In 15 Seconds
- Used for paying at a physical store register.
- Common in supermarkets, bakeries, and retail shops.
- Pairs often with 'must' or 'want' in German.
Meaning
This phrase is what you say when you are ready to settle the bill at a shop or store. It literally means going to the register to hand over your money or swipe your card.
Key Examples
3 of 7At a supermarket with a friend
Ich muss nur noch schnell an der Kasse bezahlen.
I just need to quickly pay at the checkout.
Asking a shop assistant
Kann ich diesen Pullover an der Kasse bezahlen?
Can I pay for this sweater at the checkout?
A store announcement
Bitte bezahlen Sie Ihren Einkauf an der Kasse.
Please pay for your purchase at the checkout.
Cultural Background
Cash is king. Even at the 'Kasse', many Germans prefer to pay with physical coins and notes. Always check for 'Nur Barzahlung' signs. Similar to Germany, efficiency at the register is valued. It is common to greet the cashier with 'Grüß Gott' before paying. Payment at the register is often done with the 'Twint' app, a very popular local mobile payment solution. The rise of self-service checkouts (SB-Kassen) is changing how we use this phrase, often removing the human interaction entirely.
The 'Kasse bitte!' Call
If the line is too long, you might hear a customer shout 'Kasse bitte!' to request that another register be opened.
Speed is key
Don't start packing your bags slowly at the register. Pay first, then move to the packing area.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for paying at a physical store register.
- Common in supermarkets, bakeries, and retail shops.
- Pairs often with 'must' or 'want' in German.
What It Means
An der Kasse bezahlen is the bread and butter of shopping. It describes the act of going to the counter to pay. Whether you are at a supermarket or a boutique, this is the final step. It is a very literal and practical phrase. You are telling someone exactly where the transaction happens.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the verb müssen (must) or möchten (would like). For example, Ich möchte an der Kasse bezahlen. It is a fixed expression, so the order stays pretty consistent. You can also ask a question: Kann ich hier an der Kasse bezahlen? This is helpful if the register is hidden or unclear. Just remember that bezahlen always goes at the end of the sentence when used with helper verbs.
When To Use It
Use this in any retail environment. It is perfect for supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Use it at a bakery if there is a specific counter. It also works in self-service cafeterias. If you are with a friend and you are finished picking out items, say Ich gehe jetzt an der Kasse bezahlen. It signals that you are ready to leave the store.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this at high-end sit-down restaurants. In those cases, you usually zahlen (pay) at the table. If the waiter brings the bill, you do not go to a 'Kasse'. Also, do not use it for online shopping. For digital checkouts, Germans usually say zur Kasse gehen. Using an der Kasse bezahlen implies a physical location you are standing at. Don't use it for paying bills like rent or electricity either.
Cultural Background
Germany is famous for its love of cash. While cards are more common now, many small shops still prefer Barzahlung (cash payment). When you are an der Kasse, be ready! German cashiers are incredibly fast. It is almost a sport to see how quickly you can pack your bags. Do not be the person fumbling for coins while a line forms behind you. It is a high-pressure zone of efficiency!
Common Variations
You can specify how you pay. Bar an der Kasse bezahlen means paying with cash. Mit Karte an der Kasse bezahlen means using your debit or credit card. Sometimes people shorten it to just an der Kasse zahlen. Both bezahlen and zahlen work perfectly fine here. If you are looking for the register, you might just ask Wo ist die Kasse?
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, neutral phrase for A1 learners. Just remember that 'bezahlen' is the action and 'an der Kasse' is the location. Never forget the 'an der' or people might think you want to buy the furniture!
The 'Kasse bitte!' Call
If the line is too long, you might hear a customer shout 'Kasse bitte!' to request that another register be opened.
Speed is key
Don't start packing your bags slowly at the register. Pay first, then move to the packing area.
Have your card ready
To be a pro-shopper in Germany, have your payment method in your hand before the cashier finished scanning.
Receipts
The cashier will ask 'Brauchen Sie {den|m} Kassenbon?' (Do you need the receipt?). Say 'Ja, bitte' or 'Nein, danke'.
Examples
7Ich muss nur noch schnell an der Kasse bezahlen.
I just need to quickly pay at the checkout.
A very common way to tell someone you are finishing your shopping.
Kann ich diesen Pullover an der Kasse bezahlen?
Can I pay for this sweater at the checkout?
A polite way to confirm where the payment happens.
Bitte bezahlen Sie Ihren Einkauf an der Kasse.
Please pay for your purchase at the checkout.
Standard formal instruction found on signs or heard over speakers.
Bin fertig, stehe gerade an der Kasse zum Bezahlen.
I'm done, I'm just standing at the checkout to pay.
Informal update on your location in the store.
Oh nein, ich habe mein Portemonnaie vergessen und kann nicht an der Kasse bezahlen!
Oh no, I forgot my wallet and can't pay at the checkout!
A relatable and slightly panicked shopping mishap.
Es tut mir leid, die Schlange ist lang, ich muss noch an der Kasse bezahlen.
I'm sorry, the line is long, I still have to pay at the checkout.
Explaining a delay due to a busy store.
Darf ich heute an der Kasse bezahlen?
Am I allowed to pay at the checkout today?
A sweet request from a child wanting to help.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and article (Dative).
Ich möchte ___ ___ Kasse bezahlen.
'An der' is the correct dative form for a location with a feminine noun.
Which sentence is correct?
Where do you pay in a supermarket?
You pay 'at' (an) the register, not 'in' or 'on' it.
Complete the dialogue.
Kunde: Wo kann ich diese Schuhe kaufen? Verkäufer: Bitte gehen Sie nach vorne und ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the standard instruction given by shop assistants.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant with table service.
In a sit-down restaurant, you usually pay at the table, not the register.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Preposition Choice
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch möchte ___ ___ Kasse bezahlen.
'An der' is the correct dative form for a location with a feminine noun.
Where do you pay in a supermarket?
You pay 'at' (an) the register, not 'in' or 'on' it.
Kunde: Wo kann ich diese Schuhe kaufen? Verkäufer: Bitte gehen Sie nach vorne und ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the standard instruction given by shop assistants.
You are at a restaurant with table service.
In a sit-down restaurant, you usually pay at the table, not the register.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural and very common. 'Zahlen' and 'bezahlen' are interchangeable here.
Because 'an' is used as a preposition of location, which requires the dative case. 'Die' changes to 'der' in the dative feminine.
In large supermarkets, it's fine. In small bakeries, it might be difficult because they don't have enough change.
It means the register is currently staffed or in use.
You can say: 'Kann ich bitte {den|m} Kassenbon haben?'
No, tipping is not expected at supermarket registers. You only tip in restaurants or for services.
It stands for 'Selbstbedienungskasse' (Self-service checkout).
Yes, most modern German registers accept Apple Pay or Google Pay.
That is 'Ladendiebstahl' (shoplifting). Always ensure you have 'an der Kasse bezahlt' before leaving.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for every situation from a flea market to a luxury store.
Related Phrases
an der Kasse anstehen
similarTo wait in line at the register
zur Kasse gebeten werden
specialized formTo be asked to pay (often a fine)
Kasse machen
relatedTo count the money at the end of the day
getrennt bezahlen
builds onTo pay separately
