Guten Tag! Learning how to say the price in German is a valuable skill that will come in handy while shopping or dining out in Germany. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to express prices, while also touching upon regional variations when necessary. Whether you’re a traveler, a language enthusiast, or simply curious about German, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say the Price
If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a high-end store, a professional establishment, or dealing with someone you don’t know well, it’s best to use the formal language. Here are a few ways to express the price:
1. “Der Preis beträgt…”
This is a straightforward way to state the price. Simply use the phrase “Der Preis beträgt…” (The price is…) followed by the numerical value and the currency.
Example: Der Preis beträgt 50 Euro. (The price is 50 euros.)
2. “Kostet…”
Another common way to express price is by using the word “Kostet…” (Costs…). This is a versatile phrase that can be used in various scenarios.
Example: Das Hemd kostet 30 Euro. (The shirt costs 30 euros.)
3. “Das macht…”
“Das macht…” (That makes…) is a colloquial yet formal way to state the price. It is often used in contexts like dining out or discussing the price of a service.
Example: Das macht 75 Euro. (That makes 75 euros.)
Informal Ways to Say the Price
When dealing with friends, family, or in casual settings, German offers more relaxed expressions to convey prices. Here are a few options:
1. “Das kostet…”
Using “Das kostet…” (That costs…) is a commonly used informal way to state prices. It is simple and widely understood in everyday conversations.
Example: Das kostet 10 Euro. (That costs 10 euros.)
… …
Regional Variations
While standard German is spoken throughout Germany, some regional variations exist when it comes to money-related vocabulary. Let’s take a quick look at a couple of variations:
1. “Geld” or “Kohle”
In some parts of Germany, particularly in the Ruhr region, the colloquial terms “Geld” or “Kohle” are used interchangeably to refer to money. You may encounter these variations while discussing prices.
2. “Zaster” or “Knete”
Similarly, in informal contexts, people might use colloquial terms like “Zaster” or “Knete” to refer to money. Although not directly related to expressing prices, it’s good to be aware of these variations you might come across.
By mastering the formal and informal ways mentioned above, you’ll be well-equipped to engage confidently while discussing prices in German. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to put these phrases to use and immerse yourself in the language. Viel Erfolg!
