German Bank Codes

Bankleitzahl, BLZ Code, Sort Code is a numerical code used to identify an individual branch of a financial institution in Germany. The number consists of 8 digits, and it is used for domestic bank transfer. Generally, the first 4 digits identify the banking company, and the latter 4 digits are assigned to the branch.

For international inward money transfer, a SWIFT code must be used together with a Bankleitzahl and Account Number. Alternatively, use IBAN account number as Bankleitzahl was part of it.

The format of Bankleitzahl is as follows;

ABBCDDDD

• the first digit (A) identify the clearing area.
• the next 2 digits (BB) identify the bank location (Bankplatz).
• the next 1 digit (C) identifies the banking group (Bankengruppe).
• the last 4 digits (DDDD) identify the branch.

Hessen - Page 31