German Phrase
Wähle 'Kontostand abfragen'.
Meaning
A short command you would see on a banking app or ATM screen, telling the user to select the menu item that shows the current account balance.
When to use
Use this phrase when guiding someone through a digital banking interface, an ATM, or a mobile app where the exact button label is ‘Kontostand abfragen’. It is informal (du) and fits spoken instructions or on‑screen prompts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WähleKontostandabfragen
Imperativ (du‑Form)
‘Wähle’ is the du‑imperative of the verb *wählen* (to choose). It is used for direct commands to a single person.
Infinitiv als Objekt
The infinitive *abfragen* functions as a noun‑like object, describing the action that should be selected.
Anführungszeichen
The quoted phrase marks the exact menu entry the user should tap; the quotes are not spoken.
🗨In Conversation
Wie kann ich sehen, wie viel Geld ich habe?
How can I see how much money I have?
Wähle 'Kontostand abfragen'.
Select ‘Check account balance’.
✕Common Mistakes
Wählen 'Kontostand abfragen'.
The infinitive ‘Wählen’ is not a command; you need the imperative ‘Wähle’ (du) or ‘Wählen Sie’ (Sie).
Wähle 'Kontostand prüfen'.
If the exact menu label is ‘Kontostand abfragen’, using a different verb changes the meaning and may confuse the user.
Wähle 'Kontostand abgefragt'.
‘Abgefragt’ is the past participle; the instruction requires the infinitive ‘abfragen’.
↔Alternatives
Wählen Sie 'Kontostand prüfen'.
Please select ‘Check account balance’.
Klicke auf 'Kontostand anzeigen'.
Click on ‘Show account balance’.
Drücken Sie die Taste für 'Kontostand abfragen'.
Press the button for ‘Check account balance’.
Cultural Tip
German banking interfaces usually address the user formally (Sie) in written instructions, but on‑screen prompts often use the infinitive or a short imperative without a personal pronoun. If you’re speaking to a friend, the du‑imperative ‘Wähle …’ is perfectly natural; in a professional setting you’d say ‘Wählen Sie …’. Also note that the word *abfragen* is common in technical contexts, while *prüfen* or *anzeigen* feel a bit more everyday.

