klirren, gebe ich Trinkgeld. Using both (obwohl ... , gebe ich trotzdem ...) is possible for extra emphasis but heavier in style.

Why is there no article before Trinkgeld?

Trinkgeld (neuter) is used as an uncountable noun here; the set phrase is Trinkgeld geben without an article. To specify an amount: 5 Euro Trinkgeld geben or ein Trinkgeld von 5 Euro geben (the latter is rarer/more formal).

What case does the recipient of the tip take?

Dative: jemandem Trinkgeld geben. Examples: Ich gebe der Kellnerin trotzdem Trinkgeld. / Ich gebe ihr trotzdem Trinkgeld.

Is Trinkgeld always capitalized?

Yes. All German nouns are capitalized: Trinkgeld, Münzen, Geldbörse. Adverbs like trotzdem are lowercase.

What exactly does Geldbörse mean? Any synonyms or regional terms?

Geldbörse = wallet/purse. Common alternatives:

der Geldbeutel (southern Germany)
das Portemonnaie/Portmonee
die Brieftasche (often a larger, flatter wallet) Plural: die Geldbörsen.

Why not im meiner Geldbörse?

im = in dem and only works with masculine/neuter dative. Geldbörse is feminine; its dative article is der, so you need in meiner Geldbörse. With a neuter noun you could say im Portemonnaie.

Can German present tense express the English -ing meaning here?

Yes. German present naturally covers progressive meaning: Münzen klirren = “coins are clinking.” You can add gerade for emphasis: Münzen klirren gerade. Colloquial/regional: Die Münzen sind am Klirren (less standard).

Can I move Trinkgeld for emphasis?

Yes. German allows topicalization:

Neutral: ..., aber ich gebe trotzdem Trinkgeld.
Object focus: ..., aber Trinkgeld gebe ich trotzdem. Pronouns tend to come earlier: ..., aber ich gebe es trotzdem.

Can I say Tip like in English?

No. In German der Tipp usually means “advice.” For a gratuity use das Trinkgeld.

Would Kleingeld work instead of Münzen?

Yes. Kleingeld = small change (collective, singular). Then the verb is singular: In meiner Geldbörse klirrt Kleingeld, ... It emphasizes “small change” rather than individual coins.

Any pronunciation tips for tricky parts?

Geldbörse: ö like French “peur”; final -se as unstressed -zə; final d in Geld is devoiced [t].
klirren: short i; double rr keeps the vowel short; standard German uses a uvular r.
Trinkgeld: pronounce both clusters nk and lg; final d is devoiced [t].