Em 15 segundos
- The standard way to ask for non-cash payment options.
- Essential for shopping, dining, and traveling in German cities.
- Used with the verb 'bezahlen' usually at the end.
Significado
This phrase is the standard way to ask if you can pay using your debit card, credit card, or even your phone instead of using physical cash.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a grocery store checkout
Kann ich hier mit Karte bezahlen?
Can I pay with card here?
Finishing a meal at a nice restaurant
Ich würde gerne mit Karte bezahlen, bitte.
I would like to pay by card, please.
Texting a friend about a local cafe
Bring Cash mit, man kann dort nicht mit Karte bezahlen!
Bring cash, you can't pay by card there!
Contexto cultural
Despite the rise of card payments, many small shops still have a 'Mindestumsatz' (minimum amount), often 5 or 10 Euros, to cover transaction fees. Similar to Germany, cash is highly valued. In traditional 'Heurigen' (wine taverns), card payment is often not possible. Switzerland is much more card-friendly than Germany. Even small mountain huts often accept cards or 'Twint' (a local mobile payment app). In Berlin, 'Spätis' (late-night kiosks) are notoriously cash-only. Always check for a sign before bringing your drinks to the counter.
The 'Girocard' Trap
Many smaller German shops only accept 'Girocard' (formerly EC-Karte). Your international Visa or Mastercard might not work even if they 'take card'.
Check the Sign
Look for the 'Electronic Cash' logo or a sign saying 'Kartenzahlung möglich' before you queue up.
Em 15 segundos
- The standard way to ask for non-cash payment options.
- Essential for shopping, dining, and traveling in German cities.
- Used with the verb 'bezahlen' usually at the end.
What It Means
You use this phrase when you want to settle a bill digitally.
It covers all forms of non-cash payment.
This includes your physical plastic cards and mobile wallets.
It is one of the most practical phrases for daily life.
How To Use It
The grammar is very straightforward for you.
Place the verb bezahlen at the end of your question.
The most common version is Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?.
You can also say Ich möchte bitte mit Karte bezahlen.
It works perfectly in almost every retail situation.
When To Use It
Use it at the supermarket checkout line.
Ask your waiter at the end of a meal.
It is great for buying clothes or electronics.
Most modern cafes in big cities expect this.
Even many taxi drivers now accept this request.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it at very small kiosks or Spätis.
Many traditional bakeries still prefer physical coins.
Don't try it at a local flea market.
If you see a sign saying Nur Bargeld, stop.
That sign means they only accept cash payments.
Cultural Background
Germany used to be a cash-heavy society.
People loved the privacy of physical money.
The phrase Nur Bares ist Wahres was a national motto.
This means "only cash is the real truth."
However, things changed rapidly during the 2020 pandemic.
Now, digital payment is much more common than before.
Common Variations
You might hear a cashier ask Bar oder Karte?.
This is a very short way to ask your preference.
Kartenzahlung is the noun form you will see on signs.
Kontaktlos is the word used for "contactless" tapping.
Some older shops might only accept EC-Karte (debit).
Notas de uso
This phrase is safe to use in any social or professional setting. The biggest 'gotcha' is assuming every shop accepts all types of cards; always look for the Visa/Mastercard logos.
The 'Girocard' Trap
Many smaller German shops only accept 'Girocard' (formerly EC-Karte). Your international Visa or Mastercard might not work even if they 'take card'.
Check the Sign
Look for the 'Electronic Cash' logo or a sign saying 'Kartenzahlung möglich' before you queue up.
Tipping with Card
If you pay by card in a restaurant, tell the waiter the total amount including tip *before* they swipe the card. E.g., if the bill is 18€, say 'Machen Sie 20, bitte.'
Exemplos
6Kann ich hier mit Karte bezahlen?
Can I pay with card here?
A very common and polite way to ask the cashier.
Ich würde gerne mit Karte bezahlen, bitte.
I would like to pay by card, please.
Using 'würde gerne' makes the request more polite.
Bring Cash mit, man kann dort nicht mit Karte bezahlen!
Bring cash, you can't pay by card there!
A helpful warning for a friend visiting a cash-only spot.
Mein Portemonnaie ist leer, hoffentlich kann ich mit Karte bezahlen!
My wallet is empty, hopefully I can pay by card!
Expressing a relatable modern-day worry.
Akzeptieren Sie es, wenn ich mit Karte bezahle?
Do you accept it if I pay by card?
It is wise to ask drivers this before the ride.
Warum kann man hier immer noch nicht mit Karte bezahlen?
Why can one still not pay by card here?
Expressing frustration at Germany's slow digital adoption.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct preposition and noun form.
Ich möchte gerne ___ ______ bezahlen. (with card)
'mit Karte' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Which question is the most natural in a German restaurant?
You want to pay by card. What do you say?
This is the standard, polite way to ask.
Complete the dialogue.
Kellner: 'Das macht 15 Euro.' Kunde: 'Gerne. ______ ___ _____ bezahlen?'
The customer is asking for the payment method.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosIch möchte gerne ___ ______ bezahlen. (with card)
'mit Karte' is the standard idiomatic expression.
You want to pay by card. What do you say?
This is the standard, polite way to ask.
Kellner: 'Das macht 15 Euro.' Kunde: 'Gerne. ______ ___ _____ bezahlen?'
The customer is asking for the payment method.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasYes! Even if you use Apple Pay, you still say 'mit Karte bezahlen'. The cashier will activate the same terminal.
They are mostly interchangeable here. 'Zahlen' is slightly more common for the act of settling a bill, while 'bezahlen' focuses on the transaction.
This means they don't accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) due to higher fees. They only accept German debit cards.
Rarely. Usually, a PIN or signature is enough. However, for large amounts, they might ask for an 'Ausweis'.
That is your PIN. The terminal will say 'Bitte Geheimzahl eingeben'.
Frases relacionadas
bar bezahlen
contrastto pay in cash
kontaktlos bezahlen
specialized formto pay contactlessly
die Rechnung begleichen
synonymto settle the bill
per Lastschrift
similarvia direct debit
Geld abheben
builds onto withdraw money
