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German Phrase

Ich zahle gerade Geld auf mein Girokonto ein.

/ɪç ˈtsaːlə ˈɡəʁaːdə ɡɛlt aʊf maɪn ˈɡiːʁoˌkɔnto aɪn/
Meaning"I am currently depositing money into my checking account."
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Meaning

This phrase means that you are in the process of putting money into your checking account. The verb 'einzahlen' is a separable verb, where 'ein' separates from 'zahlen' in simple sentences. 'Girokonto' is the standard term for a checking account in Germany.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when you are physically at a bank, using an ATM to deposit cash, or perhaps explaining to someone what you are doing with your finances. It's a direct and common way to describe the action of making a deposit.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchzahlegeradeGeldaufmeinGirokontoein.

1

einzahlen (separable verb)

'einzahlen' is a separable verb meaning 'to deposit'. In simple sentences, the prefix 'ein' moves to the end of the clause, while 'zahlen' is conjugated and stays in the second position.

2

gerade (adverb)

'Gerade' means 'currently' or 'right now' and indicates an action happening at the moment of speaking. It typically follows the conjugated verb.

3

auf + Akkusativ

The preposition 'auf' (on/onto) is used here with the accusative case ('mein Girokonto') because it indicates a movement or direction of depositing money onto the account.

4

Girokonto (noun)

This is the standard German term for a checking or current account, used for everyday financial transactions like receiving salary and paying bills.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machst du gerade?

What are you doing right now?

Ich zahle gerade Geld auf mein Girokonto ein.

I am currently depositing money into my checking account.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich bezahle gerade Geld auf mein Girokonto.

    Use 'einzahlen' for depositing money into an account. 'Bezahlen' means to pay for something.

  • Ich zahle gerade Geld in mein Girokonto ein.

    While 'in' can mean 'into', 'auf' is the more common and correct preposition when referring to depositing money 'onto' or 'into' an account in German.

  • Ich zahle ein gerade Geld auf mein Girokonto.

    The adverb 'gerade' (currently) typically comes after the conjugated verb and before the object or other adverbs. The separable prefix 'ein' goes to the end of the sentence.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich mache eine Einzahlung auf mein Girokonto.

    I am making a deposit into my checking account.

  • Ich überweise Geld auf mein Girokonto.

    I am transferring money to my checking account.

  • Ich lege Geld auf mein Konto.

    I am putting money into my account.

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Cultural Tip

In Germany, 'Girokonto' is the ubiquitous term for a current or checking account, essential for daily financial transactions. While online banking is very popular, cash deposits are still common and often done at bank branches or specific ATMs. Germans tend to be quite precise with financial terminology, so using 'einzahlen' for deposits is important.