Keep ID and address details ready
For accounts, cards, or identity checks, you will almost always be asked for your ID and address.
Useful German for bank accounts, cards, transfers, online banking, and in-person appointments at the bank.
Short cues that help immediately in a stressful real-life moment.
For accounts, cards, or identity checks, you will almost always be asked for your ID and address.
A lot of confusion comes from account fees, card charges, or international transfers.
Always ask for a short explanation or a bit of time if you do not fully understand a contract.
For IBAN, BIC, fees, or product names, it often helps if the person writes them down briefly.
Short scripts for common moments you are likely to face on site.
You want to open a new current account.
I would like to open an account. Which documents do you need for that?
Are there monthly fees?
You need quick help with your card.
My bank card is no longer working. Could you please check?
I think I need to have the card blocked.
You want to make a transfer but you are not sure how.
I would like to make a transfer. Could you explain it briefly to me?
How long does it take until the money arrives?
You want to understand whether an account is worth it for you.
What is the difference between this account and the cheaper option?
Which services are included in the price?
Short, useful lines you can actually say out loud.
I would like to open an account.
Hello, I would like to open a checking account. What do I need for that?
Where is the nearest ATM?
Excuse me, where is the nearest ATM?
I would like to make a transfer.
I would like to make a transfer abroad. How does that work?
My card is not working.
My debit card is not working anymore. Can you help me?
I need a bank statement.
I need a current bank statement for the landlord.
How do I set up online banking?
How do I set up online banking? Do I need an app for that?
Which documents do I need for that?
Which documents do I need exactly to open the account?
How high are the fees?
How high are the monthly fees for this account?
I would like to have my card blocked.
I have lost my card and would like to have it blocked immediately.
Could you explain the form to me?
I do not fully understand the form. Could you explain it to me?
I would like to change my daily limit.
I would like to change my daily withdrawal limit.
Could you update my address?
I have moved. Could you please update my address?
When will the transfer be processed?
Do you know when the transfer will appear in the account?
How can I deposit cash?
How can I deposit cash into my account?
Core nouns and terms that come up again and again in this situation.
checking account
I would like to open a checking account.
bank transfer
I need to make a bank transfer.
standing order
I have set up a standing order for the rent.
bank statement
Can I get a bank statement?
cash
Where can I withdraw cash?
interest
The interest rates for savings accounts are very low.
fee
Please explain all the fees for this account to me.
bank card
My bank card was blocked yesterday.
branch
Is there a branch of your bank near me?
proof of identity
For opening the account we need proof of identity.
PIN
Please do not share your PIN with other people.
deposit
The deposit is usually possible at the counter.
direct debit
The rent is debited every month by direct debit.
daily limit
The daily withdrawal limit can be changed online.
Natural wording for the follow-up questions people ask all the time in this situation.
A direct sentence is: Which documents do you need exactly to open the account?
Ask: How high are the monthly fees, and what is included with the account?
Say: Could you please show me step by step how online banking works?
More topic hubs will be added here as the phrasebook grows.