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die Banknote
banknote
A paper bill issued by a central bank and used as official means of payment.
example
Er zog eine zerknitterte Zehn-Euro-Banknote aus seiner Tasche.
He pulled a crumpled ten-euro banknote out of his pocket.
die Banknote
banknote
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Bank' (bank) and 'Note' (note). Here, 'Note' does not mean a school grade, but derives from an older meaning for 'written document'. A banknote is therefore literally a document issued by a bank.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Banknote hat verbesserte Sicherheitsmerkmale.
The new banknote has improved security features.
Register and style
'Banknote' (banknote) is the official and formal term for a paper bill. You find it especially in texts from banks, in the news, or in laws.
EXAMPLE
Die Europäische Zentralbank ist für die Ausgabe der Euro-Banknoten verantwortlich.
The European Central Bank is responsible for issuing euro banknotes.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives are 'echt' (genuine) and 'gefälscht' (counterfeit), as well as 'neu' (new) or 'zerknittert' (crumpled). Typical verbs related to banknotes are 'ausgeben' (to issue), 'zählen' (to count), or 'wechseln' (to change/exchange).
EXAMPLE
Der Kassierer prüfte, ob die 50-Euro-Banknote echt war.
The cashier checked whether the 50-euro banknote was genuine.
Compare with
Banknote vs Note
grade / note
'die Note' and 'die Banknote' can both mean a paper bill. In this meaning, they are very similar. But the important point is: 'Note' is technical or outdated in this sense and can easily be confused with other meanings of 'Note', for example a school grade or a musical note. 'Banknote' is more precise and clearer when talking about official paper money.
Banknote
Die Bank prüft die beschädigte Banknote am Schalter.
The bank checks the damaged banknote at the counter.
Note
Der Sammler bewahrt eine alte Note aus der Schweiz in einer Hülle auf.
The collector keeps an old banknote from Switzerland in a protective sleeve.
In real life
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