checking account
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checking account
A bank account used for everyday payment transactions, for example salary deposits, transfers, and withdrawing cash.
Ich muss noch die Miete von meinem Girokonto überweisen.
I still have to transfer the rent from my checking account.
'Girokonto' (checking account) is a compound word made up of 'Giro' and 'Konto' (account). 'Giro' comes from Italian and means 'cycle' or 'circulation', referring to the circulation of money in payment transactions.
Für den täglichen Zahlungsverkehr ist ein Girokonto unerlässlich.
A checking account is essential for everyday payment transactions.
Pay attention to the case: money is 'auf dem Girokonto' (in the checking account; dative). You transfer money 'auf das Girokonto' (to the checking account; accusative) and withdraw money 'vom Girokonto' (from the checking account; dative).
Wie viel Geld ist noch auf deinem Girokonto?
How much money is still in your checking account?
Common verbs in connection with a checking account are 'eröffnen' (to open), 'führen' (to maintain), 'auflösen' (to close), 'überziehen' (to overdraw), and 'Geld abheben' (to withdraw money).
Viele Banken bieten an, ein Girokonto online zu eröffnen.
Many banks offer the option of opening a checking account online.
account
'das Konto' and 'das Girokonto' can both mean a bank account. However, 'Konto' is more general: depending on the context, it can be a bank account or an online login/account. 'Girokonto' is more specific and means the bank account used for everyday purposes, for example salary, rent, transfers, and cash. The words can be confused because in everyday speech people often simply say 'Konto', even when they mean a 'Girokonto'. When talking about everyday banking, 'Girokonto' is especially precise.
Herr Krüger eröffnet nächste Woche ein Girokonto bei der neuen Bank.
Mr. Krüger is opening a checking account at the new bank next week.
Auf meinem Konto ist heute das Gehalt angekommen.
My salary arrived in my account today.