Whether you're opening a bank account, logging into a website, or keeping tabs on your spending, you'll need to know how to say account in German. This is one of those essential words that shows up across paperwork, tech, and daily life — and mastering it gives you a major vocabulary boost.
The word is Konto — pronounced “KON-toh,” with the first syllable like conscious and the second rhyming with go. It’s clear, clipped, and widely used in modern German.
Konto is neuter, so it’s das Konto. The plural is die Konten. If you’re working on getting a feel for German articles and plurals, my gender video lesson can help you get it sorted fast.
Konto is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German — especially relevant for tasks involving banks, websites, forms, and customer service.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Das Konto ist noch nicht aktiv.
The account isn’t active yet.
Accusative:
Ich habe das Konto gestern eröffnet.
I opened the account yesterday.
Dative:
Sie hilft mir bei dem Konto.
She’s helping me with the account.
Genitive:
Die Details des Kontos wurden geändert.
The details of the account were changed.
Real-World Tips for Learners
In everyday use, Konto most often refers to a bank account (Bankkonto) or an online account (Benutzerkonto or just Konto). You might hear phrases like:
ein Konto eröffnen – to open an account
ein Konto sperren – to block an account
Zugang zum Konto – access to the account
Ich habe kein Konto bei dieser Bank – I don’t have an account at this bank
It’s also used with services and apps: Du brauchst ein Konto, um dich anzumelden (You need an account to sign up). The plural Konten often appears in financial discussions: Ich habe mehrere Konten in verschiedenen Ländern.
Beginner dialogue using Konto:
A: Kann ich hier ein Konto eröffnen?
B: Ja, bitte füllen Sie dieses Formular aus.
A: Can I open an account here?
B: Yes, please fill out this form.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Konto.
“Wofür brauchst du ein Konto — und was ist dir dabei wichtig?”
What do you need an account for — and what matters to you about it?
Say your answer out loud in German and include Konto in the sentence.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say account in German — and how das Konto lets you talk about modern life, finance, and online access with confidence.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and build the kind of vocabulary that keeps up with your real needs.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Kontrolle — perfect for rules, boundaries, and travel checkpoints.
Or revisit Kopfschmerzen — to talk about health and everyday discomforts.