German Phrase
Wie ist die Kontonummer vom Empfänger?
Meaning
A direct question asking for the recipient’s bank account number. It is typically used when you need the number to make a money transfer or to fill out a payment form.
When to use
Use this sentence in a banking or business context when you are preparing a transfer, completing a payment slip, or asking a colleague for the necessary account details of the person you are paying.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WieistdieKontonummervomEmpfänger?
Wie (How/What)
Used to ask for information about a fact or detail, similar to English 'what' in 'what is...'.
sein (ist)
The verb 'sein' (to be) conjugated for third person singular; here it introduces the requested information.
die Kontonummer (Nominative)
A feminine noun; in a question it stays in the nominative case because it is the subject of the sentence.
vom = von dem (preposition + dative)
The preposition 'von' always takes the dative case; 'vom' is the contracted form of 'von dem' (masculine/neuter dative).
Empfänger (dative)
Masculine noun; after 'von' it appears in the dative: 'dem Empfänger'.
🗨In Conversation
Wie ist die Kontonummer vom Empfänger?
What is the recipient’s account number?
Sie lautet 12345678.
It is 12345678.
✕Common Mistakes
Wie ist die Kontonummer von Empfänger?
The preposition 'von' requires a definite article in the dative case; you need 'vom' (von dem) or 'von dem Empfänger'.
Wie ist die Kontonummer vom Empfängerin?
When the recipient is female, the dative article changes to 'von der', not 'vom'.
Wie ist die Kontonummer des Empfängers?
While grammatically correct, many native speakers prefer the dative construction 'vom Empfänger' in everyday speech.
↔Alternatives
Wie lautet die Kontonummer des Empfängers?
What is the recipient’s account number?
Könnten Sie mir die Kontonummer des Empfängers nennen?
Could you tell me the recipient’s account number?
Bitte geben Sie mir die Kontonummer des Empfängers.
Please give me the recipient’s account number.
Cultural Tip
In German banking, the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is usually required instead of just the Kontonummer. When speaking in a formal setting, it’s common to use polite forms like 'Könnten Sie mir bitte …' or to address the person with 'Sie'. Also, note that 'Empfänger' can be gender‑specific; for a female recipient you would say 'die Empfängerin' and the dative form becomes 'der Empfängerin' (or 'vom Empfänger' if you keep the contraction).