Guten Tag! If you’re traveling or living in Germany, knowing how to ask the price of something is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say “How much is it?” in German, including both formal and informal variations. We’ll also provide you with plenty of tips, examples, and regional variations to help you navigate pricing conversations with confidence.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “How Much Is It?”
When addressing someone formally, such as in a business setting or with someone older or of higher social status, there are specific phrases you can use to ask about the price.
Wie viel kostet es? (How much does it cost?)
This is the most straightforward and widely used way of asking about the price. It is universally understood throughout German-speaking countries.
Was kostet das? (What does that cost?)
While slightly less common, this phrase is still perfectly acceptable and often used when inquiring about the price of a specific item or service. It is worth noting that “das” refers to a neutral noun in German, so if you are asking about a specific feminine or masculine item, you would use “die” or “der” instead.
Informal Ways to Ask “How Much Is It?”
In less formal or casual situations, you can use these phrases to ask about the price:
Wie viel kostet das? (How much does that cost?)
This phrase is similar to the formal version but uses informal pronouns. It’s suitable for conversations with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.
Was verlangen Sie? (What do you charge?)
While this phrase may sound a bit more direct, it is commonly used when speaking with vendors, merchants, or service providers in casual settings. Use this when you want to inquire about the price without using the word “cost” explicitly.
Tips for Successful Pricing Conversations
To enhance your pricing conversations, here are some valuable tips:
1. Familiarize Yourself with Numbers
It’s crucial to know numbers in German to understand the prices that are being communicated. Here are the numbers from one to ten, which will come in handy:
- eins (one)
- zwei (two)
- drei (three)
- vier (four)
- fünf (five)
- sechs (six)
- sieben (seven)
- acht (eight)
- neun (nine)
- zehn (ten)
2. Use Polite Phrases
Adding polite phrases to your questions will make your interactions more pleasant. Here are some examples:
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte den Preis sagen? (Excuse me, could you please tell me the price?)
- Würden Sie mir bitte verraten, wie viel das kostet? (Could you please let me know how much that costs?)
3. Be Prepared for Regional Variations
German is spoken in various countries, and small regional differences exist. For instance:
In northern Germany, it is common to use the word “Kohle” to refer to money. So, asking “How much is it?” can be phrased as “Was kostet der Spaß?” meaning “What does the fun cost?”
In southern Germany and Austria, the word “Preis” (price) is replaced with “Geld” (money) in certain contexts. Therefore, you might hear “Wie viel Geld verlangen Sie?” instead of “Was verlangen Sie?”
Examples
To illustrate how to use the phrases we’ve covered, here are a few examples:
- Formal Example:
Customer: Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte den Preis sagen? (Excuse me, could you please tell me the price?)
Salesperson: Natürlich, das kostet 50 Euro. (Certainly, that costs 50 euros.) - Informal Example:
Friend: Was kostet das neue Buch? (How much does the new book cost?)
You: Es kostet 20 Euro. (It costs 20 euros.)
Remember, these examples are just guidelines. Feel free to adjust them based on the specific context and language proficiency.
Now armed with various ways to ask the price in German, you can confidently engage in pricing conversations throughout German-speaking countries. Practice these phrases, keep an open mind for regional variations, and enjoy exploring the vibrant markets, shops, and cultural experiences that Germany has to offer. Viel Glück! (Good luck!)
