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

Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?

kahn ikh mit KAR-tuh TSAH-len

[kahn ikh mit KAR-tuh TSAH-len]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germany still leans on cash, and some taxis don't take cards. Ask before the ride if you're not carrying cash.

Phrase Breakdown

Kann ich

kahn ikh

Can I

Question word order: the verb comes first. Link the words smoothly ('kann-ich'). The 'ch' in 'ich' is a soft hiss, like a whispered 'h'.

Example

Kann ich hier parken?

Can I park here?

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-tuh TSAH-len

pay by card?

The infinitive 'zahlen' goes at the end after the modal 'kann'. Let your voice rise at the end for the question.

Example

Darf ich mit Karte zahlen?

May I pay by card?

Words in this phrase

mit

[mit]

with / by

A preposition meaning 'with'; in payment contexts it often means 'by.'

Example

Ich zahle mit Karte.

I am paying by card.

Karte

[KAR-tuh]

card

Usually refers to a bank or payment card in shopping contexts.

Example

Wenn ich kein Bargeld habe, frage ich: Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?

When I don't have cash, I ask: Can I pay by card?

zahlen

[TSAH-len]

to pay

The verb used for paying money for something.

Example

Wo kann ich zahlen?

Where can I pay?

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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