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.
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.
central bank
'die Zentralbank' and 'die Nationalbank' can both mean the bank that is responsible for monetary and currency policy in a state. 'Zentralbank' is the more general term and also fits a larger currency area, not only a single country. 'Nationalbank' sounds more like the central bank of a particular state. But you have to be careful: 'Nationalbank' can also be part of the name of an ordinary commercial bank. That is why the words are easy to confuse. When talking generally about the most important bank for monetary policy, 'Zentralbank' is often the safer choice.
Die Schweizerische Nationalbank ist für die Geldpolitik der Schweiz verantwortlich.
The Swiss National Bank is responsible for Switzerland's monetary policy.
In dem Artikel steht, dass die Zentralbank die Geldmenge kontrolliert.
The article says that the central bank controls the money supply.