Security identification numbers and ISIN

The German WKNs are generally six-digit. Recently, only alphanumeric WKNs have been used for new issues. In the case of German securities, the WKN is also "hidden" in the ISIN.

On April 22, 2003, the 12-digit alphanumeric ISIN(International Security Identification Number) replaced the familiar 6-digit numeric securities identification number (WKN) as the primary identifier for the unique identification of securities. This means that banks, settlement agents and other financial service providers mainly use this identifier when recording, executing and settling securities transactions.

The advantage of the ISIN is that it is internationally unique, thus avoiding confusion and errors. In addition, the constantly increasing number of financial instruments means that soon there would no longer have been enough number combinations available for 6-digit identification numbers.

The ISIN (International Securities Identification Number) is a 12-digit alphanumeric code consisting of three elements:

1. Two-character prefix, usually a two-character country code such as "DE" for Germany
2. National 9-digit identification number; in Germany the WKN, preceded by 3 "zeros"
3. One-digit numeric check digit