Carefully checking an unfamiliar bank charge | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: At a banking support desk, one adult asks about an unfamiliar statement charge and agrees to check receipts before opening a formal dispute..

EN → DE / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Carefully checking an unfamiliar bank charge to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Mir ist eine Belastung auf meinem Kontoauszug aufgefallen, die ich nicht zuordnen kann.

meer ist EYE-nuh beh-LAHS-toong owf MY-nem KON-toh-owss-tsoog OWF-guh-fah-len, dee ikh nikht tsoo-ORD-nen kahn. I noticed a charge on my statement that I don't recognize.
B

Wir können einen Widerspruch einlegen, nachdem wir die Händlerbezeichnung überprüft haben.

veer KURN-en EYE-nen VEE-der-shprookh EYN-lay-gen, NAHKH-daym veer dee HEND-ler-buh-TSIGH-noong OO-ber-PROOFT HAH-ben. We can open a dispute after we check the merchant description.
A

Die Bezeichnung ist unklar, deshalb kann ich nicht erkennen, woher die Belastung stammt.

dee buh-TSIGH-noong ist oon-KLAHR, deh-SHALP kahn ikh nikht er-KEN-en, voh-HAIR dee beh-LAHS-toong shtahmt. The description is vague, so I can't tell where it came from.
B

Manche Zahlungsdienstleister verwenden einen Namen, der anders aussieht als der Name, den Kunden im Geschäft sehen.

MAHN-khuh TSAH-loongs-deenst-ligh-ster fer-VEN-den EYE-nen NAH-men, dair AHN-ders OWS-zeekt ahls dair NAH-men, dayn KOON-den im guh-SHEFT zay-en. Some processors use a name that looks different from the shop customers see.
A

Ich werde meine aktuellen Belege prüfen, bevor ich einen formellen Widerspruch einlege.

ikh VAIR-duh MY-nuh ak-too-ELL-en buh-LAY-guh PROO-fen, beh-VOHR ikh EYE-nen for-MELL-en VEE-der-shprookh EYN-lay-guh. I'll check my recent receipts before filing a formal dispute.
B

Das kann Verzögerungen verhindern, falls Sie die Belastung wiedererkennen.

dahs kahn fer-TSUR-guh-roong-en fer-HIND-ern, fahls zee dee beh-LAHS-toong VEE-der-er-KEN-en. That can prevent delays if you recognize the charge.
A

Wenn die Sache weiterhin unklar ist, möchte ich, dass die Transaktion untersucht wird.

ven dee ZAH-khuh VIGH-ter-hine oon-KLAHR ist, MURKH-tuh ikh, dahss dee tranz-ak-TSYOHN oon-ter-ZOOKHT veert. If it still isn't clear, I want the transaction investigated.
B

Wir dokumentieren Ihr Anliegen und beginnen mit der Prüfung.

veer doh-koo-men-TEE-ren eer AHN-lee-gen oont beh-GIN-en mit dair PROO-foong. We'll document your concern and start the review.

Word by Word

Mir „Mir“ means “to me” and presents the speaker as the person to whom the charge has become noticeable in „Mir ist eine Belastung auf meinem Kontoauszug aufgefallen“. It is useful when reporting something that came to your attention at a support desk.
ist „ist“ means “is” here and works with aufgefallen to express that the charge has come to the speaker’s attention. It is useful for reporting a newly noticed account detail.
eine „eine“ introduces the charge in „eine Belastung“ and corresponds to “a/an” here. Use it as part of a noun phrase when mentioning one charge or other item without identifying it more specifically.
Belastung „Belastung“ means a charge or debit on an account in this dialogue. It is the item the speaker cannot assign to a source, so it is useful when discussing an unfamiliar statement entry.
auf „auf“ means “on” in „auf meinem Kontoauszug“ and links the charge to the statement where it appears. This is useful for locating an entry on a document or account statement.
meinem „meinem“ means “my” in „meinem Kontoauszug“ and marks the statement as belonging to the speaker. Reuse this possessive form with a personal account-related noun when describing your own records.
Kontoauszug „Kontoauszug“ means bank statement. In this conversation, it is the document on which the unfamiliar charge appears, so the word is useful when discussing account records with a bank.
aufgefallen „aufgefallen“ means “stood out” or “was noticed” in this context. The citation form is auffallen, and this form is used with ist to describe a charge that has come to the speaker’s attention.
die The lowercase „die“ means “that” or “which” in „die ich nicht zuordnen kann“, referring back to Belastung. The capitalized „Die“ in „Die Bezeichnung“ means “the” at the start of line 3. This makes the form useful both for linking a relative clause to a noun and for introducing a definite noun phrase.
ich „ich“ means “I” in „ich nicht zuordnen kann“; the capitalized „Ich“ starts the later sentence „Ich werde meine aktuellen Belege prüfen“. It identifies the speaker as the person unable to assign the charge and the person who will check the receipts.
nicht „nicht“ means “not” and negates the speaker’s ability to assign the charge in „nicht zuordnen kann“. It is useful before the relevant verb phrase when stating that an action or ability does not apply.
zuordnen „zuordnen“ means identify or assign something to a source; here, the speaker cannot connect the charge to its origin. It is useful with an item and the source, category, or owner to which it can be assigned.
kann „kann“ means “can” in „nicht zuordnen kann“, expressing inability. The citation form is können; this form is useful when a person says they are or are not able to identify something.
Wir „Wir“ means “we” at the start of line 2, while lowercase „wir“ appears in „nachdem wir die Händlerbezeichnung überprüft haben“. It refers to the support worker and customer together when describing a shared check or next step.
können „können“ means “can” in „Wir können einen Widerspruch einlegen“, presenting the dispute as an available next step. It is useful for discussing what a service desk and customer are able to do.
einen „einen“ means “a/an” in „einen Widerspruch einlegen“ and introduces the dispute being filed. It is useful as part of an indefinite noun phrase for a specific action or matter not previously identified.
Widerspruch „Widerspruch“ means a formal objection or dispute in the banking context. In „einen Widerspruch einlegen“, the noun names the formal challenge while einlegen supplies the filing action; this expression is useful when contesting a charge.
einlegen „einlegen“ means file or lodge in „einen Widerspruch einlegen“. It is useful with Widerspruch when submitting a formal objection or dispute.
nachdem „nachdem“ means “after” and places the check before the possible dispute in „nachdem wir die Händlerbezeichnung überprüft haben“. It is useful for describing a later action that follows a completed earlier step.
Händlerbezeichnung „Händlerbezeichnung“ means merchant description or merchant name. It is the label that the support worker and customer will check before deciding whether to file a dispute, so it is useful when discussing a charge shown on a statement.
überprüft „überprüft“ means checked or verified, referring to the merchant description. In „die Händlerbezeichnung überprüft haben“, it names the check that must be completed first; the citation form is überprüfen.
haben „haben“ means “have” in „die Händlerbezeichnung überprüft haben“. Together with überprüft, it presents the check as completed before the next action.
Bezeichnung „Bezeichnung“ means description or designation in „Die Bezeichnung ist unklar“. Here it refers to the label shown for the charge, so it is useful when discussing wording on a statement or record.
unklar „unklar“ means unclear in „Die Bezeichnung ist unklar“. It describes information that does not reveal the source of the charge, useful when asking for clarification.
deshalb „deshalb“ means “therefore” or “that is why” and links the unclear description to the speaker’s inability to identify the source. It is useful for connecting a reason with its result in an explanation.
erkennen „erkennen“ means recognize or tell in „nicht erkennen, woher die Belastung stammt“. Here it refers to determining the origin of the charge, and it is useful when saying whether available information lets you identify something.
woher „woher“ asks “where” or “from what source” something comes in „woher die Belastung stammt“. It is useful when asking or explaining the origin of a charge, message, or other item.
stammt „stammt“ means comes from or originates in „woher die Belastung stammt“. The citation form is stammen; use this form to state the source or origin of an item.
Manche „Manche“ means “some” and introduces a subset in „Manche Zahlungsdienstleister“. It is useful when describing part of a larger group without saying that the statement applies to everyone.
Zahlungsdienstleister „Zahlungsdienstleister“ means payment service providers or processors. In this conversation, they are the providers that may display a name different from the shop name, making the word useful in payment and banking discussions.
verwenden „verwenden“ means use in „Zahlungsdienstleister verwenden einen Namen“. It is useful when explaining which label, method, or item a provider uses for a particular purpose.
Namen „Namen“ means name in „einen Namen, der anders aussieht als der Name, den Kunden im Geschäft sehen“. Here it is the name a payment provider uses, useful when comparing a displayed or official name with the name customers know.
der „der“ means “that” or “which” in „der anders aussieht als der Name“, referring back to Namen and introducing a relative clause. It is useful for adding information about the name being discussed.
anders „anders“ means differently or different in „anders aussieht“. With aussieht, it says the provider’s name appears unlike the shop name. It is useful for describing a difference in how something appears.
aussieht „aussieht“ means looks or appears in „anders aussieht als der Name“. The citation form is aussehen; use this expression when comparing how two names or descriptions appear.
als „als“ means “than” in the comparison „anders aussieht als der Name“. It introduces the reference point against which the provider’s displayed name is compared.
Name „Name“ means name in „der Name, den Kunden im Geschäft sehen“. It refers to the shop-facing name used as the comparison point, useful when distinguishing a customer-facing name from another displayed name.
den „den“ means “that” or “which” in „den Kunden im Geschäft sehen“, referring to Name and introducing what customers see. It is useful for adding a clause that describes a noun through an action.
Kunden „Kunden“ means customers in „den Kunden im Geschäft sehen“. They are the people who see the shop-facing name, so the word is useful in retail or service discussions.
im „im“ means “in the” in „im Geschäft“ and locates the customers’ view inside the shop. It is the contracted form of in dem and is useful for expressing a location as “in the …”.
Geschäft „Geschäft“ means shop or store in „im Geschäft“. It identifies the place where customers see the name, useful for distinguishing a shop-facing label from a statement label.
sehen „sehen“ means see in „den Kunden im Geschäft sehen“. Here it describes customers viewing the name, and it is useful for saying who sees information and where.
werde „werde“ means “will” in „Ich werde meine aktuellen Belege prüfen“, expressing the speaker’s intended next action. It is useful for stating a planned check or follow-up.
meine „meine“ means “my” in „meine aktuellen Belege“. It identifies the receipts as belonging to the speaker and is useful with personal records or documents.
aktuellen „aktuellen“ means recent or current in „meine aktuellen Belege“. It narrows the receipts to the relevant recent records, useful when checking a recent charge.
Belege „Belege“ means receipts in this dialogue and refers to records the speaker will compare with the statement. It is useful when verifying whether an unfamiliar charge matches a purchase record.
prüfen „prüfen“ means check or examine in „Belege prüfen“. It names the verification step before a formal dispute, useful for checking receipts, descriptions, or other records.
bevor „bevor“ means “before” and places the receipt check ahead of filing the dispute. It is useful for ordering two actions when one must happen first.
formellen „formellen“ means formal in „einen formellen Widerspruch“. It describes the dispute as an official step, useful when distinguishing a formal procedure from an initial question.
einlege „einlege“ means file or lodge in „einen formellen Widerspruch einlege“. It is the form of the same verb as einlegen used for the speaker’s action in the bevor-clause, and it is useful with Widerspruch for a formal dispute.
Das „Das“ means “that” at the start of „Das kann Verzögerungen verhindern“. It refers back to checking the receipts and makes that earlier action the subject of the next statement. This is useful for referring to a previous action or fact.
Verzögerungen „Verzögerungen“ means delays in „Verzögerungen verhindern“. It names the unwanted result that careful checking may avoid, useful in banking or administrative processes.
verhindern „verhindern“ means prevent in „Verzögerungen verhindern“. It is useful for saying that an action stops an unwanted delay or problem.
falls „falls“ means “if” or “in case” and introduces the condition that the customer recognizes the charge. It is useful for presenting a possible condition before explaining what follows.
Sie „Sie“ means formal “you” in „falls Sie die Belastung wiedererkennen“. It addresses the customer respectfully at the support desk, useful in formal service interactions.
wiedererkennen „wiedererkennen“ means recognize again in „die Belastung wiedererkennen“. It describes identifying the charge as familiar after checking the receipts, useful when something becomes recognizable from an earlier encounter.
Wenn „Wenn“ means “if” here and introduces the condition that the matter remains unclear. It is useful for stating what should happen when a condition continues to hold.
Sache „Sache“ means matter or situation in „Wenn die Sache weiterhin unklar ist“. It refers broadly to the unresolved charge issue rather than naming a new object, useful when discussing an ongoing case.
weiterhin „weiterhin“ means still or continuing in „weiterhin unklar“. It shows that the lack of clarity remains after the earlier checks, useful with an ongoing state or condition.
möchte „möchte“ expresses a polite wish or request in „möchte ich, dass die Transaktion untersucht wird“. Here the speaker requests an investigation if the matter is still unclear, making it useful in formal support conversations when stating a desired action.
dass „dass“ means “that” and introduces the content of the speaker’s request in „dass die Transaktion untersucht wird“. It is useful after expressions of wanting or requesting when the desired action follows as a clause.
Transaktion „Transaktion“ means transaction in „die Transaktion untersucht wird“. It identifies the banking operation that may be investigated, useful when referring precisely to an entry or payment.
untersucht „untersucht“ means investigated or examined in „die Transaktion untersucht wird“. The citation form is untersuchen; with wird, it presents the transaction as the thing undergoing review. It is useful when requesting an examination of a disputed payment.
wird „wird“ helps express that the transaction is to be investigated in „die Transaktion untersucht wird“. The citation form is werden; here it presents the investigation as something done to the transaction, useful when describing a requested review.
dokumentieren „dokumentieren“ means document in „Wir dokumentieren Ihr Anliegen“. It names the support desk’s act of recording the customer’s concern, useful when an issue needs a written record for review.
Ihr „Ihr“ means formal “your” in „Ihr Anliegen“. It identifies the concern as belonging to the customer being addressed, useful in respectful service communication.
Anliegen „Anliegen“ means concern or request in „Ihr Anliegen“. It refers to the customer’s issue that the support desk will record, useful when describing a matter brought to an office or service desk.
und „und“ means “and” and links „dokumentieren Ihr Anliegen“ with „beginnen mit der Prüfung“. It is useful for joining two coordinated actions in the same response.
beginnen „beginnen“ means begin or start in „beginnen mit der Prüfung“. It is useful with the task or process that is being started.
mit „mit“ means “with” in „beginnen mit der Prüfung“ and introduces the review as the process being started. This is a reusable way to say what an action begins with.
Prüfung „Prüfung“ means review or check in „mit der Prüfung“. It names the review process the support desk will start, useful for a formal examination of account information.

Grammar Points

einen formellen Widerspruch

einen formellen Widerspruch einlegen

EYE-nen for-MELL-en VEE-der-shprookh EYN-lay-gen

to file a formal dispute

After einen, a masculine noun in the accusative takes the adjective ending -en: einen formellen Widerspruch.

German Vocabulary

aufgefallen verb
OWF-guh-fah-len noticed
Belastung noun
beh-LAHS-toong charge
einlegen verb
EYN-lay-gen to file or lodge
Händlerbezeichnung noun
HEND-ler-buh-TSIGH-noong merchant description
Kontoauszug noun
KON-toh-owss-tsoog bank statement
stammt verb
shtahmt comes from or originates
überprüft verb
OO-ber-PROOFT checked or verified
unklar adj
oon-KLAHR unclear
verwenden verb
fer-VEN-den to use
Widerspruch noun
VEE-der-shprookh dispute
Zahlungsdienstleister noun
TSAH-loongs-deenst-ligh-ster payment service provider
zuordnen verb
tsoo-ORD-nen to attribute or identify

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

dispute

Show AnswerWiderspruch

bank statement

Show AnswerKontoauszug

to file or lodge

Show Answereinlegen

checked or verified

Show Answerüberprüft