In 15 Seconds
- Digital bank transfer between accounts.
- Standard for paying rent and bills.
- Used for splitting costs via banking apps.
Meaning
This is what you say when you send money from your bank account to someone else's. It is the standard way to pay bills or reimburse a friend digitally in Germany.
Key Examples
3 of 6Splitting a restaurant bill
Ich bezahle jetzt alles und du kannst mir deinen Teil überweisen.
I'll pay everything now and you can transfer your share to me.
Confirming rent payment
Keine Sorge, ich habe die Miete gestern schon überwiesen.
Don't worry, I already transferred the rent yesterday.
Texting a friend about a debt
Schick mir deine IBAN, damit ich dir das Geld überweisen kann.
Send me your IBAN so I can transfer the money to you.
Cultural Background
The 'Verwendungszweck' (purpose) field is mandatory. If you leave it blank, some people might get annoyed because they can't categorize the payment. For friends, it's common to write 'Danke' or 'Pizza'. Similar to Germany, but you might hear the term 'Erlagschein' for the physical payment slip used to 'Geld überweisen' at the bank or post office. Switzerland uses 'Einzahlungsscheine' (payment slips), which recently transitioned to QR-bills. The process is the same, but the terminology for the slips is specific. In the German startup scene, 'überweisen' is often replaced by 'paypallen' (to PayPal someone) for small amounts, though 'überweisen' remains the legal/official term.
Check the IBAN
Always double-check the IBAN before you 'Geld überweisen'. Once sent, it is very hard to get back!
Inseparable Verb
Remember: 'Ich überweise', NOT 'Ich weise über'. This is a common A2 exam mistake.
In 15 Seconds
- Digital bank transfer between accounts.
- Standard for paying rent and bills.
- Used for splitting costs via banking apps.
What It Means
Geld überweisen is the digital handshake of German finance. It means moving money between bank accounts. You aren't handing over physical cash. You are using an app or a website. It is the most common way to handle adult responsibilities in Germany.
How To Use It
The verb überweisen is the star here. It is an inseparable verb. This means the über- stays attached to the front. You usually say who gets the money in the dative case. For example: Ich überweise dir das Geld. You can also just say what you are paying for. Ich überweise die Miete. It is simple and direct.
When To Use It
Use this when you pay your monthly rent. Use it when you split a large dinner bill with friends. It is perfect for online shopping or paying a freelancer. If you see an IBAN on a paper bill, you need to überweisen. It is the go-to phrase for any non-cash transaction.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are holding a physical banknote. If you give a friend a 10-Euro bill, use geben. If you pay at a supermarket with coins, use bezahlen. Überweisen is strictly for the digital world. Also, don't use it for small, instant transfers like 'Venmo' unless it's a bank app. For PayPal, Germans often just say per PayPal schicken.
Cultural Background
Germans have a unique relationship with money. Cash is still very popular for small things. However, for everything else, the Überweisung is king. Checks do not exist in modern German life. Instead, everyone knows their long IBAN by heart. It is very common to see people swapping bank details at a bar. It feels more formal than a 'cash app' but it's totally normal.
Common Variations
You might hear eine Echtzeit-Überweisung. This is an instant transfer. Another one is Dauerauftrag. This is a standing order for your rent. If you want to be very casual, you can say ich schick’ dir das Geld. But überweisen is the most precise and common term you will hear.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in both business and personal life. Remember that the verb is inseparable and irregular in its past participle form (`überwiesen`).
Check the IBAN
Always double-check the IBAN before you 'Geld überweisen'. Once sent, it is very hard to get back!
Inseparable Verb
Remember: 'Ich überweise', NOT 'Ich weise über'. This is a common A2 exam mistake.
The Purpose Field
In Germany, always fill out the 'Verwendungszweck'. It helps the recipient know what the money is for.
Examples
6Ich bezahle jetzt alles und du kannst mir deinen Teil überweisen.
I'll pay everything now and you can transfer your share to me.
A very common way to handle group dinners in Germany.
Keine Sorge, ich habe die Miete gestern schon überwiesen.
Don't worry, I already transferred the rent yesterday.
Uses the Perfekt tense 'überwiesen'.
Schick mir deine IBAN, damit ich dir das Geld überweisen kann.
Send me your IBAN so I can transfer the money to you.
Standard request before making a transfer.
Soll ich dir auch noch mein ganzes Gehalt überweisen?
Should I just transfer my whole salary to you as well?
Sarcastic response when someone asks for too much money.
Ich überweise dir sofort etwas Geld, damit du den Flug buchen kannst.
I'm transferring you some money immediately so you can book the flight.
Shows the speed and helpfulness of the action.
Bitte überweisen Sie den Betrag innerhalb von 14 Tagen.
Please transfer the amount within 14 days.
Standard phrasing on German invoices.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'überweisen' in the Perfekt tense.
Ich habe dir das Geld gestern ______.
The past participle of 'überweisen' is 'überwiesen' because it is an inseparable verb.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am transferring the rent'?
'überweisen' is inseparable and 'Miete' is feminine ({die|f}).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du mir 10 Euro leihen? B: Klar, ich ______ sie dir direkt auf dein Konto.
Since the money is going 'auf dein Konto' (to your account), 'überweise' is the correct verb.
Match the action to the verb.
You are at an ATM taking money out.
'Abheben' means to withdraw, 'überweisen' means to transfer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe dir das Geld gestern ______.
The past participle of 'überweisen' is 'überwiesen' because it is an inseparable verb.
How do you say 'I am transferring the rent'?
'überweisen' is inseparable and 'Miete' is feminine ({die|f}).
A: Kannst du mir 10 Euro leihen? B: Klar, ich ______ sie dir direkt auf dein Konto.
Since the money is going 'auf dein Konto' (to your account), 'überweise' is the correct verb.
You are at an ATM taking money out.
'Abheben' means to withdraw, 'überweisen' means to transfer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is an inseparable prefix verb. The 'über' stays with the verb.
Yes, colloquially people say 'überweisen' for PayPal, though 'schicken' is also common.
The noun is '{die|f} Überweisung'.
Use the Perfekt: 'Ich habe überwiesen'.
No, just use the dative: 'Ich überweise DIR Geld'.
You say 'Geld ins Ausland überweisen'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends and at work.
It is an instant transfer that arrives in seconds.
No, only for bank transfers.
There isn't a direct opposite verb, but 'Geld empfangen' means to receive money.
Related Phrases
{die|f} Überweisung
similarThe bank transfer (noun)
Geld einzahlen
contrastTo deposit money
Geld abheben
contrastTo withdraw money
Geld ausgeben
similarTo spend money
einen Dauerauftrag einrichten
specialized formTo set up a standing order
