# heller

/ˈhɛɫɝ/ (US) · /hˈɛlɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heller
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small coin used in the past in some European countries like Germany and Austria. It was worth very little money.

For teachers: a former German and Austrian unit of currency, originally a silver coin of small value. Often used in historical or numismatic contexts.

## Examples

- The merchant asked for one more heller to complete the trade.
- In the late nineteenth century, the heller served as a fractional currency unit in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- The transition from the silver heller to base-metal coinage reflected broader economic shifts in the Holy Roman Empire as local mints sought to reduce production costs.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in historical contexts; the plural form is usually 'heller' or 'hellers' depending on the specific era.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.