national bank
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central bank
The central bank of a state, responsible for monetary and currency policy. Its tasks include issuing banknotes and controlling the level of interest rates.
Die Schweizerische Nationalbank hat den Leitzins unverändert gelassen.
The Swiss National Bank left the key interest rate unchanged.
commercial bank
The name of a specific commercial bank that does not function as a state central bank.
Er hat sein Konto bei der National-Bank AG, einer regionalen Privatbank in Westdeutschland.
He has his account at National-Bank AG, a regional private bank in western Germany.
The word is simply composed of 'National' (relating to the nation) and 'Bank' (bank). It therefore refers to a bank with national significance or a national name.
Die Nationalbank spielt eine wichtige Rolle für die Wirtschaft des Landes.
The national bank plays an important role in the country's economy.
You can tell from context whether the central bank (meaning 1) or a commercial bank (meaning 2) is meant. If it is about monetary policy, interest rates, or a country's currency, it is the central bank. If it is about a normal account or a loan, it is probably a commercial bank.
Die Nationalbank hat die Prognose für das Wirtschaftswachstum gesenkt.
The national bank lowered its forecast for economic growth.
When referring to the central bank, specific verbs are often used that describe its function. These include: 'den Leitzins festlegen' (to set the key interest rate), 'die Geldmenge steuern' (to control the money supply), or 'Banknoten ausgeben' (to issue banknotes).
Es wird erwartet, dass die Nationalbank den Leitzins bald erhöhen wird.
It is expected that the national bank will soon raise the key interest rate.
