die  Bankverbindung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbaŋkfɛɐ̯ˌbɪndʊŋ/

🏦 What exactly is a Bankverbindung?

The German word die Bankverbindung (feminine, article: die) refers to the complete set of data required to uniquely identify a bank account and execute transactions like transfers (*Überweisungen*). It essentially serves as the 'address' of your bank account.

Typically, a Bankverbindung today includes:

• IBAN (International Bank Account Number): The international account number.
• BIC (Business Identifier Code) or SWIFT code: The international bank identifier code used to identify the financial institution (*Kreditinstitut*).

In the past, *Kontonummer* (account number) and *Bankleitzahl* (BLZ, bank sort code) were common in Germany, but these have been largely replaced by IBAN and BIC, especially within the SEPA zone (Single Euro Payments Area).

⚠️ An incorrect or incomplete Bankverbindung can lead to failed payments or payments going to the wrong account.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar: Declension of Bankverbindung

The noun 'Bankverbindung' is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Bitte geben Sie Ihre Bankverbindung für die Rückerstattung an.
   (Please provide your bank details for the refund.)
2. Die Korrektheit der Bankverbindung ist entscheidend.
   (The correctness of the bank details is crucial.)
3. Mit dieser Bankverbindung können Sie online bezahlen.
   (With these bank details, you can pay online.)
4. Wir verwalten mehrere Bankverbindungen für unsere Firma.
   (We manage multiple bank details for our company.)

💼 When do you need the Bankverbindung?

The Bankverbindung is needed in many everyday situations, especially when money needs to be transferred:

• Paying bills (*Rechnungen bezahlen*): To make a bank transfer (*Überweisung*), you need the recipient's Bankverbindung.
• Receiving salary (*Gehaltsempfang*): Your employer needs your Bankverbindung to transfer your salary.
• Online shopping: When paying via advance payment (*Vorkasse*) or direct debit (*Lastschrift*), you often need to provide your Bankverbindung (or use the seller's).
• Contracts (*Verträge*): For subscriptions, rent, or loans, a Bankverbindung is often stored for regular payments (e.g., via a direct debit mandate - *Lastschriftmandat*).
• Authorities (*Behörden*): For refunds or social benefits, government offices need your Bankverbindung.

In modern payment transactions, IBAN and possibly BIC are the central components of the Bankverbindung. The phrase 'Kontonummer und Bankleitzahl' is still understandable but outdated.

Comparison: While 'Konto' refers to the bank account itself, 'Bankverbindung' means the specific data required for access or transaction.

🧠 Mnemonics for Bankverbindung

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Verbindung' (the connection). A Bankverbindung is a type of connection, and *Verbindung* is feminine in German. Therefore: die Bankverbindung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine your bank details are like a phone number establishing a connection (*Verbindung*) to your Bank. Without the right number (Bankverbindung), the payment won't connect.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Terms (Synonyms):

• Kontodaten (die, Plural): (Account data) Very similar, often used synonymously. Refers to the data of the account.
• Bankdaten (die, Plural): (Bank data) Also often synonymous, sometimes includes more general data about the bank itself.
• Kontoverbindung (die): (Account connection) Another direct synonym for Bankverbindung.
• IBAN (and BIC): The specific elements of modern bank details. Sometimes people ask directly for IBAN and BIC instead of *Bankverbindung*.

Opposite or Different Concepts:

• Keine Bankverbindung vorhanden: (No bank details available) The state of not being able or willing to provide account details.
• Barzahlung (die): (Cash payment) A payment method that doesn't require bank details.
• Kontoauszug (der): (Bank statement) A document listing transactions, but not the bank details themselves (although they might be printed on it).

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse 'Bankverbindung' with 'Kreditkartennummer' (credit card number). They are different types of payment information.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Bankräuber den Kassierer: "Geld her oder Leben!"
Sagt der Kassierer: "Tut mir leid, für eine Auszahlung bräuchte ich erst Ihre Bankverbindung."

Translation:
The bank robber asks the teller: "Your money or your life!"
The teller replies: "I'm sorry, but for a withdrawal, I'd need your bank details first."

📜 Poem about Bankverbindung

Für Lohn, für Miete, fürs Bestellen,
musst du die Zahlen schnell erhellen.
Die Bankverbindung, klar und rein,
trägt IBAN und den BIC hinein.
Ein Fehler nur, ein Zahlendreher,
schon ist die Zahlung nicht mehr näher.
Drum schreib sie auf, ganz präzis,
dann fließt das Geld gewiss, gewiss.

Translation:
For wages, for rent, for ordering things,
You must quickly shed light on the number strings.
The bank details, clear and pure,
Contain IBAN and BIC, to be sure.
Just one mistake, a digit swapped around,
The payment's no longer homeward bound.
So write them down, precisely true,
Then money flows, certainly, to you.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin dein Schlüssel zur Finanzwelt,
obwohl ich selbst kein Geld enthalt'.
Mit Zahlenreihen, lang und schlau,
findet das Geld den Weg genau.
IBAN und BIC sind mein Geleit.
Was bin ich wohl, zur Zahlungszeit?

Translation:
I am your key to the financial sphere,
Though I myself hold no money here.
With strings of numbers, long and smart,
Money finds its way right from the start.
IBAN and BIC are my guide.
What am I, at payment time?

Solution: die Bankverbindung (the bank details)

ℹ️ More Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word 'Bankverbindung' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Bank (die): The bank (financial institution).
• Verbindung (die): The connection, link, relation.

So, it literally describes the 'connection to the bank' via specific account data.

International Significance:

Thanks to IBAN and BIC, the Bankverbindung is now internationally standardized, which has significantly simplified cross-border payments (especially within the SEPA area).