Financial literacy is a very important topic for us, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said at a special event held in the Money Museum to launch the Bundesbank’s new children’s book. When people understand a bit about how money and finances work, then there’s a better understanding of monetary policy, too. To coincide with the date when Germany marks World Children’s Day, the Bundesbank invited primary school-aged children and their families to dive into the world of Geli Geldgespenst and ask what they want to know about payments.

On 20 September the Bundesbank ran two events, welcoming around 600 guests in total. Those attending had the chance to get to know the book and meet the story’s author, Laura Ferfort. Together with illustrator Sophia Stephani, they also drew their own fantasy characters and thought about how their creations would pay. 

Questions and tips on the topic of money

What exactly are those patterns and symbols on banknotes? What’s the point of them? And what’s the President of the Bundesbank’s favourite way to pay? President Nagel fielded a host of questions from the youngsters attending the book launch. 

I’ve used all sorts of ways to pay before: cash, girocard, credit card, even my watch. I actually do rather like paying with cash, too, the Bundesbank President revealed when quizzed about his own payment behaviour. He talked about how cash still remains important and has a number of advantages, for example, if there’s ever a power outage which stops card payments from working. 

Nagel also had a few tips to share on the topic of pocket money: if you’re trying to negotiate a higher amount, offer something in return – help around the house, for example. 

Exploring payments in a fun way

The book “Geli Geldgespenst – Einkauf in der Krümelstube” takes children on a journey of discovery. The main character is a ghost called Geli, who is on her way to buy some sweet treats from the bakery to share with her grandad. It’s her first time paying for something all by herself. At the bakery she meets a goblin, a troll and an elf who explain different ways to pay and show her how diverse the world of payments is. 

“It’s a book for reading aloud and learning to read,” the author explains. It is aimed at children of primary school age. Incorporating quiz questions, puzzles and hidden object spreads, the book gives children a fun introduction to how payments work and what role the Bundesbank plays in them. 

Available online and at events

The new children’s book is available free of charge at Bundesbank events for families and children throughout Germany. The Bundesbank has also sent copies to more than 6,500 libraries around the country so it will be available to borrow. You can also read Geli’s tale online for free by heading to the Bundesbank’s website. Alongside the story, children will find downloadable colouring sheets and puzzles as well as a quiz about payments.