Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌldən] (IPA) 
The word "gulden" is a currency that is no longer in use. Its spelling may appear difficult to pronounce, but it is actually quite simple. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ˈɡʌldən/. The "g" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, the "u" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, the "l" is pronounced with a soft "l" sound, the "d" is pronounced with a hard "d" sound, and the "en" is pronounced with a short "en" sound.
A gulden refers to a former unit of currency that was predominantly used in certain European countries, primarily the Netherlands and Germany. Historically, the term "gulden" originated from the Middle High German word "gulden" or "gulde," meaning gold. This currency was typically represented by a gold coin, although its actual composition varied throughout its history.
In the Netherlands, the gulden was first introduced during the 13th century and remained the country's primary currency until the adoption of the euro in 2002. However, prior to the emergence of the euro, the Dutch gulden underwent various changes in value and denominations. It represented a significant unit of account, with subunits such as the stuiver and the cent, which amounted to a fraction of a gulden.
Similarly, in Germany, the gulden was in use during different periods, although its prevalence varied between regions. The term "gulden" was employed to describe various currencies throughout different German states, such as the Prussian gulden or the Bremen gulden.
Today, the gulden is primarily considered a historical unit of currency due to its disuse after the introduction of the euro. Nonetheless, it remains a notable term in discussions of monetary history and is often encountered in literature and economic studies that pertain to the era prior to the euro's implementation.
The word "gulden" has its etymology in Middle High German, where it was spelled as "guldin" or "gulden". It ultimately derives from the Old High German word "goldīn" (modern German: golden), which means "made of gold" or "golden".
The term "gulden" originally referred to a gold coin, particularly in the Middle Ages. It was used across various Germanic and Scandinavian languages, including Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, Danish, and Swedish. The name reflects the value and composition of the coin, as it was typically made of gold or had a gold appearance.
The name for the currency in several European countries, such as the Netherlands, Austria, and several former German states, became "gulden" due to historical usage and influence.
