Germany IBAN Format Explained
German IBANs are 22 characters long and follow a strict structure: country code, check digits, 8-digit bank code, and 10-digit account number. Here is everything you need to know.
German IBAN Structure
A German IBAN is always 22 characters long and follows this format:
- DE — country code
- XX — 2 check digits
- XXXXXXXX — 8-digit Bankleitzahl (BLZ, bank routing code)
- XXXXXXXXXX — 10-digit account number (zero-padded if shorter)
Example: DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00
View the full Germany IBAN format page with annotated example and major bank codes.
The Bankleitzahl (BLZ)
The BLZ is Germany's 8-digit bank routing code, maintained by the Deutsche Bundesbank. The first digit indicates the banking region: 1xx = Berlin, 2xx = Hamburg, 3xx = Hanover, 4xx = Düsseldorf, 5xx = Frankfurt, 6xx = Stuttgart, 7xx = Munich, 8xx = Leipzig.
How to Validate a German IBAN
German IBANs use the standard MOD-97 checksum. Enter any German IBAN into our decoder to instantly verify the check digits and see the full breakdown of the bank code and account number.
Major German Banks and Their BLZs
Deutsche Bank uses BLZ 37040044; Commerzbank uses 20040000; DZ Bank uses 50060400. These are embedded in positions 5–12 of any German IBAN.