ATAmähnlich

ATAmähnlich is a German neologism used to describe objects, interfaces, or situations that resemble an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in form or interaction. The term combines ATM with the German suffix -ähnlich, meaning "similar to." It is used mainly in discussions of user interfaces, security, and media studies to characterize how a device or surface imitates the appearance, layout, or workflow of an ATM.

In usage, ATAmähnlich can refer to physical kiosks, self-service terminals, vending machines, or digital interfaces that adopt ATM-like elements such as a card reader, keypad, or cash-in/out controls, even if they do not perform financial transactions. Designers may use ATAmähnlich styling to leverage familiar expectations or to critique the proliferation of self-service terminals.

Characteristics often cited include a rectangular screen, a prominent card slot, a numeric keypad, and a transaction flow that resembles an ATM session. The term is deliberately broad to cover both legitimate design choices (intuitive self-service) and deceptive or critical contexts (phishing, social engineering, or art that mirrors ATM aesthetics).

Criticism focuses on how ATAmähnlich designs can foster misunderstanding or complacency in users, highlighting the need for clear cues about function and security. The term is not an official standard but a descriptive label found in German-language technology writing and design discourse.