این صفحه به زبان شما

English

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #1,000 پرکاربردترین 12 دقیقه مطالعه

Bank, die

رتبه 1,000

At the A1 level, you learn 'die Bank' as a basic place in the city. You should know that it is a feminine noun ('die') and that you go 'zur Bank' to get money. You will use it in simple sentences like 'Wo ist die Bank?' or 'Ich brauche Geld von der Bank.' The focus is on the physical location and the basic function of withdrawing cash. You should also be aware that 'Bank' can mean 'bench', but at this stage, the context of money usually makes it clear which one you mean. Just remember: 'die Bank' = the place for money.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'die Bank' to include more specific activities. You might talk about opening an account ('ein Konto eröffnen') or using an ATM ('Geld am Automaten abheben'). You start to use more prepositions, such as 'bei der Bank' when talking about where you have your account. You also learn the plural form 'Banken' and begin to see compound words like 'Bankkarte' or 'Bankverbindung'. Your sentences become more descriptive, such as 'Die Bank ist neben der Post' or 'Ich muss zur Bank gehen, weil ich meine Karte verloren habe.'

At the B1 level, you can handle most common situations at a bank. You can talk about bank transfers ('Überweisungen'), standing orders ('Daueraufträge'), and basic savings ('Sparen'). You understand the difference between different types of banks in Germany, like the 'Sparkasse'. You can explain why you are going to the bank: 'Ich habe einen Termin bei meinem Bankberater, um über einen Kredit zu sprechen.' You are also more aware of the plural distinction between 'Banken' (institutions) and 'Bänke' (benches), and you use the correct form consistently. You can read simple letters or emails from your bank.

At the B2 level, you use 'die Bank' in more complex financial and economic contexts. You can discuss interest rates ('Zinsen'), investment options ('Geldanlagen'), and the role of banks in the economy. You might follow financial news and understand terms like 'Bankenkrise' (banking crisis) or 'Bankenregulierung' (banking regulation). Your vocabulary includes more formal synonyms like 'Kreditinstitut'. You can express opinions on banking services and compare different 'Banken' based on their fees and services. You are comfortable using the word in both professional and personal contexts, and you understand the nuances of banking culture in Germany.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of 'die Bank' and its role in society. You can discuss the history of banking, the impact of central bank policies, and complex financial products. You use the word fluently in academic or professional discussions about 'Bankwesen' (banking system) or 'Bankrecht' (banking law). You understand idiomatic expressions and can use the word metaphorically if applicable. You can read and analyze complex financial reports from 'Banken' and understand the subtle differences in meaning when 'Bank' is used in various compound nouns. Your use of prepositions and cases with 'Bank' is flawless.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'die Bank' is equivalent to that of an educated native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical or technical debates about the future of 'Banken' in a digital world, the ethics of banking, and global financial systems. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. You can use the word with absolute precision in any context, from a casual conversation to a high-level economic symposium. You are also fully aware of all rare idioms and literary references involving 'Bank', and you can navigate the most complex bureaucratic banking language with ease.

تمرین کن مثال‌ها نکات و راهنمایی‌ها

Bank, die در ۳۰ ثانیه

The German word 'Bank' refers to a financial institution where you manage money, accounts, and loans. It is a feminine noun with the plural 'Banken'.
It is also the word for 'bench', but the plural for bench is 'Bänke'. This is a common point of confusion for German language learners.
Common prepositions used with 'Bank' are 'zur' (to the) and 'auf der' or 'bei der' (at the). It is central to German daily life.
In Germany, the banking system is divided into private, public (Sparkassen), and cooperative banks, reflecting a diverse and stable financial landscape.

The German word Bank (feminine, plural: Banken) primarily refers to a financial institution, an entity that accepts deposits, manages accounts, and provides loans. In the German-speaking world, the banking landscape is quite distinct, often categorized into three pillars: private commercial banks (Privatbanken), public-sector savings banks (Sparkassen), and member-owned cooperative banks (Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken). When a German speaker mentions 'die Bank', they are usually referring to the physical building or the organization where they keep their money. It is a fundamental noun for anyone living in Germany, as the country remains relatively reliant on traditional banking structures despite the rise of fintech. Understanding this word involves more than just knowing it means 'bank'; it involves understanding the German 'Girokonto' (checking account) culture and the historical stability associated with these institutions.

Financial Entity: A company licensed to receive deposits and make loans, such as Deutsche Bank or a local Sparkasse.
The Building: The physical location where customers go to speak with a consultant or use an ATM (Geldautomat).
The System: The broader financial sector, including the European Central Bank (EZB) located in Frankfurt.

Historically, the word derives from the Italian 'banca', which referred to a counter or table used by money changers. This is a fascinating linguistic bridge because the German word for a sitting bench is also 'Bank' (though with a different plural: Bänke). In the financial context, you use 'Bank' when discussing your salary being deposited, paying your rent via 'Überweisung' (bank transfer), or applying for a 'Kredit' (loan). In Germany, banking is often seen as a formal and serious matter, and the language used within these institutions reflects that professional tone. Whether you are an expat opening your first account or a tourist looking for an ATM, 'die Bank' is a word you will encounter daily.

Ich muss heute noch zur Bank, um Bargeld abzuheben.

Furthermore, the concept of 'die Bank' is deeply intertwined with German economic identity. The 'Deutsche Bundesbank' is a symbol of stability and the former 'D-Mark'. Even in the digital age, where 'Direktbanken' (online-only banks) are popular, the physical 'Filiale' (branch) remains a staple of the German cityscape. When using this word, you are engaging with a system that values security, precision, and 'Datenschutz' (data protection). It is not just about money; it is about the trust placed in an institution to safeguard one's livelihood. From the 'Schalter' (counter) to the 'Tresor' (vault), the vocabulary surrounding 'die Bank' is rich and essential for navigating adult life in Germany.

Die Banken in Frankfurt prägen die Skyline der Stadt.

In summary, 'die Bank' is your go-to term for anything related to professional money management. While it shares its spelling with the word for 'bench', the context of money, accounts, and interest rates will always clarify that you are talking about the financial institution. As you progress in German, you will find this word at the heart of many compound nouns, such as 'Bankkauffrau' (bank clerk) or 'Bankgeheimnis' (banking secrecy), illustrating its central role in the German language and society.

Using 'Bank' correctly in German requires attention to prepositions and the specific plural form. Since 'Bank' (the institution) is feminine, it takes the articles die (nominative/accusative), der (genitive/dative). A common point of confusion for learners is which preposition to use when going to or being at a bank. Generally, we use zu for direction and auf or bei for location, though auf der Bank is a very common idiomatic way to say 'at the bank'.

Direction (To the bank): Ich gehe zur Bank (zu + der). This indicates you are heading to the institution to perform a task.
Location (At the bank): Ich bin auf der Bank or bei der Bank. 'Bei' is often used when referring to the specific company (e.g., Ich bin bei der Commerzbank).

When constructing sentences, remember that 'Bank' as an institution has the plural Banken. If you say 'Bänke', Germans will think you are talking about several park benches. For example, 'Die Banken haben heute geschlossen' means the banks are closed today. This distinction is vital for clear communication. In professional contexts, you might use 'Bank' in the genitive case: 'Die Gebühren der Bank sind zu hoch' (The bank's fees are too high).

Haben Sie ein Konto bei dieser Bank?

In everyday conversation, 'Bank' often appears in the context of errands. 'Ich muss noch schnell zur Bank' is a phrase you will hear frequently. It implies a quick trip to the ATM or the counter. In more formal writing, such as a business letter, you might refer to 'unserer Bankverbindung' (our bank details). The word is versatile and adapts to the level of formality required by the situation.

Furthermore, 'Bank' is used in various compound words that describe specific roles or objects. A 'Banküberweisung' is a bank transfer, a 'Bankautomat' is an ATM, and a 'Bankberater' is a financial advisor. When using these compounds, the gender of the word is determined by the last element (e.g., der Bankautomat, die Banküberweisung). This allows for very precise descriptions of financial activities without needing long, complex sentences.

Die Bank gewährt ihm einen Kredit für das neue Haus.

Finally, consider the passive voice which is common in banking terms: 'Das Geld wurde von der Bank überwiesen' (The money was transferred by the bank). Whether you are the subject or the object of the banking action, the word remains a stable pillar of your sentence structure. Mastering its use with prepositions like 'zu', 'auf', and 'bei' will make your German sound much more natural and confident.

You will encounter the word 'Bank' in a variety of real-world settings in Germany, from the bustling financial district of Frankfurt to a quiet village square. The most common place is, of course, during errands. You might hear someone say on the phone, 'Ich stehe gerade in der Schlange bei der Bank' (I'm currently standing in line at the bank). Because Germany still values 'Bargeld' (cash) significantly more than many other European countries, trips to the bank or the 'Bankautomat' are a frequent part of life.

In the City: Signs for 'Deutsche Bank', 'Commerzbank', or the red 'S' of the 'Sparkasse' are everywhere. You'll hear people asking for directions: 'Wo ist hier die nächste Bank?'
On the News: Financial news (Wirtschaftsnachrichten) frequently mentions 'die Europäische Zentralbank' (EZB) or 'die Weltbank'. Here, the word takes on a global, macroeconomic significance.
At Work: HR departments will ask for your 'Bankverbindung' (bank details) to pay your salary. You'll hear colleagues discussing 'Bankgebühren' (bank fees) or 'Zinsen' (interest).

In popular culture, 'die Bank' often appears in crime dramas (Krimis), which are very popular in Germany. Phrases like 'Banküberfall' (bank robbery) or 'Bankraub' are common tropes in shows like Tatort. Additionally, in the context of sports, specifically football (Fußball), you might hear about the 'Ersatzbank' (substitutes' bench). While this uses the 'bench' meaning of the word, it's a very common context where you'll hear the sound 'Bank'. However, in a financial context, the word is usually associated with bureaucracy and 'Termine' (appointments).

Die Bank hat meine neue Karte per Post geschickt.

You will also hear 'Bank' in the context of online banking, which is increasingly common. Phrases like 'Online-Banking machen' or 'die Banking-App nutzen' are part of the modern lexicon. Even though the physical interaction is decreasing, the word 'Bank' remains the anchor for these digital services. When you hear a German say, 'Das Geld ist schon von meiner Bank weg', they mean the transaction has been initiated and the funds have left their account.

Wegen der Inflation senkt die Bank die Zinsen nicht.

Lastly, in formal education or academic settings, 'Bank' is discussed in terms of 'Bankwesen' (banking system) or 'Bankrecht' (banking law). Students of economics will spend a lot of time analyzing the behavior of 'Banken' in the market. Whether it is a simple request for cash or a complex discussion on monetary policy, 'die Bank' is a word that resonates through all levels of German society, making it an indispensable part of your vocabulary.

The most frequent and confusing mistake for learners regarding the word 'Bank' is the confusion between its two meanings: the financial institution and the sitting bench. While they look identical in the singular nominative (die Bank), they diverge sharply in the plural. If you are talking about several financial institutions, you must use Banken. If you are talking about several benches in a park, you must use Bänke. Using 'Bänke' when you mean financial institutions will sound very strange to a native speaker, as if you are suggesting that Deutsche Bank is a piece of wooden furniture.

Plural Confusion: Wrong: Die Bänke haben hohe Zinsen. (The benches have high interest rates.) Correct: Die Banken haben hohe Zinsen.
Preposition Errors: Learners often say 'Ich gehe in die Bank'. While not strictly 'wrong' if you are literally entering the building, the standard idiomatic expression for going to do banking business is 'Ich gehe zur Bank'.
Gender Mistakes: 'Bank' is feminine. Avoid saying 'der Bank' or 'das Bank'. It is always 'die Bank'.

Another common error involves the word 'Konto' (account). Many learners say 'Ich habe eine Bank' when they mean 'Ich habe ein Bankkonto' (I have a bank account). Saying 'Ich habe eine Bank' implies that you own the entire financial institution, which is likely not the case! Be specific: 'Ich habe ein Konto bei der Bank'. Note the use of 'bei' here to indicate which institution you are a customer of.

Falsch: Ich gehe in die Bank, um Geld zu holen. Richtig: Ich gehe zur Bank.

In writing, learners sometimes forget the capitalization. In German, all nouns are capitalized. 'bank' with a lowercase 'b' is always incorrect. Furthermore, when using compound words, ensure you don't add extra spaces. It is 'Bankkonto', not 'Bank Konto'. German loves its compound nouns, and 'Bank' is a very frequent prefix. Keeping these elements together is crucial for correct spelling and grammar.

Falsch: Die Bänke sind am Sonntag zu. Richtig: Die Banken sind am Sonntag zu.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'Kasse'. While 'Kasse' can mean a cash register or a specific type of bank (like 'Sparkasse' or 'Krankenkasse'), it is not a direct synonym for 'Bank' in all contexts. If you need to go to the bank to talk to a consultant, don't say you are going to the 'Kasse'. The 'Kasse' is where you pay in a shop or the specific counter for cash transactions within a bank. Precision in these terms will help you navigate the German financial system with much less friction.

While 'Bank' is the most common term for a financial institution, German offers several alternatives and more specific terms depending on the context. Understanding these can help you sound more precise and professional. For instance, in formal or legal documents, you will often see the term Kreditinstitut. This is a broad term that covers any institution that provides credit or financial services, including banks and building societies.

Kreditinstitut: A formal, technical term for a bank. Used in contracts and financial reports. 'Das Kreditinstitut ist verpflichtet...'
Sparkasse: A specific type of public-sector savings bank. In many German towns, the 'Sparkasse' is the most prominent 'Bank'.
Geldhaus: A slightly more journalistic or old-fashioned term for a large bank, often used in newspapers when discussing big financial players.

Another important distinction is the Volksbank or Raiffeisenbank. These are cooperative banks owned by their members. While you can call them a 'Bank', using their specific name shows a better understanding of the German banking structure. For online-only institutions, the term Direktbank is used. These banks don't have physical branches, and all business is conducted via the internet or telephone.

Viele Kunden wechseln von einer Filialbank zu einer Direktbank.

When comparing 'Bank' to 'Kasse', remember that 'Kasse' usually refers to the place where cash is handled. In a bank, the 'Kasse' is the specific counter for deposits and withdrawals. In a broader sense, 'Krankenkasse' refers to a health insurance provider, which is a completely different type of institution, though it also manages money. Don't confuse the two!

In the context of international finance, you might hear Zentralbank (Central Bank) or Notenbank. These institutions, like the Deutsche Bundesbank or the EZB, don't serve individual customers but manage the currency and monetary policy of a country or region. Knowing these synonyms and related terms will greatly enhance your ability to read German financial news and understand the complexities of the economy.

Die Zentralbank entscheidet über den Leitzins.

To summarize, while 'Bank' is your all-purpose word, 'Kreditinstitut' is for formal contexts, 'Sparkasse' and 'Volksbank' are for specific types of local banks, and 'Direktbank' is for the digital world. Using the right word at the right time will make your German not just correct, but nuanced and sophisticated.

چقدر رسمی است؟

رسمی

"Wir bitten Sie, Ihre Bankverbindung zeitnah zu bestätigen."

خنثی

"Ich muss heute noch zur Bank gehen."

غیر رسمی

"Hast du noch Kohle auf der Bank?"

Child friendly

"In der Bank passt man gut auf dein Taschengeld auf."

عامیانه

"Die Bank hat mich voll abgezogen mit den Gebühren."

نکته جالب

The word 'bankrupt' comes from the Italian 'banca rotta', which literally means 'broken bench'. When a money changer could no longer pay his debts, his bench was physically broken to show he was out of business.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK /baŋk/

US /bæŋk/

The stress is on the only syllable: Bank.

هم‌قافیه با

Dank schlank krank Trank Schrank Zank rank blank

خطاهای رایج

Pronouncing the 'a' too long like 'Bahn'.
Adding an 'e' at the end (Banke).
Failing to distinguish the 'nk' sound clearly.
Confusing the plural pronunciation of 'Banken' with 'Bänke'.
Pronouncing the 'B' too softly like a 'P'.

سطح دشواری

خواندن 1/5

The word is identical to English and very easy to recognize in text.

نوشتن 2/5

Easy, but remember the capitalization and the plural 'Banken'.

صحبت کردن 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but prepositions (zur, auf der) take practice.

گوش دادن 1/5

Very clear and distinct sound in spoken German.

بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟

پیش‌نیازها

Geld Stadt gehen haben die

بعداً یاد بگیرید

Konto überweisen Zinsen Kredit Automaten

پیشرفته

Währungsreform Liquiditätsengpass Zentralbankrat Einlagensicherung Geldwäscheprävention

گرامر لازم

Feminine Nouns

Die Bank (Nominative), der Bank (Dative).

Compound Nouns

Bank + Automat = der Bankautomat (gender from the last word).

Preposition 'zu' with Dative

Ich gehe zur (zu der) Bank.

Plural formation with -en

Eine Bank, viele Banken.

Capitalization of Nouns

Ich gehe zur Bank. (Always capital B).

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

Wo ist die Bank?

Where is the bank?

Nominative case, feminine noun.

Ich gehe zur Bank.

I am going to the bank.

zu + der = zur (Dative case).

Die Bank ist heute zu.

The bank is closed today.

Subject of the sentence.

Hast du Geld von der Bank?

Do you have money from the bank?

von + der (Dative case).

Die Bank ist groß.

The bank is big.

Simple adjective description.

Ich brauche eine Bank.

I need a bank.

Accusative case with indefinite article.

Das ist meine Bank.

That is my bank.

Possessive pronoun 'meine'.

Ist die Bank weit von hier?

Is the bank far from here?

Question structure.

Ich muss Geld bei der Bank abheben.

I have to withdraw money at the bank.

Separable verb 'abheben'.

Meine Bank hat samstags nicht offen.

My bank is not open on Saturdays.

Adverb 'samstags'.

Können Sie mir sagen, wo die nächste Bank ist?

Can you tell me where the nearest bank is?

Indirect question with 'wo'.

Ich habe ein Konto bei dieser Bank.

I have an account at this bank.

Preposition 'bei' + Dative.

Die Bank schickt mir eine neue Karte.

The bank is sending me a new card.

Dative object 'mir' and Accusative object 'eine neue Karte'.

Wie viele Banken gibt es in dieser Stadt?

How many banks are there in this city?

Plural form 'Banken'.

Ich arbeite in einer Bank.

I work in a bank.

Preposition 'in' + Dative.

Gehen wir zusammen zur Bank?

Shall we go to the bank together?

Adverb 'zusammen'.

Ich möchte ein Sparkonto bei Ihrer Bank eröffnen.

I would like to open a savings account at your bank.

Compound noun 'Sparkonto'.

Die Bank hat mir einen Kredit für mein Auto gegeben.

The bank gave me a loan for my car.

Perfect tense with 'gegeben'.

Haben Sie Ihre Bankverbindung dabei?

Do you have your bank details with you?

Compound noun 'Bankverbindung'.

Die Zinsen bei dieser Bank sind sehr niedrig.

The interest rates at this bank are very low.

Plural noun 'Zinsen'.

Ich habe die Überweisung gestern bei der Bank gemacht.

I made the transfer at the bank yesterday.

Noun 'Überweisung'.

Man kann bei dieser Bank auch online bezahlen.

One can also pay online at this bank.

Impersonal pronoun 'man'.

Die Bankberaterin war sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.

The bank advisor (female) was very friendly and helpful.

Feminine form 'Bankberaterin'.

Ich muss meine Adresse bei der Bank ändern.

I need to change my address at the bank.

Infinitive with 'muss'.

Die Banken müssen ihre Eigenkapitalquote erhöhen.

The banks must increase their equity ratio.

Technical term 'Eigenkapitalquote'.

Trotz der Krise blieb die Bank stabil.

Despite the crisis, the bank remained stable.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive.

Die Bank haftet nicht für diesen Schaden.

The bank is not liable for this damage.

Verb 'haften'.

Viele Kunden haben das Vertrauen in die Banken verloren.

Many customers have lost trust in the banks.

Noun 'Vertrauen' + in + Accusative.

Die Bank bietet verschiedene Anlagemöglichkeiten an.

The bank offers various investment opportunities.

Separable verb 'anbieten'.

Er arbeitet in der Abteilung für Firmenkunden bei einer großen Bank.

He works in the corporate clients department at a large bank.

Compound noun 'Firmenkunden'.

Die Bank hat den Zinssatz für Hypotheken gesenkt.

The bank has lowered the interest rate for mortgages.

Noun 'Zinssatz'.

Ohne die Unterstützung der Bank wäre das Projekt gescheitert.

Without the bank's support, the project would have failed.

Subjunctive II 'wäre gescheitert'.

Die Europäische Zentralbank steuert die Geldpolitik im Euroraum.

The European Central Bank controls monetary policy in the Eurozone.

Specific noun 'Zentralbank'.

Die Bankenregulierung wurde nach der Finanzkrise verschärft.

Banking regulation was tightened after the financial crisis.

Passive voice 'wurde verschärft'.

Es ist fraglich, ob die Bank ihre marktbeherrschende Stellung behalten kann.

It is questionable whether the bank can maintain its dominant market position.

Adjective 'marktbeherrschend'.

Die Bankenlandschaft in Deutschland ist durch die drei Säulen geprägt.

The banking landscape in Germany is characterized by the three pillars.

Metaphorical use of 'Landschaft'.

Die Bank hat eine umfassende Due-Diligence-Prüfung durchgeführt.

The bank conducted a comprehensive due diligence review.

Loan word 'Due-Diligence'.

Die Digitalisierung zwingt die Banken zu einem radikalen Umdenken.

Digitalization is forcing banks to radically rethink their approach.

Verb 'zwingen' + zu.

Die Bank fungiert als Vermittler zwischen Sparern und Investoren.

The bank acts as an intermediary between savers and investors.

Verb 'fungieren als'.

Kritiker werfen der Bank mangelnde Transparenz vor.

Critics accuse the bank of a lack of transparency.

Verb 'vorwerfen' with Dative object 'der Bank'.

Die systemrelevante Bank wurde durch staatliche Beihilfen gerettet.

The systemically important bank was rescued by state aid.

Adjective 'systemrelevant'.

Das Bankgeheimnis ist in vielen Ländern Gegenstand hitziger Debatten.

Banking secrecy is the subject of heated debates in many countries.

Compound noun 'Bankgeheimnis'.

Die Banken haben eine moralische Verantwortung gegenüber der Gesellschaft.

Banks have a moral responsibility towards society.

Preposition 'gegenüber' + Dative.

Die fiskalische Stabilität hängt maßgeblich vom Vertrauen in die Banken ab.

Fiscal stability depends significantly on trust in the banks.

Adverb 'maßgeblich'.

In der Literatur wird die Bank oft als Symbol für Gier und Macht dargestellt.

In literature, the bank is often depicted as a symbol of greed and power.

Passive voice 'wird dargestellt'.

Die Verschmelzung zweier Großbanken löste an der Börse Unruhe aus.

The merger of two major banks caused unrest on the stock market.

Noun 'Verschmelzung'.

Die Bank muss sich den Herausforderungen der Blockchain-Technologie stellen.

The bank must face the challenges of blockchain technology.

Reflexive verb 'sich stellen' + Dative.

Eine Welt ohne Banken ist in der modernen Ökonomie kaum vorstellbar.

A world without banks is hardly imaginable in modern economics.

Adjective 'vorstellbar'.

ترکیب‌های رایج

Geld auf der Bank haben

ein Konto bei einer Bank eröffnen

zur Bank gehen

die Bank wechseln

einen Kredit bei der Bank aufnehmen

die Bankenkrise

Bankgeheimnis wahren

Banküberweisung tätigen

bei der Bank arbeiten

Bankomat / Bankautomat

عبارات رایج

Auf der hohen Kante

Bankverbindung angeben

Geld abheben

Ein Konto führen

Zinsen zahlen

Einen Scheck einlösen

Bankvollmacht erteilen

Am Schalter

Bankleitzahl (BLZ)

Hausbank

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

Bank, die vs Bänke

The plural of 'Bank' when it means 'bench'. Do not use for financial institutions.

Bank, die vs Kasse

Refers to a cash register or a specific counter, not the whole institution (except in 'Sparkasse').

Bank, die vs Börse

The stock exchange. A place for trading, not for personal bank accounts.

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"Etwas auf die lange Bank schieben"

To procrastinate or delay something for a long time. Note: This actually refers to the 'bench' meaning historically, but is used in all contexts.

Du solltest die Hausarbeit nicht auf die lange Bank schieben.

informal

"Sicher wie die Bank von England"

Extremely safe and reliable. Used to describe an investment or a promise.

Diese Anlage ist sicher wie die Bank von England.

neutral

"Durch die Bank"

Without exception; across the board. Originally from the idea of everyone sitting on one bench.

Die Ergebnisse waren durch die Bank sehr gut.

neutral

"Eine Bank sein"

To be someone or something one can absolutely rely on (often used in sports).

Unser Torwart ist heute wieder eine Bank.

informal

"Geld wie Heu haben"

To have a lot of money (so much you don't even need a bank).

Der Typ hat Geld wie Heu.

informal

"Auf der Ersatzbank sitzen"

To be a substitute or not actively involved. (Bench meaning).

Er sitzt momentan nur auf der Ersatzbank.

neutral

"Bankrott gehen"

To go bankrupt. Derived from 'banca rotta' (broken bench).

Die Firma ist leider bankrott gegangen.

neutral

"Jemanden auf die Bank schicken"

To bench someone (in sports).

Der Trainer schickte ihn auf die Bank.

neutral

"Die Bank sprengen"

To break the bank (usually in gambling).

Gestern im Casino habe ich fast die Bank gesprengt.

informal

"Vor leeren Bänken sprechen"

To speak to an empty room/audience. (Bench meaning).

Der Politiker sprach vor fast leeren Bänken.

neutral

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

Bank, die vs Bank (bench)

Identical spelling and gender in the singular.

The plural of bench is 'Bänke', while the plural of financial institution is 'Banken'.

Wir sitzen auf einer Bank im Park.

Bank, die vs Sparkasse

Both are places to keep money.

A Sparkasse is a specific type of public bank, while 'Bank' is the general term.

Ich gehe zur Sparkasse, um Geld zu holen.

Bank, die vs Konto

Related to banks.

A 'Konto' is the account itself, while the 'Bank' is the institution that holds it.

Mein Konto ist leer.

Bank, die vs Bankautomat

Often just called 'Bank' by learners.

The 'Bankautomat' is the machine (ATM), while the 'Bank' is the building or company.

Der Bankautomat ist kaputt.

Bank, die vs Bankier

Sounds like 'Bank'.

A 'Bankier' is a person (a banker), usually a private one, not the institution.

Der Bankier berät reiche Kunden.

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

Ich gehe zur [Bank].

Ich gehe zur Bank.

Ich habe ein Konto bei der [Bank].

Ich habe ein Konto bei der Commerzbank.

Die Bank bietet [Zinsen] an.

Die Bank bietet gute Zinsen an.

Wegen der [Krise] sind die Banken vorsichtig.

Wegen der Inflation sind die Banken vorsichtig.

Die [Regulierung] der Banken ist notwendig.

Die Überwachung der Banken ist notwendig.

Die Bank fungiert als [Instanz].

Die Bank fungiert als vertrauenswürdige Instanz.

Wo ist die [Bank]?

Wo ist die Bank?

Die Bank ist [geschlossen].

Die Bank ist am Sonntag geschlossen.

خانواده کلمه

اسم‌ها

فعل‌ها

صفت‌ها

مرتبط

نحوه استفاده

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and financial news.

اشتباهات رایج

Ich gehe in die Bank. → Ich gehe zur Bank.
While 'in die Bank' is grammatically possible if you are entering the building, 'zur Bank' is the idiomatic way to say you are going there for business.
Die Bänke sind heute geschlossen. → Die Banken sind heute geschlossen.
You used the plural for 'benches' instead of 'financial institutions'.
Ich habe eine Bank bei der Sparkasse. → Ich habe ein Konto bei der Sparkasse.
You said you 'have a bank' instead of 'have a bank account'.
Der Bank ist groß. → Die Bank ist groß.
'Bank' is a feminine noun, so it must take the article 'die'.
Ich brauche Geld von der Bänke. → Ich brauche Geld von der Bank.
You used the plural for benches in a dative singular context. It should be 'der Bank'.

نکات

Plural Mastery

Always remember: Banken = Money, Bänke = Benches. If you use the wrong one, people might be confused about why you are trying to get a loan from a park bench.

Cash is King

In Germany, many people still prefer cash. Always make sure you know where the nearest 'Bankautomat' is, as some smaller shops and cafes might not take cards.

Compound Power

Learn compound words starting with 'Bank-'. It's an easy way to expand your vocabulary. 'Bankkarte' and 'Bankkonto' are the most useful ones for beginners.

Preposition 'zur'

When you have an errand at the bank, always say 'Ich gehe zur Bank'. It sounds much more natural than 'Ich gehe in die Bank'.

Short 'a'

Keep the 'a' in 'Bank' short and crisp. Don't let it slide into a long 'ah' sound, or it might sound like 'Bahn' (train).

Formal Terms

If you are reading a contract, look for the word 'Kreditinstitut'. It's the formal way to say 'Bank' and is used in all legal documents.

The 'Hausbank'

Germans are loyal to their 'Hausbank'. If you live in Germany, choosing a bank is a long-term decision, so compare fees and services carefully.

Online Banking

Most German banks have excellent apps. Look for 'Online-Banking' or 'Mobile-Banking' on their websites to manage your money on the go.

Historical Context

Knowing that 'Bank' comes from 'bench' helps you remember the word. The first bankers were just people sitting at benches in the market!

A1-C2 Progression

At A1, focus on 'zur Bank gehen'. At B2, focus on 'Zinsen' and 'Kredite'. At C1, focus on 'Zentralbank' and 'Bankenregulierung'.

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Think of a 'Bank' as a place where you 'Bank' your money. It's the same word in English, just remember the German 'die' and the plural 'Banken'!

تداعی تصویری

Imagine a large, solid stone building with a giant Euro sign on it. Inside, there are people sitting on 'Bänke' (benches) waiting to talk to the 'Bank' (institution).

شبکه واژگان

Geld Konto Zinsen Kredit Karte Automat Filiale Berater

چالش

Try to use 'Bank' in three different sentences today: one about going there, one about your account, and one about the building's location.

ریشه کلمه

The word 'Bank' comes from the Old High German 'bank', which meant 'bench' or 'table'. In the Middle Ages, money changers in Italy did their business at tables or benches in the marketplace. The Italian word for this was 'banca'.

معنای اصلی: A bench or table used for exchanging money.

Germanic, with later influence from Romance (Italian) for the financial meaning.

بافت فرهنگی

Banking can be a sensitive topic regarding privacy (Bankgeheimnis) and fees. Be polite when discussing financial matters with Germans.

In English, 'bank' also has two meanings (financial and river bank), but German adds a third (bench). The plural distinction in German is unique.

Deutsche Bank (Global financial player) Die Bank (A common setting in German Krimis) Frankfurter Bankenviertel (The skyline of Frankfurt)

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

Daily Errands

Ich muss zur Bank.
Wo ist der Bankautomat?
Haben die Banken schon auf?
Ich brauche Bargeld.

Business/Work

Hier ist meine Bankverbindung.
Die Bank hat die Zahlung bestätigt.
Überweisen Sie das Geld bitte auf mein Konto.
Wir arbeiten mit einer Privatbank zusammen.

Financial Planning

Ich brauche einen Termin bei der Bank.
Welche Zinsen bietet die Bank an?
Ich möchte einen Kredit aufnehmen.
Mein Erspartes liegt auf der Bank.

Travel

Gibt es hier eine Bank, die Dollar wechselt?
Akzeptiert die Bank meine Kreditkarte?
Wie weit ist es bis zur nächsten Bank?
Kann ich hier Geld abheben?

News/Politics

Die Banken müssen gerettet werden.
Die Zentralbank erhöht die Zinsen.
Es gibt neue Regeln für Banken.
Die Bankenkrise ist vorbei.

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"Bei welcher Bank hast du eigentlich dein Konto?"

"Findest du die Gebühren bei deiner Bank auch zu hoch?"

"Warst du heute schon bei der Bank, um Geld zu holen?"

"Glaubst du, dass wir in Zukunft noch physische Banken brauchen?"

"Hat deine Bank eine gute App für das Smartphone?"

موضوعات نگارش

Beschreibe deinen letzten Besuch bei einer Bank. Was hast du dort gemacht?

Warum ist es wichtig, ein Konto bei einer Bank zu haben? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Vergleiche Online-Banken mit traditionellen Filialbanken. Was sind die Vor- und Nachteile?

Stell dir vor, du arbeitest in einer Bank. Wie sieht dein typischer Arbeitstag aus?

Wie hat sich das Banking in den letzten zehn Jahren verändert? Denke an Apps und Bargeld.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

In German, 'Bank' is always feminine: 'die Bank'. This applies to both the financial institution and the sitting bench. For example, you say 'die große Bank' for a big bank or a big bench.

It depends on the meaning! For financial institutions, the plural is 'die Banken'. For sitting benches, the plural is 'die Bänke'. This is a very important distinction to remember.

You can say 'auf der Bank' or 'bei der Bank'. 'Auf der Bank' is very common for general location, while 'bei der Bank' is used when you are a customer of that specific institution.

A 'Sparkasse' is a type of German bank that is usually publicly owned by a city or region. They are very common and function like a regular bank for most people.

No, in German, a river bank is called 'das Ufer'. The word 'Bank' is only used for the financial institution or a bench.

It is an ATM (Automated Teller Machine). In Germany, you will also hear people call it a 'Geldautomat'. It is where you withdraw cash.

The verb is 'überweisen'. You would say: 'Ich muss Geld zur Bank überweisen' or simply 'Ich überweise das Geld'.

Yes, very often! Examples include 'Bankkonto' (bank account), 'Bankkarte' (bank card), and 'Bankberater' (bank advisor). The gender of the compound word follows the last part.

Typically, banks are open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM on weekdays. Many close early on Fridays and all are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

For simple things like withdrawing money, you don't. But for opening an account or getting a loan, it is best to make a 'Termin' (appointment) with a 'Bankberater'.