In 15 Seconds
- Used when paying less than the official price for an item.
- Common in shopping, business negotiations, and student life.
- Pair it with percentages like 'zehn Prozent Rabatt'.
Meaning
It is that wonderful moment when you pay less than the original price. It simply means you are receiving a discount on something you buy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Shopping for clothes
Ich habe 20 Prozent Rabatt bekommen, weil die Jacke einen kleinen Fehler hatte.
I got a 20 percent discount because the jacket had a small defect.
At the university
Als Student kann man hier oft einen Rabatt bekommen.
As a student, you can often get a discount here.
Business negotiation
Können wir bei dieser hohen Stückzahl einen Rabatt bekommen?
Can we get a discount for this high quantity?
Cultural Background
Germans take pride in being 'preisbewusst' (price-conscious). While haggling is rare in retail stores due to strict historical price laws, the culture of seeking 'Rabatt' is huge through coupons and loyalty programs. The phrase became even more popular after the 'Rabattgesetz' (Discount Law) was repealed in 2001, allowing stores more freedom to offer deals.
The Student Magic
Always ask 'Gibt es Studentenrabatt?' in museums or cinemas. Even if it is not posted, you might get lucky!
Don't Haggle at Aldi
In German supermarkets, prices are set in stone. Trying to haggle for a discount on milk will just get you confused looks.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when paying less than the official price for an item.
- Common in shopping, business negotiations, and student life.
- Pair it with percentages like 'zehn Prozent Rabatt'.
What It Means
Rabatt bekommen is the magic phrase for saving money. It means you pay less than the sticker price. Everyone loves that feeling of a bargain. It is simple, direct, and very common. You are essentially 'getting' a reduction in cost. It is like finding a five-euro bill in your old jeans. Only this time, the store just lets you keep it.
How To Use It
You use the verb bekommen at the end or second position. For example, Ich bekomme Rabatt. If you want to be specific, add the amount. Ich habe zehn Prozent Rabatt bekommen. It works just like receiving a gift. Just remember to conjugate bekommen correctly for the person. In the past tense, use habe... bekommen. It is a very flexible phrase for daily life. You can use it for small items or big purchases.
When To Use It
Use it while shopping for clothes or electronics. It is perfect for student or senior deals. You can use it when negotiating a business contract. Even at the flea market, it fits well. Use it when telling friends about your latest steal. It is common when talking about coupons or sales. If you see a 'Sale' sign, you will likely Rabatt bekommen. It is a staple of consumer conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for free items. If it costs zero, use the word geschenkt. Avoid it in high-end luxury boutiques. They might find it a bit tacky there. Asking for a discount at a Chanel store is... brave. Also, do not use it for 'cash back'. That is a different financial process in Germany. It is also not for 'bribes'. That would be a very different, much darker conversation!
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for being thrifty and price-conscious. Finding a Schnäppchen (bargain) is a national hobby. However, haggling is not common in supermarkets. It is expected at flea markets or car dealerships. Always carry your student ID for those sweet discounts. Germans love their loyalty cards and 'Payback' points too. Saving a few cents can feel like a major victory. It is a culturally accepted way to show you are smart with money.
Common Variations
You might hear einen Preisnachlass erhalten in formal letters. Friends might say einen Deal machen for informal trades. If something is already reduced, it is im Angebot. Prozente kriegen is a very casual way to say it. Skonto is a special discount for paying very quickly. All these paths lead to the same happy place: a fuller wallet.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that 'bekommen' is an inseparable verb, but its past participle is still 'bekommen'.
The Student Magic
Always ask 'Gibt es Studentenrabatt?' in museums or cinemas. Even if it is not posted, you might get lucky!
Don't Haggle at Aldi
In German supermarkets, prices are set in stone. Trying to haggle for a discount on milk will just get you confused looks.
The 'Skonto' Secret
In business, if you pay an invoice within 7 days, you can often take a 2-3% 'Skonto' discount automatically. It's a German efficiency perk!
Examples
6Ich habe 20 Prozent Rabatt bekommen, weil die Jacke einen kleinen Fehler hatte.
I got a 20 percent discount because the jacket had a small defect.
A common reason to ask for a discount in a store.
Als Student kann man hier oft einen Rabatt bekommen.
As a student, you can often get a discount here.
Refers to standard student pricing.
Können wir bei dieser hohen Stückzahl einen Rabatt bekommen?
Can we get a discount for this high quantity?
Professional way to negotiate bulk pricing.
Hab voll den guten Rabatt bekommen! Die Schuhe waren echt günstig.
I got a really good discount! The shoes were really cheap.
Casual use of 'Rabatt' in a text message.
Ich habe Rabatt bekommen, aber mein Konto ist trotzdem leer.
I got a discount, but my bank account is still empty.
A relatable joke about overspending during sales.
Ich hoffe, dass wir beim Autokauf etwas Rabatt bekommen.
I hope that we get some discount when buying the car.
Expressing a hope for a successful negotiation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.
Gestern habe ich im Laden 10 Euro Rabatt ___.
In the Perfekt tense with 'habe', the past participle of 'bekommen' is also 'bekommen'.
Choose the correct noun to complete the phrase.
Kann ich als Student einen ___ bekommen?
'Rabatt bekommen' is the standard collocation for getting a discount.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Rabatt bekommen'
Used with friends or at flea markets.
Krieg ich Rabatt?
Standard use in shops or online.
Ich habe Rabatt bekommen.
Used in business contracts or official letters.
Einen Preisnachlass erhalten.
Where to use 'Rabatt bekommen'
Clothing Store
End of season sale.
University
Student ID benefits.
Car Dealership
Negotiating a new car.
Online Shopping
Using a promo code.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesGestern habe ich im Laden 10 Euro Rabatt ___.
In the Perfekt tense with 'habe', the past participle of 'bekommen' is also 'bekommen'.
Kann ich als Student einen ___ bekommen?
'Rabatt bekommen' is the standard collocation for getting a discount.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to receive a discount or a price reduction on an item you are purchasing. For example: Ich habe Rabatt bekommen.
Yes. Im Angebot means an item is currently on sale for everyone. Rabatt bekommen is the act of you actually receiving that lower price.
Yes, it is neutral and professional. However, in very formal writing, you might use einen Preisnachlass erhalten instead.
You can say: Kann ich einen Rabatt bekommen? or more politely: Wäre ein kleiner Rabatt möglich?.
No, it is only for prices and money. You don't 'discount' people in German.
No, you can also use erhalten (formal) or kriegen (very informal). Bekommen is the safest, most common choice.
You can say both Rabatt bekommen or einen Rabatt bekommen. Both are correct, but omitting the article is very common in speech.
That is a bulk discount. You bekommen einen Mengenrabatt when you buy many items at once.
In big retail stores, it is unusual. In small owner-run shops or for expensive items like furniture, it is perfectly fine to ask.
There isn't a single phrase, but you could say den vollen Preis bezahlen (to pay the full price).
Related Phrases
im Angebot sein
ein Schnäppchen machen
den Preis drücken
reduziert sein
