Stock exchange (Börse)
A regulated marketplace where stocks and other securities are traded.
In short
As of 5 October 2026A stock exchange is a regulated marketplace where stocks and other securities are traded. Buyers and sellers meet there, and their orders form the share price. Germany's most important exchange is the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with its electronic trading system XETRA. As a private investor, you always trade through a bank or broker where you hold a brokerage account.
A stock exchange brings buyers and sellers together. Their offers determine the share price at which trades happen. The exchange provides fixed rules, supervision and transparent prices.
Germany's main exchange is the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with its electronic venue XETRA. There are also regional exchanges such as Stuttgart or Munich, plus off-exchange venues used by many neobrokers.
You never trade on the exchange directly. You always go through a bank or broker where you hold a brokerage account (Depot).
Sources
As of 5 October 2026 · Educational content, not investment or tax advice.