TL;DR
The Bundesbank has initiated a tender for the issuance of non-interest-bearing federal bonds (Bub). This development confirms the government’s plan to raise funds through these securities, with details still emerging. The move impacts debt strategy and investor options, especially for those interested in government securities like unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes.
The Bundesbank has launched a tender process for the issuance of unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes (Bub), or non-interest-bearing federal bonds, marking a key development in Germany’s debt management. You can find more details in our Ausschreibung – Unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen Des Bundes (Bubills) article. This move signals the government’s plan to raise funds through these securities and is part of broader financial strategy adjustments. The tender process is currently underway, with details on issuance volume and timing still to be confirmed. For more on this type of government debt, see our detailed overview of unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes.
The Bundesbank announced the start of a tender for issuing unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes (Bub) in March 2024. These securities are government debt instruments that do not pay interest but are issued at a discount, maturing at face value. The tender process involves financial institutions submitting bids for the securities, with the Bundesbank planning to determine the issuance volume based on market conditions.
According to the Bundesbank, this issuance aims to diversify Germany’s debt portfolio and optimize funding costs. The exact volume of bonds to be issued, the maturity period, and the pricing details are still under discussion. The securities are expected to be available for institutional investors and potentially for retail investors in the future, depending on the final terms.
Officials have emphasized that this move aligns with Germany’s broader fiscal strategy, which includes managing debt levels while maintaining market stability. The tender process is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with the securities likely to be issued shortly thereafter.
Implications for Germany’s Debt Management Strategy
This development is significant because it reflects a strategic shift in Germany’s approach to government debt issuance. The move to issue non-interest-bearing bonds at a time of market volatility could help the government reduce interest costs and extend the maturity profile of its debt. Investors and financial markets will be closely watching the outcome of the tender, as it could influence yields and investor appetite for similar securities.
Furthermore, this issuance may signal a broader trend among European governments to explore alternative debt instruments that do not involve regular interest payments, especially amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainties. For investors, the securities could represent a new opportunity, but also a change in risk and return profiles compared to traditional bonds.

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Germany’s Recent Debt Issuance Strategies
Germany has historically relied on interest-bearing bonds and treasury bills for its debt financing. In recent years, there has been increased interest in alternative instruments, including zero-coupon bonds, to manage debt costs and extend maturity structures. The Bundesbank’s announcement of this tender aligns with broader European trends toward innovative debt issuance methods.
Previously, Germany issued similar securities in smaller volumes or as part of targeted programs, but the current tender marks a more formal and potentially larger-scale effort. The move is also influenced by the current market environment, characterized by fluctuating interest rates and economic uncertainties that impact debt management strategies.
“The tender process for unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes aims to diversify our debt instruments and optimize fiscal strategy.”
— Bundesbank spokesperson
non-interest-bearing federal bonds
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Details of Issuance Volume and Terms Still Pending
It remains unclear how much volume the Bundesbank plans to issue, the exact maturity periods, and pricing details. These specifics are expected to be finalized after the tender process concludes, likely in the coming weeks. The impact on market yields and investor appetite is also still uncertain, pending the outcome of the bidding process.

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Next Steps: Finalizing and Issuing the Securities
The Bundesbank will review bids submitted during the tender, determine the issuance volume, and announce the results shortly thereafter. The securities are expected to be issued soon after, with further details on the terms and investor participation to follow. Market participants will monitor these developments closely for indications of future debt issuance strategies.
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Key Questions
What are unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes (Bub)?
They are government debt securities that do not pay interest but are issued at a discount and mature at face value, similar to zero-coupon bonds.
Why is Germany issuing these bonds now?
The move aims to diversify debt instruments, manage interest costs, and extend debt maturity profiles amid market volatility.
Who can participate in the tender?
Currently, the tender is targeted at institutional investors, but future offerings may include retail investors depending on final terms.
What impact could this have on the bond market?
The issuance could influence yields and investor demand for similar securities, depending on market response to the tender results.
When will the details of the issuance be announced?
The Bundesbank is expected to finalize and announce the issuance details within the next few weeks after reviewing bids.
Source: primary