At the bank
In der Bank
- Open a bank account.
- Make online purchases and be familiar with common payment methods.
- Get to know the biggest banks of the country.
This lesson covers practical banking vocabulary such as 'ein Konto eröffnen' (to open an account), 'Geld abheben' (to withdraw money), and 'Sparbuch' (savings book). You'll learn useful expressions for managing everyday banking tasks including using an EC-Karte and Online-Banking.
Vocabulary (13) Share Copied!
Exercises Share Copied!
These exercises can be done together during conversation lessons or as homework.
Übung 1: Conversation exercise
Anleitung:
- Discuss the different payment methods that you see. (Discuss the different payment methods that you see.)
- Do you prefer shopping online or in a store? Do you like talking on the phone? (Do you prefer shopping online or in a store? Do you like talking on the phone?)
- Is it common in your country to leave a tip? (Is it common in your country to leave a tip? )
Teaching guidelines +/- 10 minutes
Example phrases:
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Ich bezahle lieber mit Karte, weil es schneller ist. I prefer paying by card because it is faster. |
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Ich habe gerne Bargeld, weil man manchmal nicht mit Karte bezahlen kann. I like to have cash because sometimes you can not pay by card. |
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Ich mag Online-Shopping mehr, weil es für mich stressfreier ist. I like online shopping more because it is less stressful for me. |
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Ich ziehe es vor, mit meiner Bankanwendung zu bezahlen. I prefer paying with my bank application. |
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Wir zahlen per Überweisung. We pay by bank transfer. |
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In meinem Land gibt fast niemand Trinkgeld, also mache ich es nie. Almost nobody leaves a tip in my country so I never do it. |
| ... |
Exercise 2: Dialogue Cards
Instruction: Select a situation and practice the conversation with your teacher or fellow students.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. Ich __________ heute am Geldautomaten 100 Euro ab.
(I __________ 100 euros from the ATM today.)2. Du __________ immer Bargeld ab, wenn du die EC-Karte benutzt.
(You __________ always withdraw cash when you use the debit card.)3. Wir __________ letztes Jahr viel Geld gespart.
(We __________ saved a lot of money last year.)4. Sie __________ das Konto vor einer Woche eröffnet.
(She __________ opened the account a week ago.)Exercise 4: At the bank: Opening a new account and withdrawing money
Instruction:
Verb Tables
Sparen - Save
Perfekt
- ich habe gespart
- du hast gespart
- er/sie/es hat gespart
- wir haben gespart
- ihr habt gespart
- sie/Sie haben gespart
Eröffnen - Open
Perfekt
- ich habe eröffnet
- du hast eröffnet
- er/sie/es hat eröffnet
- wir haben eröffnet
- ihr habt eröffnet
- sie/Sie haben eröffnet
Abheben - Withdraw
Präsens
- ich hebe ab
- du hebst ab
- er/sie/es hebt ab
- wir heben ab
- ihr hebt ab
- sie/Sie heben ab
Stecken - Insert
Präsens
- ich stecke
- du steckst
- er/sie/es steckt
- wir stecken
- ihr steckt
- sie/Sie stecken
Geben - Enter
Präsens
- ich gebe
- du gibst
- er/sie/es gibt
- wir geben
- ihr gebt
- sie/Sie geben
Wählen - Choose
Präsens
- ich wähle
- du wählst
- er/sie/es wählt
- wir wählen
- ihr wählt
- sie/Sie wählen
Grammar Share Copied!
It's not the most exciting thing, we admit, but it’s absolutely essential (and we promise it'll pay off)!
Verb conjugation tables for this lesson Share Copied!
Sparen to save Share Copied!
Perfekt
| German | English |
|---|---|
| (ich) habe gespart | I have saved |
| (du) hast gespart | You have saved |
| (er/sie/es) hat gespart | he/she/it saved |
| (wir) haben gespart | we have saved |
| (ihr) habt gespart | You have saved |
| (sie) haben gespart | they have saved |
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Lesson Overview: At the Bank
This lesson focuses on essential German vocabulary and conversations related to visiting a bank. It is designed for A2 learners who want to confidently manage basic banking interactions, such as opening an account, discussing online payments, and understanding the main banks in Germany. Through practical dialogues, you will practice asking questions, understanding banking terms, and using common verbs relevant to financial contexts.
Key Topics Covered
- Opening a bank account: Learn to say and understand phrases like "Ich möchte ein Girokonto eröffnen" (I would like to open a checking account) and handle documents such as "Personalausweis" (ID card) and "Meldebestätigung" (address registration certificate).
- Online shopping and payment methods: Explore vocabulary around paying by credit card, PayPal, direct debit, and bank transfer. Example phrases include "Ich möchte online ein Buch kaufen" (I want to buy a book online) and "Kann ich auch per Lastschrift zahlen?" (Can I also pay by direct debit?).
- German banking institutions: Familiarize yourself with the largest banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse, including their services and fees.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
- Girokonto – Checking/current account
- Ausweis – Identification card
- Kreditkarte beantragen – To apply for a credit card
- Lastschrift – Direct debit
- Überweisung – Bank transfer
- Online-Banking – Online banking
Grammar and Verb Focus
The lesson emphasizes useful verbs for banking scenarios, such as eröffnen (to open), abheben (to withdraw), sparen (to save), and their conjugations in the present and perfect tenses. For example, "Ich hebe heute am Geldautomaten 100 Euro ab" (I am withdrawing 100 euros at the ATM today) and the perfect form "Ich habe gespart" (I have saved).
Practical Language Insights
Unlike English, German banking terms can be very specific, for example, "Girokonto" corresponds broadly to a current or checking account, essential for daily transactions. Politeness in inquiries is also important, seen in questions like "Haben Sie Ihren Ausweis dabei?" (Do you have your ID with you?). Learning different payment options and their vocabulary prepares learners to handle various real-life situations.
Some useful expressions include:
- "Ich möchte ein Konto eröffnen." – "I would like to open an account."
- "Können Sie mir die Konditionen erklären?" – "Can you explain the terms and conditions?"
- "Die meisten Shops akzeptieren Kreditkarte oder PayPal." – "Most shops accept credit card or PayPal."
Summary
This lesson prepares you for everyday banking interactions in Germany by building a solid foundation in vocabulary, verb usage, and practical expressions. It enhances your ability to communicate clearly and confidently when dealing with bank services, paying online, and understanding the banking system.
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