Über Geld, Genuss und warum Horten nichts bringt

What does “horten” mean in German?

In the clip the speaker says he just does not get people who “horten” — they keep their money and chase more and more, and nobody could ever spend that much. So “horten” is hoarding: stacking up money or stuff and sitting on it instead of enjoying it. It carries a slight judgement, like the person is missing the point of having it. His whole message is the opposite: spend, enjoy, find a balance.

In the clip: “Deswegen verstehe ich die Menschen immer nicht, dass sie alles horten, ihr Geld und immer noch mehr und noch mehr.” — “That’s why I never get people who hoard everything, their money and more and more and more.” “horten” usually means piling something up and holding onto it instead of using it. It often sounds a little critical, as if all that saving is pointless. More examples: - “Manche Leute horten Geld, statt es auszugeben.” — “Some people hoard money instead of spending it.” - “In der Krise haben viele Toilettenpapier gehortet.” — “During the crisis a lot of people hoarded toilet paper.” - “Er hortet alte Zeitungen und wirft nie etwas weg.” — “He hoards old newspapers and never throws anything away.” You can hoard money, food, or any kind of stuff. It’s stronger than just “sparen” (to save): with “horten” the focus is on the big pile that mostly sits there unused.