Hello there! Are you planning a trip to Germany or simply curious about the language? Learning to ask “How much is this?” in German is a useful phrase to have in your arsenal. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to inquire about prices in German. Additionally, we will provide some helpful tips and examples along the way. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
When addressing someone you don’t know well or in a formal setting, it’s important to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are a couple of ways to ask about the price formally:
1.1 “Wie viel kostet das?”
This is the standard way to ask “How much does it cost?” in German. Pronounced as “vee feel kohstet das,” this phrase is widely understood across different German-speaking regions.
Example:
You: Guten Tag! Wie viel kostet das Hemd? (Good day! How much does the shirt cost?)
Salesperson: Das Hemd kostet 50 Euro. (The shirt costs 50 euros.)
1.2 “Entschuldigen Sie, was kostet das?”
If you want to be even more polite or seek assistance from a store employee, you can use this slightly longer phrase. Translated as “Excuse me, what does it cost?”, it expresses your respect and politeness.
Example:
You: Entschuldigen Sie, was kostet dieser Teppich? (Excuse me, what does this carpet cost?)
Salesperson: Der Teppich kostet 200 Euro. (The carpet costs 200 euros.)
2. Informal Expressions
In less formal situations, such as when interacting with friends, family, or people of similar age, you can use more casual language to inquire about prices. Let’s explore two common ways to do this:
2.1 “Wie viel kostet das?”
Surprisingly, the informal expression is exactly the same as the formal one. In German, both formal and informal situations typically use the same base phrases.
Example:
You: Hey, wie viel kostet die Schokolade? (Hey, how much does the chocolate cost?)
Friend: Die Schokolade kostet 2 Euro. (The chocolate costs 2 euros.)
2.2 “Was kostet das?”
If you want to keep it even simpler, you can use this shorter expression, translating to “What does it cost?” It’s commonly used in informal conversations.
Example:
You: Was kostet dieser Film? (What does this movie cost?)
Friend: Der Film kostet 10 Euro. (The movie costs 10 euros.)
3. Tips for Effective Communication
3.1 Politeness is Key
In Germany, politeness is highly valued. Using phrases like “Guten Tag” (Good day) or “Entschuldigen Sie” (Excuse me) before asking about prices shows respect and helps establish a positive interaction.
3.2 Pay Attention to Intonation
When asking about prices, make sure your tone remains friendly and warm. A pleasant intonation can go a long way in creating a positive impression, regardless of the language you’re speaking.
3.3 Practice Numbers and Currency
Before your trip, practice numbers and familiarize yourself with the currency in Germany. This will make it easier for you to understand the prices quoted to you and enhance your overall shopping experience.
3.4 Use Body Language
If you’re unsure about the meaning of something, don’t hesitate to use body language to clarify. Pointing to the item you’re interested in, using hand gestures, or nodding can help ensure effective communication.
4. Conclusion
Asking “How much is this?” in German is a useful phrase to know when shopping or conversing with locals. We’ve covered both formal and informal ways to inquire about prices, as well as provided tips for effective communication. Remember to embrace a friendly tone, be polite, and practice your numbers and currency beforehand. Viel Glück (Good luck) with your German language learning adventure!
