Geldautomat
/ˈɡɛlt.(ʔ)aʊ̯.toˌmaːt/masculine
The English phrase 'atm' is translated into German as Geldautomat. Wiktionary also lists Bankautomat.
Meaning: (banking) automated teller machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geldautomat | /ˈɡɛlt.(ʔ)aʊ̯.toˌmaːt/ (standard) /ˈɡɛl.daʊ̯.toˌmaːt/ |
masculine |
| Bankautomat | /ˈbaŋk.(ʔ)aʊ̯.toˌmaːt/ (standard) /ˈbaŋ.ɡaʊ̯.toˌmaːt/ |
masculine |
In a banking context, these terms refer to an automated teller machine.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Geldautomat is a compound of Geld (money) and Automat (automaton/machine).
Which one should you use?
While Geldautomat is the more common term for an ATM, Bankautomat specifically emphasizes a connection to a bank. You may also see Bargeldautomat used to refer to an ATM.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and parts of Austria, the term Bankomat may be used instead of Geldautomat.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the masculine noun Geldautomat as a direct object in the accusative case, it takes the ending -en, appearing as Geldautomaten.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɡɛlt.(ʔ)aʊ̯.toˌmaːt/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Automat can refer to any vending machine, from a Kaugummiautomat for gum to a Futterautomat for animal feed.
- The word Automat in Geldautomat shares a common ancestor with the English word 'automatic', both coming from the Greek word for 'acting by itself'.
- In Germany, you may encounter Geldautomaten that only dispense money if you pay a fee, especially those operated by private companies rather than banks.
Examples in context
- Ich bin kein Geldautomat.I'm not an ATM.This sentence is useful for using the form Geldautomat even in a negative context.Tatoeba #13013564 by Vortarulo, translation #12511799 by rul
- Ich suche einen Geldautomaten.I'm looking for an ATM.This sentence is useful for expressing a search for the form Geldautomat in the accusative case.Tatoeba #7446664 by Luiaard, translation #7446663 by Luiaard
- Wo gibt es einen Geldautomaten?Where's an ATM?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the form Geldautomat in the accusative case.Tatoeba #4059373 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4059007 by CK
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are walking through the city center.
- FelixLaura, ich brauche Bargeld.Laura, I need cash.
- LauraDa vorne ist ein Geldautomat.There is an ATM up ahead.
- FelixIst der Geldautomat direkt bei der Bank?Is the ATM right by the bank?
- LauraJa, Felix, er ist direkt dort.Yes, Felix, it is right there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atm” translations and entries Geldautomat, Bankautomat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bankautomat, Geldautomat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
