In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say you are taking out a bank loan.
- Uses the separable verb 'aufnehmen' which moves in sentences.
- Reserved for formal financial agreements, not borrowing from friends.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of borrowing money from a bank or financial institution. It is the standard way to say you are getting a loan for a big purchase like a car or a house.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a bank advisor
Ich möchte einen Kredit für ein neues Auto aufnehmen.
I would like to take out a loan for a new car.
Discussing house hunting with a partner
Müssen wir wirklich so einen hohen Kredit aufnehmen?
Do we really have to take out such a large loan?
Texting a friend about a business idea
Ich überlege, einen Kredit aufzunehmen und den Laden zu kaufen.
I'm thinking about taking out a loan and buying the shop.
Cultural Background
Germans are generally debt-averse. The phrase 'Schulden sind Ehrenschulden' (debts are debts of honor) shows the seriousness with which loans are treated. In Switzerland, mortgages are often not fully paid off for tax reasons, making 'einen Kredit aufnehmen' a permanent part of life for many homeowners. Similar to Germany, but there is a high prevalence of 'Bausparverträge' (building society contracts) which are precursors to taking up a credit. The ECB (EZB) interest rates directly affect how many people in German-speaking countries decide to 'einen Kredit aufnehmen'.
The 'Bank' Preposition
When saying where you take the loan, use 'bei': 'einen Kredit BEI der Bank aufnehmen'.
Avoid 'machen'
Never say 'einen Kredit machen'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say you are taking out a bank loan.
- Uses the separable verb 'aufnehmen' which moves in sentences.
- Reserved for formal financial agreements, not borrowing from friends.
What It Means
Ein Kredit aufnehmen is the go-to phrase for borrowing money officially. It implies a formal agreement with a bank. You aren't just borrowing five Euros from a friend. You are signing papers and committing to a repayment plan. It is a very common part of adult life in Germany.
How To Use It
In a sentence, the verb aufnehmen usually goes to the end. You would say Ich möchte einen Kredit aufnehmen. If you use the past tense, it becomes hat aufgenommen. Always remember to decline the article based on the case. In most sentences, it will be einen Kredit because it is the direct object. It sounds very natural and professional.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing big life milestones. Think about buying a first apartment or starting a small business. It is perfect for meetings with bank advisors. You can also use it when chatting with friends about financial plans. It is the standard term for any official borrowing. Even if you are just looking at options, this is the phrase to use.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, casual favors. If you need money for a coffee, use leihen. Saying you want to einen Kredit aufnehmen for a Döner sounds like a joke. It is too heavy for informal, private debts. Also, avoid it if you are talking about 'credit' in the sense of praise. For that, use Anrechnung or Lob instead.
Cultural Background
Germans are famously cautious with debt. The German word for debt is Schulden, which comes from Schuld (guilt). Taking out a loan is a serious, calculated decision here. People usually only do it for very stable investments. You will find that the process involves a lot of paperwork. This reflects the cultural value of financial security and planning.
Common Variations
You might also hear einen Kredit beantragen. This means to 'apply' for the loan. Another variation is einen Kredit abzahlen. This means you are currently paying it back. If you are just comparing rates, you might say Kredite vergleichen. Each variation helps you navigate the different stages of the banking process.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all professional and personal settings. The main difficulty is the grammar of the separable verb 'aufnehmen'.
The 'Bank' Preposition
When saying where you take the loan, use 'bei': 'einen Kredit BEI der Bank aufnehmen'.
Avoid 'machen'
Never say 'einen Kredit machen'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Debt vs. Guilt
Remember that 'Schuld' means both debt and guilt. This explains why Germans are so careful with loans.
Noun Form
The noun is 'die {die|f} Kreditaufnahme'. Use it in formal writing.
Examples
6Ich möchte einen Kredit für ein neues Auto aufnehmen.
I would like to take out a loan for a new car.
Standard formal request at a bank.
Müssen wir wirklich so einen hohen Kredit aufnehmen?
Do we really have to take out such a large loan?
Expressing concern about the amount of debt.
Ich überlege, einen Kredit aufzunehmen und den Laden zu kaufen.
I'm thinking about taking out a loan and buying the shop.
Casual discussion of a major life decision.
Ich muss wohl einen Kredit aufnehmen, um mir diese Pizza zu leisten!
I guess I'll have to take out a loan to afford this pizza!
Sarcastic use because a loan is overkill for food.
Die Firma hat einen Kredit aufgenommen, um zu expandieren.
The company took out a loan in order to expand.
Reporting on corporate financial activity.
Wir warten noch darauf, dass wir den Kredit aufnehmen können.
We are still waiting to be able to take out the loan.
Explaining a process that is still in progress.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb and the article.
Wir ______ einen {der|m} Kredit ______.
The subject 'Wir' requires the verb 'nehmen', and the prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A: Ich nehme ein Kredit auf. B: Ich nehme einen Kredit auf. C: Ich nehme einem Kredit auf.
'Kredit' is masculine accusative, so it must be 'einen'.
Complete the dialogue.
Banker: 'Wie viel Geld benötigen Sie?' Kunde: 'Ich möchte ______ ______ von 50.000 Euro ______.'
The standard phrase for borrowing from a bank is 'einen Kredit aufnehmen'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: You are buying a house and need 300,000 Euro from the bank.
For large, formal bank loans, 'einen Kredit aufnehmen' is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kredit vs. Leihen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWir ______ einen {der|m} Kredit ______.
The subject 'Wir' requires the verb 'nehmen', and the prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
A: Ich nehme ein Kredit auf. B: Ich nehme einen Kredit auf. C: Ich nehme einem Kredit auf.
'Kredit' is masculine accusative, so it must be 'einen'.
Banker: 'Wie viel Geld benötigen Sie?' Kunde: 'Ich möchte ______ ______ von 50.000 Euro ______.'
The standard phrase for borrowing from a bank is 'einen Kredit aufnehmen'.
Situation: You are buying a house and need 300,000 Euro from the bank.
For large, formal bank loans, 'einen Kredit aufnehmen' is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, 'aufnehmen' is the fixed collocation. 'Kredit nehmen' sounds incomplete or non-native.
'Darlehen' is usually for larger sums and longer terms, like a mortgage. 'Kredit' is more general.
It is 'einen Kredit' because it is the direct object (accusative).
Not really. For credit cards, you 'nutzen eine Kreditkarte'. 'Kredit aufnehmen' implies a specific loan amount.
Use 'einen Kredit beantragen'.
For houses, it's normal. For consumer goods like TVs or clothes, it's often seen as financially irresponsible.
Use 'zurückzahlen' or 'tilgen'.
Technically yes, but 'aufnehmen' is so formal it's almost always used for institutions.
'Zinsen' are the interest rates you pay on top of the loan.
Yes: 'nahm auf' (Präteritum) and 'hat aufgenommen' (Perfekt).
A small loan, usually for furniture or electronics.
Yes, it's the standard term for corporate borrowing.
Related Phrases
einen {der|m} Kredit abzahlen
builds onTo pay off a loan
einen {der|m} Kredit gewähren
contrastTo grant a loan
zinsfrei
similarInterest-free
die {die|f} Bonität
specialized formCreditworthiness
sich verschulden
similarTo get into debt
