How to Say “Do You Take Card?” in German

Are you planning a trip to Germany or simply want to be prepared for any situation? Knowing how to ask if a business accepts card payments is essential. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to ask “do you take card?” in German, both formally and informally. We’ll also provide helpful tips and examples to ensure you can confidently communicate your payment preferences. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Ask “Do You Take Card?”

When addressing someone formally, such as in a business setting or when speaking to an older person, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to ask if a business accepts card payments in German:

1. Sprechen Sie Kartenzahlung an?

This is a polite and direct way to ask “do you take card?” in German. It literally translates to “Do you accept card payment?” and is a commonly used phrase in formal settings.

2. Nehmen Sie Karten an?

Another formal way to inquire about card payments is by using the phrase “Nehmen Sie Karten an?” which translates to “Do you accept cards?”. This is a straightforward and widely understood question.

3. Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?

If you prefer a more indirect approach, you can ask “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” which means “Can I pay with a card?”. While this question doesn’t explicitly ask about card acceptance, most people will understand your intention.

Informal Ways to Ask “Do You Take Card?”

When interacting with friends, younger individuals, or in casual situations, you can use informal language to ask about card payments. Here are a few informal ways to do so:

1. Akzeptiert ihr Karte?

When addressing a group of people informally, you can use the phrase “Akzeptiert ihr Karte?” to ask “Do you guys take card?”. This is a relaxed and easy way to inquire about card payments.

2. Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?

If you’re speaking to someone individually, you can say “Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?” which means “Can I pay with a card?”. This is a commonly used phrase among friends and peers.

Tips for Asking about Card Payments in German

Now that you know the formal and informal ways to ask “do you take card?” in German, here are some additional tips to help you navigate payment conversations in Germany:

1. Learn Common Card Payment Vocabulary

It’s useful to familiarize yourself with some vocabulary related to card payments. Understanding words like “Kreditkarte” (credit card), “Bankkarte” (debit card), “Zahlung” (payment), and “Akzeptieren” (to accept) will make your conversations smoother.

2. Be Clear with Your Desired Form of Payment

When asking about card payments, be sure to mention the type of card you wish to use. For example, if you have a credit card, you can ask “Akzeptieren Sie Kreditkarten?” (Do you accept credit cards?).

3. Listen for Acceptance or Denial

When you ask about card payments in German, pay attention to the response. If the person says “Ja” (yes) or “Natürlich” (of course), it means they accept cards. If you hear “Nein” (no) or “Leider nicht” (unfortunately not), it means they do not.

Tip: Some smaller establishments or street vendors may only accept cash, especially in rural areas or for low-value transactions. It’s always a good idea to have some euros with you, just in case!

Examples of Asking “Do You Take Card?”

Let’s look at some examples to help you better understand how to ask about card payments in German:

• Example 1: You’re in a restaurant and want to check if they accept cards. You ask the waiter, “Sprechen Sie Kartenzahlung an?”
• Example 2: At a clothing store, you want to know if they accept cards. You say to the salesperson, “Nehmen Sie Karten an?”
• Example 3: You’re at a local market and want to pay for your purchases with a card. You ask the vendor, “Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?”