Em 15 segundos
- The standard way to ask for a price in German.
- Works in shops, markets, restaurants, and with friends.
- Swap 'kostet' for 'kosten' if asking about multiple items.
Significado
This is the go-to way to ask for the price of something in German. It is the most direct and common way to find out how much money you need to hand over.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a local bakery
Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet das Brot?
Excuse me, how much does the bread cost?
At a flea market
Wie viel kostet das? Das ist aber teuer!
How much does that cost? That is quite expensive!
In a clothing store
Wie viel kostet das Kleid in Größe M?
How much does the dress cost in size M?
Contexto cultural
In Germany, the price you see is the price you pay (including VAT), but don't forget the 'Pfand' on bottles. Also, cash is still king in many small shops, so always have some Euros ready when asking the price. In Switzerland, you might hear 'Was macht das?' or 'Wie viel isch das?' (in Swiss German). Prices are significantly higher than in Germany, so don't be shocked by the answer! Austrians are known for their politeness. Adding a 'bitte' (please) or 'gnädige Frau / Herr' (in very traditional settings) can go a long way. This is the only place where 'Wie viel kostet das?' is the start of a negotiation. If the seller says '10 Euro', you can counter with 'Ich gebe Ihnen 7'.
Add 'bitte'
Always add 'bitte' at the end to sound more polite: 'Wie viel kostet das, bitte?'
Plural Check
If you point to two things, you MUST say 'kosten'. 'Wie viel kosten die?'
Em 15 segundos
- The standard way to ask for a price in German.
- Works in shops, markets, restaurants, and with friends.
- Swap 'kostet' for 'kosten' if asking about multiple items.
What It Means
Wie viel kostet das? is your bread and butter for shopping in Germany. It translates directly to "How much does that cost?" The structure is simple. Wie viel means "how much." Kostet is the verb for "costs." Das means "that" or "it." It is the most universal way to inquire about a price. You will hear it in every corner of the German-speaking world.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly straightforward. You can point at an item and say it. You can hold up a pretzel at the bakery. If you are talking about multiple items, change kostet to kosten. For example, Wie viel kosten die Äpfel? (How much do the apples cost?). It is flexible and fits almost anywhere. Just remember to use a friendly tone. A little smile goes a long way when talking about money.
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any commercial setting. Use it at the local farmers' market. Use it in a high-end boutique in Berlin. It works perfectly at a restaurant if the daily special has no price. It is also great for flea markets. If you are at a Flohmarkt, this phrase starts the negotiation. It is clear, concise, and leaves no room for confusion.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for services that are clearly free. Do not use it when asking for a favor from a friend. It sounds a bit cold if you ask a friend Wie viel kostet das? after they help you move. In that case, ask Was bekommst du dafür? (What do I owe you?). Also, avoid it in very formal contract negotiations. There, you might use more specific financial terms. But for 99% of daily life, it is perfect.
Cultural Background
Germans generally appreciate clarity and directness. Asking for a price upfront is not considered rude. It is seen as being practical. In many German cities, prices are clearly marked by law. However, in smaller shops or markets, the price might be missing. Germans value their Bargeld (cash) highly. Even today, many small shops only take cash. Always have some Euros ready after you ask this question!
Common Variations
You might hear Was kostet das? which means "What does that cost?" It is slightly shorter and very common. Another one is Wie teuer ist das? (How expensive is that?). This is often used when something looks particularly fancy. If you are in a hurry, you can even just say Was macht das? (What does that make?). This is very common at checkout counters. It is like asking for the total sum.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and safe for all A1 learners. It works in both formal and informal settings without sounding out of place. Just remember to conjugate the verb for plural items.
Add 'bitte'
Always add 'bitte' at the end to sound more polite: 'Wie viel kostet das, bitte?'
Plural Check
If you point to two things, you MUST say 'kosten'. 'Wie viel kosten die?'
Exemplos
6Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet das Brot?
Excuse me, how much does the bread cost?
A polite way to ask for the price of a specific item.
Wie viel kostet das? Das ist aber teuer!
How much does that cost? That is quite expensive!
Used to start a negotiation or express surprise at a price.
Wie viel kostet das Kleid in Größe M?
How much does the dress cost in size M?
Adding specific details like size after the phrase.
Wie viel kostet das eigentlich?
How much does that actually cost?
Using 'eigentlich' makes it sound more casual and conversational.
Wie viel kostet das Glas Riesling?
How much does the glass of Riesling cost?
Perfect for when prices aren't listed on the menu.
Wahnsinn! Wie viel kostet das wohl?
Amazing! I wonder how much that costs?
Using 'wohl' indicates you are wondering out loud rather than asking for a quote.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kosten'.
Wie viel _______ {die|f} Äpfel?
Since 'die Äpfel' is plural, the verb must be 'kosten'.
Which phrase is the most natural way to ask for a price in a shop?
You want to buy a hat.
'Wie viel' is for uncountable amounts like price, and 'kostet' is the correct verb.
Complete the dialogue.
Kunde: Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet {der|m} Käse? Verkäufer: _________ drei Euro.
The subject 'der Käse' is singular, so we use 'Das kostet'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the end of your meal in a restaurant and want to pay the total.
'Was macht das?' is the idiomatic way to ask for the total bill.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Where to use 'Wie viel kostet das?'
Shopping
- • Supermarkt
- • Boutique
- • Flohmarkt
Services
- • Taxi
- • Friseur
- • Hotel
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosWie viel _______ {die|f} Äpfel?
Since 'die Äpfel' is plural, the verb must be 'kosten'.
You want to buy a hat.
'Wie viel' is for uncountable amounts like price, and 'kostet' is the correct verb.
Kunde: Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet {der|m} Käse? Verkäufer: _________ drei Euro.
The subject 'der Käse' is singular, so we use 'Das kostet'.
You are at the end of your meal in a restaurant and want to pay the total.
'Was macht das?' is the idiomatic way to ask for the total bill.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasYes, in very informal settings while pointing, but it's better to use the full phrase to be polite.
'Wie viel kostet das?' and 'Was kostet das?' are interchangeable in 99% of cases.
You can replace 'das' with the specific noun, e.g., 'Wie viel kostet {der|m} Hut?'.
In a shop, no. In a private home about a gift, yes.
Frases relacionadas
Was kostet das?
synonymWhat does that cost?
Wie teuer ist das?
similarHow expensive is that?
Was macht das?
specialized formWhat does that make?
Der Preis ist heiß
idiomThe price is right
