mit Karte zahlen
/mɪt ˈkartə ˈtsaːln̩/word by word
To pay by card in German is mit Karte zahlen.
This phrase is used to describe using a credit or debit card for goods or services instead of using cash. In a shop, you might see the noun Kartenzahlung (card payment) on signs to indicate that card payments are accepted. If you want to be brief while asking if a method is possible, you can simply say mit Karte.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to to pay with card.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bezahlen can be used interchangeably with zahlen in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɪt ˈkartə ˈtsaːln̩/
Did you know?
- While mit Karte zahlen is the standard phrase, Germany has a strong cultural preference for cash, and small shops or cafes may still refuse card payments entirely.
- In many German restaurants, the waiter will ask Zusammen oder getrennt?, meaning 'Together or separately?' This is the standard follow-up after you say you want to zahlen.
- The word Karte originally referred to a 'stiff sheet of paper'. This is why the same word is used for a payment card, a map and a playing card.
Examples in context
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?Can I pay by card?This sentence is useful for asking if it is possible to use a card.Tatoeba #912341 by Sudajaengi, translation #8758473 by deniko
- Ja, ich würde gerne mit Karte bezahlen, bitte.Yes, I would like to pay by card, please.
- Nein, ich zahle am liebsten mit Karte.No, I prefer paying with a card.
- Ich möchte bitte mit Karte zahlen.I would like to pay by card, please.
- Wir können hier nur mit Karte zahlen.We can only pay by card here.
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are at a cafe.
- LauraKannst du die Rechnung mit Karte zahlen, Maximilian?Can you pay the bill by card, Maximilian?
- MaximilianJa, das mache ich gerne.Yes, I'm happy to do that.
- LauraSuper, ich habe nämlich kein Bargeld dabei.Great, because I don't have any cash with me.
- MaximilianKein Problem, ich übernehme das.No problem, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mit, Karte, zahlen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Karte, mit, zahlen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
