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How to Say ‘Can I pay by card?’ in German

Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?

kahn ikh mit KAR-teh TSAH-len

[kahn ikh mit KAR-teh TSAH-len]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Small bakeries and Carnival stalls are sometimes cash-only, so it's worth asking before you order.

Phrase Breakdown

Kann ich

kahn ikh

Can I

This yes/no question starts with the verb 'kann'. The two words flow together as 'KANN-ich', and the 'ch' in 'ich' is soft.

Example

Kann ich helfen?

Can I help?

Words in this phrase

Kann

[kahn]

can

A modal verb expressing ability or possibility.

Example

Beim Gespräch Kann man viel über die Firma lernen.

In the conversation, one can learn a lot about the company.

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

mit Karte zahlen?

mit KAR-teh TSAH-len

pay by card?

The main verb 'zahlen' goes to the end of the sentence. Let your voice rise at the end, because this is a question.

Example

Kann man hier mit Karte zahlen?

Can one pay by card here?

Words in this phrase

mit

[mit]

with

Preposition taking the dative; shows accompaniment.

Example

Ich nehme Tee mit Zucker.

I take tea with sugar.

Karte

[KAR-teh]

card

Short for a bank or credit card; feminine noun (die Karte).

Example

Ich habe meine Karte vergessen.

I forgot my card.

zahlen

[TSAH-len]

to pay

Verb used for paying money, e.g. in shops or restaurants.

Example

Wir möchten bitte zahlen.

We would like to pay, please.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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