German word

Bank

Pronunciation

IPA/baŋk/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbank

Example

Ich bin gestern zur Bank gegangen.

I went to the bank yesterday.

Illustration for Bank (bank)

More examples

Sie hat Geld von der Bank abgehoben.

She withdrew money from the bank.

Core concept

One compact word connects a money-service place with a long seat, so context supplies the distinction.

Common phrases

  • ein Konto bei der Bank eröffnen

    open an account at the bank

  • Geld bei der Bank einzahlen

    deposit money at the bank

  • Geld von der Bank abheben

    withdraw money from the bank

Similar words

Konto: A personal or business record of deposits and money movements.
Geldautomat: A machine for withdrawing cash or checking an account balance.
Sparkasse: A regional savings bank offering deposits and in-person banking services.
Bankfiliale: A bank branch with counters and often an ATM.

Definition in German

Unternehmen, das Konten führt, Zahlungen vermittelt und verschiedene Finanzdienstleistungen anbietet.

Word origin

The financial meaning developed from the use of a banca, or bench, as a money changer's worktable, while the original seating meaning remained.

Usage tips

  • Compounds such as Bankkonto and Bankfiliale are financial, whereas Parkbank refers to a bench.

Other meanings

  • benchnoun

Related words

  • Bankkontobank accountnoun
  • Bankfilialebank branchnoun
  • Bankangestellterbank employeenoun

Word lists with this word