Opening a German Bank Account: Language Guide
Opening a bank account in Germany is one of the first practical tasks for anyone who has just moved there — you need it for salary payments, rent, online shopping and registering a phone contract. The process is not complicated, but it involves a conversation (or at least a form) in German, and knowing the vocabulary makes it much less stressful.
This post is a language guide. For specific account requirements, fees and documents, check directly with the bank, as they vary and change.
Where to open an account
| Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional bank (Filialbank) | Sparkasse, Volksbank, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank | In-person at a branch; German usually required |
| Online bank (Direktbank) | N26, DKB, ING | Often English interface; some offer English support |
| Neo-bank / app bank | Bunq, Revolut (EU) | Quick to open; may have limits |
For newcomers with limited German: some online banks, such as N26, offer English-language apps and are frequently used by expats. Check each bank’s current language options and address requirements.
Documents you typically need
The bank will ask for (Sie benötigen):
– Personalausweis / Reisepass — ID card or passport
– Meldebestätigung / Anmeldebestätigung — registration certificate from the Einwohnermeldeamt (required by most traditional banks)
– Aufenthaltstitel — residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
– Sometimes: Gehaltsnachweis — proof of income, or Arbeitsvertrag — employment contract
The Anmeldung is done at the Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt. For other admin appointments, see German at the Ausländerbehörde.
Key vocabulary
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Konto | account |
| das Girokonto | current account (for everyday use) |
| das Sparkonto | savings account |
| die IBAN | IBAN (International Bank Account Number) |
| die BIC / SWIFT-Code | BIC / SWIFT code |
| die Kontonummer | account number |
| die Bankleitzahl (BLZ) | bank sort code |
| die EC-Karte / Girocard | debit card |
| die Kreditkarte | credit card |
| der Dauerauftrag | standing order |
| die Lastschrift | direct debit |
| die Überweisung | bank transfer |
| der Kontoauszug | bank statement |
| das Online-Banking | online banking |
| die PIN | PIN |
| die TAN | transaction authentication number (for online banking) |
| die Kontoführungsgebühr | account management fee |
| kostenlos / gebührenfrei | free of charge / fee-free |
| der Dispokredit / Überziehungsrahmen | overdraft |
| die Filiale | branch |
| der Berater / die Beraterin | adviser |
Phrases for opening an account
When you arrive:
– Ich möchte ein Konto eröffnen. (I would like to open an account.)
– Ich hätte gern ein kostenloses Girokonto. (I’d like a free current account.)
– Haben Sie einen Termin frei? (Do you have an appointment available?)
– Ich habe einen Termin um 10 Uhr. (I have a 10 o’clock appointment.)
During the conversation:
– Welche Unterlagen brauche ich? (What documents do I need?)
– Ich habe meinen Reisepass / Personalausweis dabei. (I have my passport / ID with me.)
– Ich bin gerade nach Deutschland gezogen. (I just moved to Germany.)
– Ich bin selbstständig / angestellt / arbeitslos. (I’m self-employed / employed / unemployed.)
– Wie lange dauert es, bis das Konto aktiv ist? (How long does it take until the account is active?)
– Wann bekomme ich meine Karte? (When will I get my card?)
– Gibt es Kontoführungsgebühren? (Are there account management fees?)
– Ist das Konto kostenlos? (Is the account free?)
– Was ist der Zinssatz für den Dispokredit? (What is the interest rate for the overdraft?)
Forms and questions you’ll be asked:
– Was ist Ihr Beruf? (What is your job?)
– Wie hoch ist Ihr monatliches Einkommen? (What is your monthly income?)
– Haben Sie eine Meldebestätigung? (Do you have a registration certificate?)
– Bitte unterschreiben Sie hier. (Please sign here.)
– Möchten Sie Online-Banking aktivieren? (Would you like to activate online banking?)
– Soll ich Ihnen das erklären? (Shall I explain that to you?)
If you don’t understand:
– Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? (Could you please repeat that?)
– Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? (Could you please write that down?)
– Was bedeutet das auf Englisch? (What does that mean in English?)
– Ich habe das leider nicht verstanden. (I’m sorry, I didn’t understand that.)
– Sprechen Sie bitte langsamer. (Please speak more slowly.)
After the account is open
- Kann ich meine IBAN jetzt sehen? (Can I see my IBAN now?)
- Wann kommt die Karte an? (When will the card arrive?)
- Wie richte ich das Online-Banking ein? (How do I set up online banking?)
- Kann ich Geld überweisen? (Can I make a transfer?)
- Ich möchte einen Dauerauftrag einrichten. (I’d like to set up a standing order.)
Practise your German out loud with SipLingo, free to try on iPhone and Android:
Sample dialogue
Berater: Guten Tag, wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?
You: Guten Tag, ich möchte gern ein Konto eröffnen.
Berater: Natürlich. Haben Sie Ihren Personalausweis oder Reisepass dabei?
You: Ja, hier ist mein Reisepass. Und ich habe auch meine Meldebestätigung.
Berater: Sehr gut. Sind Sie angestellt oder selbstständig?
You: Ich bin angestellt. Ich arbeite bei einer IT-Firma.
Berater: Und wie hoch ist Ihr monatliches Einkommen ungefähr?
You: Etwa 2.800 Euro netto.
Berater: Gut. Ich erkläre Ihnen jetzt kurz die Konditionen. Das Girokonto ist für Sie kostenlos, wenn Sie monatlich mindestens 700 Euro einzahlen.
You: Verstehe. Gibt es eine Gebühr für die EC-Karte?
Berater: Nein, die erste Karte ist kostenlos. Bitte unterschreiben Sie hier und hier.
You: Wann bekomme ich dann meine Karte?
Berater: In fünf bis sieben Werktagen per Post.
Useful things to know
Girokonto is the standard. A Girokonto is what you need: a current account for salary, rent and everyday transactions. Sparkonto (savings account) is secondary.
IBAN is essential. Your employer and landlord will ask for it. The German IBAN format: DE + 2 check digits + 8-digit BLZ + 10-digit account number = 22 characters total.
Most rents are paid by SEPA transfer. You will need to set up a Dauerauftrag (standing order) or Lastschrift (direct debit) for rent once the account is open.
Overdraft (Dispo) is automatic at some banks, not at others. Ask if it is included and what the interest rate is before you use it.
Some online banks have English support. If your German is not yet strong enough for a branch appointment, starting with an online bank that offers an English app (check before you apply) is a practical option.
Common mistakes
- Going without an appointment. Many German bank branches want an appointment for opening an account. Call ahead: Kann ich einen Termin machen?
- Not having the Meldebestätigung. Most traditional banks require proof of German registration. Get this from the Einwohnermeldeamt first.
- Confusing IBAN and BIC. Your IBAN is for domestic and international transfers. The BIC (also called SWIFT code) is usually only needed for transfers from outside the SEPA area.
- Ignoring Kontoführungsgebühren. Some accounts look free but charge if you don’t deposit a minimum amount monthly. Read the conditions.
- Signing without understanding. Ask Was bedeutet das? or Können Sie das erklären? before signing.
Practise the conversation
Opening a bank account is exactly the kind of situation where you need German on demand — nervous, under pressure, needing to understand financial terms. Rehearse it before you go.
SipLingo has everyday German situations including banking and administrative appointments. Practise the conversation by voice and hear corrections in your own language. Try it free →
Related: German at the Ausländerbehörde and German for phone calls and appointments.
Official sources
For the official details and the latest updates, see:
- Make it in Germany (Federal Government): Opening a bank account in Germany – Girokonto basics, documents needed, branch vs direct banks
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a bank account in Germany if I don’t speak German?
Some online banks, such as N26, offer English interfaces (check the bank’s current options). For traditional banks, learn the key phrases above, bring all documents and don’t hesitate to ask: Können Sie das bitte auf Englisch erklären?
What do I need to open a German bank account?
Typically: passport or ID card, Anmeldung (registration certificate), and sometimes proof of income. Non-EU citizens also need their residence permit.
What is a Girokonto?
A current account (checking account) for everyday use — salary payments, rent, shopping. The standard account type in Germany.
What is IBAN?
International Bank Account Number — Germany’s IBAN starts with DE and is 22 characters long. You’ll need it for salary, rent and transfers.
Can I open a German bank account without an Anmeldung?
Some online banks do not ask for a Meldebestätigung, though they may still require an address in Germany — check their current requirements. Most traditional German banks require the Anmeldung. Get registered first if possible.
Practise German for real-life situations. SipLingo corrects your German as you talk, in your own language. A1 to B2.
