❓💳

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: Card payment in German taxis is more common now, but it still isn't universal, and some drivers grumble about it. Ask before the ride starts, or carry cash just in case.

Phrase Breakdown

Kann ich

kahn ikh

Can I

This is the start of a polite question. The 'ch' in 'ich' is a soft hissing sound, like a whispered 'h' in 'huge'.

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-tuh TSAH-len

pay by card?

'Mit Karte' means 'by card'. The infinitive 'zahlen' goes to the end of the sentence.

Example

Ich möchte mit Karte zahlen.

I'd like to pay by card.

Words in this phrase

mit

[mit]

with / by

Shows the method or means used to do something.

Example

Mit Karte ist es einfacher.

With a card it is easier.

Karte

[KAR-tuh]

card

Usually means a bank card or credit card in payment situations.

Example

Meine Karte funktioniert heute nicht.

My card is not working today.

zahlen

[TSAH-len]

to pay

Verb used when giving money for a service or item.

Example

Wir zahlen am Ende der Fahrt.

We pay at the end of the ride.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer