Survival German #2
You’ll need a German Girokonto (current account) for your salary, your rent, and daily life — a foreign card won’t cut it here. Here’s how to open one and the German you’ll use to do it.
How it actually works
- Choose a bank. Online banks (N26, DKB, ING) are fast, often free and English-friendly; traditional banks (Sparkasse, Volksbank, Deutsche Bank) have branches but often monthly fees.
- Gather your documents: passport or ID, your Meldebescheinigung (proof of address from part 1), and usually your Steuer-ID.
- Apply — online, or book an appointment at a branch.
- Verify your identity: VideoIdent (a webcam call) for online banks, PostIdent at a post office, or in person at a branch.
- Receive your Girocard and IBAN by post. Now you can get paid and set up a Dauerauftrag (standing order) for rent.
The German you’ll need
Ich möchte ein Konto eröffnen. — I’d like to open an account.
Ist das Girokonto kostenlos? — Is the current account free?
Wie hoch sind die Gebühren? — How high are the fees?
Bekomme ich eine Girocard? — Will I get a debit card?
Ich brauche das Konto für mein Gehalt. — I need the account for my salary.
Können wir das auf Englisch machen? — Can we do this in English?
At the counter: a real dialogue
Berater: Guten Tag, was kann ich für Sie tun?
Hello, what can I do for you?
Anna: Ich möchte ein Konto eröffnen.
I’d like to open an account.
Berater: Gern. Haben Sie eine Meldebescheinigung dabei?
Gladly. Do you have a registration certificate with you?
Anna: Ja, hier. Und meinen Reisepass.
Yes, here. And my passport.
Berater: Sehr gut. Ist das Konto für Ihr Gehalt?
Very good. Is the account for your salary?
Anna: Genau. Ist das Girokonto kostenlos?
Exactly. Is the current account free?
Berater: Bis 27 ist es kostenlos, danach fünf Euro im Monat.
Up to 27 it’s free, after that five euros a month.
Anna: In Ordnung. Bekomme ich eine Girocard?
Okay. Will I get a debit card?
Berater: Ja, die kommt in einer Woche per Post.
Yes, it’ll come by post in a week.
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| das Girokonto | current / checking account |
| die Sparkasse | public savings bank |
| die Girocard | debit card (EC-Karte) |
| die Überweisung | bank transfer |
| die Gebühren | fees |
| der Dauerauftrag | standing order |
| die IBAN | IBAN (account number) |
| das Gehalt | salary |
| eröffnen | to open |
Quick check
Test what you remember:
Quick check
5 questions
Nervous about speaking German at the bank? Rehearse this exact situation with a patient native tutor before you go — one lesson can turn dread into confidence.
Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- Online banks (N26, DKB, ING) open in minutes from your phone and are English-friendly — the easiest route for newcomers.
- Do your Anmeldung (part 1) first — most banks want proof of address before opening the account.
- Germany still runs on the Girocard; a foreign credit card isn’t accepted everywhere. Get a German card early.
- Set up a Dauerauftrag (standing order) for your rent so you never miss a payment.
- „EC-Karte“ and „Girocard“ mean the same everyday debit card — don’t let the two names confuse you.
Want to build your own sentences with confidence? The German Grammar Essentials workbook makes the grammar simple, with exercises and answers.
Get the workbook — $9