Surviving Germany — #11
Finance & Banking
At the Bank in Germany: Open an Account, Understand Your Statement, Handle Everything in German
Reading time: ~16 minutes · Traditional banks, online banks, ATMs — all covered · All levels welcome
A German bank account is not optional — it is the foundation of everything else. Your salary, your rent payment, your utilities, your health insurance, your Jobcenter transfer. Without a Girokonto, you cannot function in Germany. And yet for newcomers, the vocabulary around banking is dense, the forms are formal, and even a simple question at the counter can feel like unexplored territory. This guide makes the German banking system fully legible.
Banking in Germany has its own deeply specific language. A Kontoauszug is not the same as an Überweisungsbeleg. A Dauerauftrag is not the same as a Lastschrift. A Dispokredit is not a loan. These distinctions matter — because misunderstanding them has real financial consequences.
This guide covers everything: choosing a bank, opening an account, understanding your bank statement word by word, making and receiving transfers, handling a blocked card, talking to an adviser, and recognising the phrases that mean something important is happening with your money.
What's in this guide
- 01 Essential vocabulary
- 02 Types of banks in Germany
- 03 Opening an account
- 04 What to bring
- 05 The opening appointment
- 06 Your bank statement decoded
- 07 Transfers & payments
- 08 Cards & ATMs
- 09 Lost or blocked card
- 10 Loans & overdrafts
- 11 Talking to your adviser
- 12 Online banking vocabulary
- 13 Scams & security phrases
- 14 Full survival card
01
Essential vocabulary — the language of German banking
das Girokonto
current account / checking account
The standard everyday account. Required for salary, rent, and bill payments.
das Sparkonto
savings account
Separate account for saving. Lower interest but more accessible than fixed-term savings.
das Tagesgeldkonto
instant access savings account
Variable-rate savings — money accessible at any time. Higher rate than Sparkonto typically.
das Festgeldkonto
fixed-term deposit account
Money locked for a fixed period in exchange for a higher interest rate.
die IBAN
International Bank Account Number
Your unique account identifier. Always required for transfers. German IBANs start with DE.
die BIC / SWIFT-Code
Bank Identifier Code
Identifies the bank. Required for international transfers.
der Kontoauszug
bank statement
Record of all transactions. Available in branch, by post, or online.
der Kontostand
account balance
"Was ist mein aktueller Kontostand?" — What is my current balance?
die Überweisung
bank transfer
One-time transfer from your account to another. Can be done online or in branch.
der Dauerauftrag
standing order
Automatic regular transfer — same amount, same day each month. You set it up.
die Lastschrift / das SEPA-Lastschriftmandat
direct debit
The company pulls money from your account. You authorise this in advance.
der Dispokredit / Dispositionskredit
overdraft facility
Agreed overdraft limit — your account can go negative to this amount. High interest rates apply.
die Kontoführungsgebühr
account maintenance fee
Monthly fee charged by many traditional banks. Online banks often charge zero.
die Girocard / EC-Karte
debit card (German domestic)
Germany's standard debit card — works at most German terminals. Different from Visa/Mastercard debit.
die Kreditkarte
credit card
Not as commonly used for everyday spending in Germany as in other countries.
der Geldautomat / der Bankautomat
ATM / cash machine
"Wo ist der nächste Geldautomat?" — Where is the nearest ATM?
die PIN
PIN (Personal Identification Number)
Required for most card payments in Germany. Contactless has lower limits.
der Berater / die Beraterin
financial adviser / bank adviser
The person you speak to for account questions, loans, and investments.
die Vollmacht
power of attorney / authorisation
Authorising someone else to act on your account.
der Kredit / das Darlehen
loan / credit
Formal borrowing — separate from a Dispokredit.
die Schufa-Auskunft
credit report
Germany's credit scoring system. Banks check this before opening accounts or granting credit.
das Referenzkonto
reference account
The account linked to an online bank or savings account for transfers.
02
Types of banks in Germany — which one is right for you?
Germany has a multi-tier banking system. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right account for your situation — especially as a newcomer, where some banks are significantly easier to open an account with than others.
Deutsche Bank
Traditional / Private
Full-service private bank. Physical branches, advisers, wide product range. Monthly fees. English service available in major cities.
Commerzbank
Traditional / Private
Germany's second-largest private bank. Free current account available (with conditions). Good branch network.
HypoVereinsbank (HVB)
Traditional / Private
Part of UniCredit group. Stronger presence in Bavaria. Full-service banking with branch access.
Sparkasse
Savings / Public
Germany's largest banking group by customer count. Public savings banks — locally rooted, very widespread. Often the easiest account to open in person.
Volksbank / Raiffeisenbank
Cooperative
Member-owned cooperative banks. Good service, broad network. Strong in rural areas and medium-sized cities.
Postbank
Traditional / Retail
Part of Deutsche Bank group. Wide branch presence including post offices. Popular for accessible everyday banking.
N26
Online / Digital
Germany's largest digital bank. App-based, no branches, no fees on basic account. English interface. Fast account opening — popular with newcomers.
DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)
Online / Digital
Free account with free Visa card and free ATM withdrawals worldwide. No branches. Excellent for people comfortable with online banking.
Revolut / Wise
Fintech / International
Not traditional banks but provide German IBANs and are widely used by immigrants for international transfers and multi-currency management.
Newcomer recommendation
For fresh arrivals: N26 or DKB are the easiest to open — fully online, no branch visit required, English interface available, and both provide a German IBAN immediately. Once you have Anmeldung and more documentation, opening an additional account at a traditional bank (Sparkasse or Commerzbank) gives you access to physical branches and a full adviser relationship. Many immigrants maintain both.
03
Opening an account — Girokonto eröffnen
Opening a bank account in Germany as a newcomer can be straightforward or surprisingly complex, depending on the bank and your documentation. Traditional banks require an in-person appointment. Online banks can be opened from your phone in 10 minutes using video identification.
Traditional bank
In-branch opening
- Appointment required (Termin vereinbaren)
- All documents checked in person
- Adviser walks you through everything
- Card arrives by post in 5–10 days
- Monthly fees typically €3–12
- Better for complex needs or credit
Online / digital bank
App-based opening
- No appointment — done entirely via app
- Video-ID (VideoIdent) via smartphone
- Account active within 24–48 hours
- Card arrives in 3–7 days
- Often €0/month on basic account
- Better for newcomers with limited docs
04
What to bring — documents for account opening
Reisepass oder Personalausweis (Passport or ID card)
Original required — copies not sufficient for identity verification
Anmeldebestätigung / Meldebescheinigung (Registration confirmation)
Proof of your registered German address — almost always required by traditional banks
Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Residence permit)
Non-EU citizens require this. Some banks also want to see it for EU citizens.
Steueridentifikationsnummer (Tax identification number)
Required for full account opening — arrives by post automatically after Anmeldung, or request from Finanzamt
Arbeitsvertrag oder Einkommensnachweis (Employment contract or income proof)
Some banks require proof of income, especially for accounts with overdraft facilities
Startkapital / Eröffnungseinlage (Opening deposit)
Some banks require an initial deposit — typically €25–100. Online banks usually do not.
Schufa check
Most traditional banks run a Schufa check before opening an account. If you are new to Germany, you will have no Schufa history — which is neutral, not negative. However, a negative Schufa entry (from unpaid debts) can lead to account refusal. If refused, you are legally entitled to a Basiskonto (basic payment account) — every bank in Germany must offer this regardless of Schufa status.
05
The account opening appointment
Opening a Girokonto in branch — Kontoeröffnung
Reception
Guten Tag. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?
Good day. How can I help you?
You
Guten Tag. Ich möchte gerne ein Girokonto eröffnen. Ich bin neu in Deutschland und brauche ein Konto für mein Gehalt.
Good day. I'd like to open a current account. I'm new to Germany and need an account for my salary.
Reception
Haben Sie einen Termin, oder möchten Sie einen vereinbaren?
Do you have an appointment, or would you like to make one?
You
Ich hätte gerne einen Termin so bald wie möglich bitte.
I'd like an appointment as soon as possible please.
With the bank adviser — Mit dem Berater
Adviser
Welches Konto interessiert Sie — ein Standardkonto oder unser Premium-Konto?
Which account interests you — a standard account or our premium account?
You
Ich brauche zunächst ein einfaches Girokonto — ohne viele Gebühren. Was kostet das monatlich?
I just need a simple current account to start — without many fees. What does it cost per month?
Adviser
Unser Basiskonto kostet 4,90 Euro im Monat — kostenlos, wenn monatlich mindestens 700 Euro eingehen.
Our basic account costs €4.90 per month — free if at least €700 comes in each month.
You
Das passt gut — mein Gehalt wird auf das Konto überwiesen. Wann erhalte ich die Karte und die PIN?
That works well — my salary will be transferred to the account. When will I receive the card and PIN?
Adviser
Die Karte kommt in etwa fünf Werktagen per Post. Die PIN folgt separat einen Tag später.
The card arrives in about five working days by post. The PIN follows separately one day later.
You
Gibt es Online-Banking auf Englisch, oder nur auf Deutsch?
Is there online banking in English, or only in German?
You
Wie hoch ist der Dispokredit bei diesem Konto?
What is the overdraft limit on this account?
You
Kann ich auch Daueraufträge und Lastschriften online einrichten?
Can I also set up standing orders and direct debits online?
06
Your bank statement — Kontoauszug decoded
The Kontoauszug (bank statement) is one of the most important documents in German financial life — and one of the most confusing for newcomers. Every transaction has a specific label. Understanding those labels means understanding your money.
01.10.
Gehalt Oktober — Müller GmbHVerwendungszweck: Gehalt 10/2024
+3.200,00 €
03.10.
Dauerauftrag MieteEmpfänger: Hausverwaltung Schmidt
−950,00 €
05.10.
SEPA-LastschriftStadtwerke München — Strom und Gas
−87,50 €
08.10.
ÜberweisungEmpfänger: Max Mustermann — Abendessen
−35,00 €
12.10.
KartenzahlungREWE Supermarkt München
−62,40 €
15.10.
Barabhebung GeldautomatSparkasse Marienplatz
−100,00 €
20.10.
Einzahlung am SchalterBareinzahlung
+200,00 €
28.10.
Kontoführungsgebühr OktoberMonatliche Gebühr
−4,90 €
Kontostand
2.160,20 €
Key statement terms explained
| Term on your statement | What it means |
|---|
| Gehalt / Lohn | Salary / wages — incoming payment from employer |
| Dauerauftrag | Standing order — regular automated payment you set up (e.g. rent) |
| SEPA-Lastschrift / Lastschrift | Direct debit — company pulls money from your account with your authorisation |
| Überweisung | Manual bank transfer — one-time payment you initiated |
| Kartenzahlung / Kauf | Card payment — debit card purchase at a shop or online |
| Barabhebung | Cash withdrawal — at an ATM or branch counter |
| Einzahlung | Deposit — cash paid into your account |
| Kontoführungsgebühr | Account maintenance fee — monthly charge from the bank |
| Zinsen (Haben) | Interest received — on savings balance |
| Dispozinsen / Überziehungszinsen | Overdraft interest — charged when you go into minus |
| Verwendungszweck | Payment reference / purpose — the description field. Always fill this in carefully when transferring. |
| Empfänger / Auftraggeber | Recipient / sender — who received or sent the money |
| Habenbuchung / Sollbuchung | Credit entry / debit entry — money in / money out |
| Anfangssaldo / Endsaldo | Opening balance / closing balance — at the start and end of the statement period |
| Wertstellung / Buchungsdatum | Value date / booking date — when interest is calculated vs. when the transaction was processed |
07
Transfers and payments — making and receiving money
Setting up a transfer — Überweisung
You
Ich möchte eine Überweisung vornehmen. An wen und wie viel?
I'd like to make a transfer. To whom and how much?
This is the question the bank clerk will ask — or the fields you fill in online.
You
Ich möchte 450 Euro an meinen Vermieter überweisen. Die IBAN ist DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00.
I'd like to transfer €450 to my landlord. The IBAN is DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00.
You
Als Verwendungszweck trage ich bitte ein: Miete Oktober, Wohnung Hauptstraße 5.
As the payment reference please enter: Rent October, flat Hauptstraße 5.
Always include a clear Verwendungszweck (payment reference). For rent, include the month and address. For invoices, include the invoice number. This protects you in disputes.
Standing orders and direct debits — the key difference
| Type | Who controls it | When to use |
|---|
| Dauerauftrag (standing order) | You set it up, you cancel it, you control the amount | Rent, fixed monthly transfers to family, savings transfers |
| Lastschrift (direct debit) | The company initiates the pull — you authorise it once | Utilities, phone contracts, gym memberships, streaming services |
Setting up a Dauerauftrag — Dauerauftrag einrichten
You
Ich möchte einen Dauerauftrag einrichten — jeden Monat am ersten, 800 Euro an meinen Vermieter.
I'd like to set up a standing order — on the first of every month, €800 to my landlord.
You
Ich möchte meinen bestehenden Dauerauftrag ändern — der Betrag hat sich erhöht.
I'd like to change my existing standing order — the amount has increased.
You
Ich möchte den Dauerauftrag kündigen / löschen.
I'd like to cancel / delete the standing order.
International transfers — Auslandsüberweisungen
| German | English |
|---|
| Ich möchte Geld ins Ausland überweisen. | I'd like to transfer money abroad. |
| Was sind die Gebühren für eine Auslandsüberweisung? | What are the fees for an international transfer? |
| Wie lange dauert eine Überweisung in die Türkei / nach Polen / in den Iran? | How long does a transfer to Turkey / Poland / Iran take? |
| Ich brauche die BIC / den SWIFT-Code der Empfängerbank. | I need the BIC / SWIFT code of the recipient bank. |
| Gibt es ein Tageslimit für Überweisungen? | Is there a daily limit for transfers? |
International transfer tip
For regular international transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut typically offer significantly better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional German banks. Your German bank account can be used as the source — you simply transfer from your Girokonto to Wise, which then sends abroad at a better rate. Worth setting up if you send money home regularly.
08
Cards and ATMs — Karten und Geldautomaten
Germany's card landscape is slightly different from most countries. Understanding your cards — and their limits — prevents embarrassing moments at the till.
| Card type | How it works in Germany |
|---|
| Girocard / EC-Karte | Germany's standard debit card. Works at virtually all German terminals but limited abroad. Requires PIN for most transactions. Contactless available on newer cards. |
| Visa Debit / Mastercard Debit | Issued by online banks (N26, DKB). Works internationally and online. Accepted more broadly than a Girocard abroad. |
| Kreditkarte (Credit card) | Usually charged monthly. Less common for everyday use than in UK/US. Useful for hotel bookings, car rentals, and online shopping requiring a credit card specifically. |
| Prepaid-Karte | Preloaded card — no bank account needed. Good for limited credit history situations. |
ATM vocabulary — Am Geldautomaten
You
Entschuldigung, wo ist der nächste Geldautomat?
Excuse me, where is the nearest ATM?
You
Gibt es hier Gebühren für das Abheben mit meiner Karte?
Are there fees here for withdrawing with my card?
Withdrawing from a different bank's ATM often incurs fees (Fremdbank-Entgelt). Your own bank's ATMs are usually free. DKB and some N26 plans offer free withdrawals everywhere.
Common ATM screen terms
| German on screen | What it means |
|---|
| Karte einführen / Karte einstecken | Insert card |
| PIN eingeben | Enter PIN |
| Betrag wählen / Betrag eingeben | Choose amount / enter amount |
| Kontostand anzeigen | Show account balance |
| Quittung gewünscht? | Would you like a receipt? |
| Bitte warten | Please wait |
| Transaktion abgebrochen | Transaction cancelled |
| Karte wird eingezogen | Card is being retained — contact your bank immediately |
| Falscher PIN — noch X Versuche | Incorrect PIN — X attempts remaining |
09
Lost or blocked card — Karte gesperrt oder verloren
A lost or blocked card needs to be reported immediately. Germany has a centralised card blocking number that works for all cards.
Germany's universal card blocking number: 116 116 (from Germany) or +49 116 116 (from abroad). Available 24/7, free of charge. Works for all German bank cards. Have your IBAN or card number ready when you call.
Reporting a lost card — Kartenverlust melden
You
Guten Tag, ich möchte meine Karte sperren lassen. Ich habe sie verloren.
Good day, I'd like to have my card blocked. I've lost it.
Hotline
Können Sie mir Ihre IBAN oder Ihre Kartennummer nennen?
Can you give me your IBAN or card number?
You
Meine IBAN ist DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00.
My IBAN is DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00.
You
Ich glaube, meine Karte wurde gestohlen — es gibt Buchungen, die ich nicht erkenne.
I think my card was stolen — there are transactions I don't recognise.
You
Wann erhalte ich eine Ersatzkarte?
When will I receive a replacement card?
You
Ich habe dreimal die falsche PIN eingegeben — meine Karte ist gesperrt. Was muss ich tun?
I entered the wrong PIN three times — my card is blocked. What do I need to do?
Three incorrect PIN attempts blocks the card. You need to visit your bank branch in person with your ID to unblock it or request a new PIN.
10
Overdrafts and loans — Dispo und Kredit
The Dispokredit (overdraft facility) is one of the most misunderstood features of German banking. It is convenient — but expensive. Understanding the difference between a Dispo and a proper Kredit (loan) can save you significant money.
| Product | What it is and when to use it |
|---|
| Dispokredit | Agreed overdraft on your Girokonto. Your account can go negative up to a set limit. Interest rates of 8–15% p.a. are common. Convenient for short-term gaps but very expensive for sustained use. |
| Ratenkredit / Privatkredit | Personal instalment loan. Fixed amount, fixed monthly repayments, fixed term. Much lower interest rate than Dispo — typically 4–9% p.a. for creditworthy borrowers. Use this for planned expenses. |
| Baufinanzierung | Mortgage / property financing. Long-term, secured against property. Requires extensive documentation and a Schufa check. |
| Kreditkarte (revolving) | Some credit cards allow revolving credit — you pay a minimum and carry the rest. High interest. Less common in Germany than in UK/US. |
Asking about credit — Kredit anfragen
You
Ich nutze aktuell meinen Dispokredit — ist es sinnvoll, das in einen günstigen Kredit umzuwandeln?
I'm currently using my overdraft — would it make sense to convert this into a lower-interest loan?
Adviser
Ja, das ist in den meisten Fällen günstiger. Wie hoch ist Ihr Dispo-Saldo aktuell?
Yes, that's usually cheaper. What is your current overdraft balance?
You
Ich brauche einen Kredit von 5.000 Euro für eine Autoreparatur. Welche Konditionen haben Sie?
I need a loan of €5,000 for a car repair. What terms do you offer?
You
Was ist der effektive Jahreszins bei diesem Kredit?
What is the effective annual interest rate (APR) on this loan?
"Effektiver Jahreszins" is the key figure — it includes all costs, not just the headline rate. Always compare this figure, not the nominal rate.
You
Wie hoch ist die monatliche Rate?
What is the monthly instalment?
You
Kann ich den Kredit vorzeitig zurückzahlen, ohne Strafgebühren?
Can I repay the loan early without penalty charges?
11
Talking to your bank adviser — the full range
General account questions
| German | English |
|---|
| Ich möchte meinen Kontostand erfragen. | I'd like to enquire about my account balance. |
| Ich verstehe eine Buchung auf meinem Kontoauszug nicht. | I don't understand a transaction on my bank statement. |
| Wann wird die Überweisung auf dem Konto gutgeschrieben? | When will the transfer be credited to the account? |
| Ich möchte meine Kontoführungsgebühr überprüfen lassen. | I'd like to have my account fee reviewed. |
| Gibt es ein günstigeres Kontomodell für mich? | Is there a cheaper account model for me? |
| Ich möchte meine IBAN schriftlich bestätigt haben. | I'd like my IBAN confirmed in writing. |
| Kann ich mein Konto auf ein Gemeinschaftskonto umstellen? | Can I change my account to a joint account? |
| Ich möchte mein Konto kündigen. | I'd like to close my account. |
Disputing a transaction — Buchung anfechten
Unrecognised transaction — Unbekannte Buchung
You
Auf meinem Kontoauszug gibt es eine Buchung, die ich nicht erkenne. Es wurden 89 Euro abgebucht von einem Unternehmen, das ich nicht kenne.
There is a transaction on my bank statement that I don't recognise. €89 was debited by a company I don't know.
You
Ich möchte diese Lastschrift widerrufen / zurückbuchen lassen.
I'd like to reverse / recall this direct debit.
Under SEPA rules, you can reverse a direct debit within 8 weeks of the booking date if you did not authorise it. This is called a Rückbuchung or Rücklastschrift. Ask the bank to initiate this.
You
Ich glaube, ich bin Opfer eines Betrugs geworden — bitte sperren Sie mein Konto vorübergehend.
I think I've been the victim of fraud — please temporarily block my account.
12
Online banking vocabulary — the digital interface
Most German bank interactions now happen online. Knowing the terminology in your banking app or browser interface allows you to navigate independently without needing to call the bank.
| German term in online banking | What it means |
|---|
| Anmelden / Einloggen | Log in |
| Abmelden / Ausloggen | Log out |
| Kontoübersicht | Account overview / dashboard |
| Umsätze / Transaktionen | Transactions / transaction history |
| Überweisung beauftragen | Initiate a transfer |
| Empfänger hinzufügen | Add a recipient / payee |
| Verwendungszweck | Payment reference / reason |
| Ausführungsdatum | Execution date — when the transfer will be processed |
| Bestätigen / Freigeben | Confirm / authorise |
| TAN / pushTAN / chipTAN | Transaction Authentication Number — one-time code to confirm transfers |
| Dauerauftrag verwalten | Manage standing orders |
| Lastschriftmandat einsehen | View direct debit mandates |
| Kontoauszug herunterladen | Download bank statement |
| Postfach / Nachrichten | Inbox / messages from the bank |
| Karte verwalten / sperren | Manage card / block card |
| Limit ändern | Change spending limit |
| Passwort ändern | Change password |
13
Scams and security — what a real bank will never ask
Banking scams are sophisticated and common in Germany. Knowing what a legitimate bank will never ask allows you to identify fraud immediately.
Your bank will NEVER ask for these
Your full PIN by phone or email. Your complete password for online banking. You to transfer money to a "security account" to protect it. You to install remote access software. You to share a TAN code that was sent to you. If anyone — including someone claiming to be your bank — asks for any of these, hang up and call your bank directly on the number on your card or official website.
Identifying and responding to a scam call — Betrugsanruf erkennen
Scammer
Hier ist Ihre Bank. Wir haben verdächtige Aktivitäten auf Ihrem Konto festgestellt. Bitte nennen Sie uns Ihre PIN zur Verifizierung.
"This is your bank. We have detected suspicious activity on your account. Please give us your PIN for verification."
THIS IS ALWAYS A SCAM. No real bank asks for your PIN by phone.
You
Ich gebe meine PIN nicht am Telefon weiter. Ich rufe direkt bei meiner Bank auf der offiziellen Nummer an.
I do not give my PIN over the phone. I will call my bank directly on the official number.
| German security vocabulary | What it means |
|---|
| der Betrug / Betrüger | fraud / fraudster |
| Phishing | Phishing — fake emails or websites pretending to be your bank |
| Ich wurde Opfer eines Betrugs. | I have been the victim of fraud. |
| Unberechtigte Abbuchung | Unauthorised debit |
| Ich möchte eine Betrugsanzeige erstatten. | I'd like to report a fraud. |
| Bitte sperren Sie mein Konto sofort. | Please block my account immediately. |
14
Your complete banking survival card
Surviving Germany — Banking Phrase Card
Ich möchte ein Girokonto eröffnen.
I'd like to open a current account.
Was sind die monatlichen Kontoführungsgebühren?
What are the monthly account maintenance fees?
Wie lautet meine IBAN?
What is my IBAN?
Ich möchte eine Überweisung vornehmen.
I'd like to make a bank transfer.
Ich möchte einen Dauerauftrag einrichten / ändern / löschen.
I'd like to set up / change / cancel a standing order.
Ich verstehe diese Buchung nicht — was ist das?
I don't understand this transaction — what is it?
Ich möchte diese Lastschrift zurückbuchen lassen.
I'd like to have this direct debit reversed.
Meine Karte ist gesperrt / verloren / gestohlen.
My card is blocked / lost / stolen.
Bitte sperren Sie meine Karte sofort. (116 116)
Please block my card immediately. (call 116 116)
Wie hoch ist mein Dispolimit?
What is my overdraft limit?
Was ist der effektive Jahreszins für diesen Kredit?
What is the effective annual interest rate (APR) for this loan?
Ich möchte mein Konto kündigen.
I'd like to close my account.
Gibt es hier Gebühren für das Abheben?
Are there fees for withdrawing cash here?
Ich glaube, ich wurde Opfer eines Betrugs.
I think I've been the victim of fraud.
Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben?
Could you please write that down?
A final thought: Germany is one of the few developed countries where understanding your bank statement genuinely requires specialist vocabulary. The good news is that once you know the 20 terms that appear in every Kontoauszug, the rest is pattern recognition. Your bank is not trying to confuse you — this is simply a system built over decades, with its own precise language. Now that you have that language, the system works for you.
Want to practise a bank appointment or account opening conversation in German? Deutsch-Assistent walks you through it — from "Ich möchte ein Konto eröffnen" to your first Kontoauszug.
Practise Your Banking German →
