noun
bank code, bank routing number
B1
Bankleitzahl means 'bank code' or 'bank routing number' identifying a bank/branch for transfers. Feminine noun: die Bankleitzahl; plural Bankleitzahlen. Declines regularly. Common abbreviation: BLZ. Historically used for domestic transfers, often replaced by IBAN/BIC in international contexts today. Not reflexive or auxiliary-related.
Examples
Die Bankleitzahl ist notwendig, damit die Überweisung an die richtige Bank geht.
The bank routing number is necessary to ensure the transfer goes to the correct bank.
Die Überweisung wurde zurückgeschickt, weil die Bankleitzahl falsch angegeben war.
The transfer was returned because the bank code had been given incorrectly.
Bitte geben Sie Ihre Bankleitzahl auf dem Formular an.
Please enter your bank code on the form.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a long number printed on a bank form labelled 'Bankleitzahl'.
Bank + leit (lead) + zahl (number) — the leading number for the bank.
Die Bankleitzahl — like die Zahl (the number), it's feminine.
Notes
Important for bank transfers; often used together with the account number (Kontonummer).