WKN (German securities ID)
A six-character German identification code for securities, still used alongside the ISIN.
In short
As of 8 October 2026The WKN (Wertpapierkennnummer) is a six-character combination of digits and letters used to identify securities in Germany. It is older than the international ISIN and is still shown by many brokers. SAP, for example, has the WKN 716460. For orders you can usually use either the WKN or the ISIN.
The WKN (Wertpapierkennnummer, German securities identification number) is a six-character code of digits and letters. It was assigned in Germany long before the international ISIN existed, and many brokers and media still show it today.
The WKN is shorter and easier to remember, but it is only used in the German-speaking market. For an order at your broker you can usually enter either. The ISIN is unique internationally and therefore the safer choice.
Example: the stock of SAP has the WKN 716460 and the ISIN DE0007164600. For German shares the old WKN is often contained directly in the ISIN. The chapter your first stock shows how to buy one.
Related terms
As of 8 October 2026 · Educational content, not investment or tax advice.