"Ich gehe zur Sparkasse."

Translation: I go to the savings bank.

[jpentland]

Sparkasse is an actual bank chain in Germany. Shouldn't it just translate as Sparkasse?

[stbenjam]

I agree with you that it should be allowed to say Sparkasse. Especially when "Bank" is allowed, and that's not a clear translation of the concept.

Like wataya mention, it's not a specific chain, and it's structure is somewhat unique being non-commercial and a disorganized group of things, but in Germany "Sparkassen" are talked about as a single proper thing.

[wataya]

Agree. As I already took on the role of the financial guy (about as far from me as you can get :)): They're not non-commercial. They work for profit.

[stbenjam]

No, they do not work for profit. They may earn a profit, that benefits a city/state/or some other group -- but profit is not the main goal. Direct from German wikipedia:

"Die Erzielung von Gewinnen ist hierbei nicht der Hauptzweck des Geschäftsbetriebes."

[eplus17]

This sounds like a "credit union" in the US. Quoting from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_union: "Credit unions see themselves as different from mainstream banks, with a mission to be 'community-oriented' and 'serve people, not profit.'" I wonder if DUO would accept "credit union" for "Sparkasse."

[angiedaytripper]

In British English the closest would be 'building society' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_society

[alfalfa2]

In the U.S. it's more like a savings and loan facility.

[wataya]

OK. Let me soften it: "Although it's not their main goal, they do make profits".

[wataya]

'savings bank' is the technical term used in finance: http://is.gd/zNAgqh
'Sparkasse' refers to a special organization form of a bank that is backed by - say - a municipality or other public institution. It's not the name of a bank chain. There are thousands of independent banks that call themselves 'Sparkasse'.