Understanding how to ask “How much?” in German is essential for anyone learning the language, especially when shopping, dining, or negotiating prices. This seemingly simple question can be expressed in various ways depending on the context, the item being discussed, and the desired level of formality.
Mastering these nuances will significantly improve your communication skills and confidence when interacting with German speakers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the different ways to ask “How much?” in German, complete with examples, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises.
It is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, who want to enhance their understanding and application of this fundamental aspect of German grammar.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Asking About Price in German
- Structural Breakdown of Price Questions
- Types and Categories of Price Questions
- Examples: Asking About Price in Various Contexts
- Usage Rules: Grammar and Syntax
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Complex Sentence Structures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Asking About Price in German
Asking “How much?” in German involves more than just a direct translation. The correct phrase depends on the context and what you are asking about. The most common translations include “Wie viel?” and “Was kostet…?”. “Wie viel?” is generally used for uncountable nouns or in a more abstract sense, while “Was kostet…?” is used for countable nouns and specific items. It’s important to understand the nuances of each phrase to communicate effectively.
The phrase “Wie viel?” translates directly to “How much?”. It’s used to inquire about the quantity or amount of something, often something that cannot be easily counted as individual units, such as water, sugar, or time. For countable nouns, you would use “Wie viele?”, which means “How many?”. However, when asking about the price of something, “Wie viel?” can also be used in conjunction with “kostet” (costs).
The phrase “Was kostet…?” translates to “What does… cost?”. This is a more direct way to ask the price of a specific item or service. The blank is filled with the item you are inquiring about, such as “Was kostet das Buch?” (What does the book cost?). This is a highly common and versatile way to ask about prices in German.
Structural Breakdown of Price Questions
Understanding the structure of price questions in German is crucial for forming grammatically correct sentences. The basic structures typically involve the interrogative words “Wie viel” or “Was”, the verb “kosten” (to cost), and the noun representing the item or service.
A basic question using “Wie viel” follows this structure: Wie viel + kostet + [the item]? For example: “Wie viel kostet die Jacke?” (How much does the jacket cost?). Here, “Wie viel” is the interrogative phrase, “kostet” is the conjugated verb, and “die Jacke” is the item you are asking about.
A question using “Was kostet” follows this structure: Was + kostet + [the item]? For example: “Was kostet das Brot?” (What does the bread cost?). In this case, “Was” is the interrogative word, “kostet” is the conjugated verb, and “das Brot” is the item. The verb “kosten” always needs to be conjugated to agree with the subject (the item being asked about).
Types and Categories of Price Questions
There are several categories of price questions in German, each with its own specific nuances. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate way to ask about prices in different situations.
Formal vs. Informal Questions
The level of formality can influence the way you ask about prices. In formal situations, it’s best to use more polite and indirect phrasing.
In informal settings, you can be more direct.
Formal: A formal way to ask about the price is to use a conditional clause or a more indirect question structure. For example: “Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wie viel das kostet?” (Could you please tell me how much that costs?). This is suitable for interactions with shopkeepers or service providers when you want to show respect.
Informal: In informal settings, you can use a more direct approach. For example: “Was kostet das?” (What does that cost?) or simply “Wie viel?” if the context is clear. This is appropriate when talking to friends, family, or in casual situations.
Singular vs. Plural Nouns
The form of the noun (singular or plural) affects the verb conjugation and the choice of interrogative phrase.
Singular: When asking about the price of a single item, you use the singular form of the verb “kosten” (kostet). For example: “Was kostet das Ticket?” (What does the ticket cost?).
Plural: When asking about the price of multiple items, you use the plural form of the verb “kosten” (kosten). For example: “Was kosten die Äpfel?” (What do the apples cost?).
Using Different Prepositions
Sometimes, you might want to use prepositions to specify what you are asking about. For example, you might want to ask about the price “for” something or “per” something.
“Für” (For): You can use “für” to ask about the price for a specific purpose or duration. For example: “Was kostet das Zimmer für eine Nacht?” (What does the room cost for one night?).
“Pro” (Per): You can use “pro” to ask about the price per unit. For example: “Was kostet das pro Stück?” (What does that cost per piece?).
Examples: Asking About Price in Various Contexts
Here are several examples of how to ask about prices in different contexts. These examples cover a range of situations, from general inquiries to specific purchases.
General Price Inquiries
These examples show how to ask about prices in a general sense, without specifying a particular item.
The following table presents various examples of general price inquiries in German, providing both the German phrase and its English translation. This table is designed to help you understand how to ask about prices in a variety of common situations.
| German Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Wie viel kostet das? | How much does that cost? |
| Was kostet das? | What does that cost? |
| Wie viel kostet es? | How much does it cost? |
| Was kostet es? | What does it cost? |
| Können Sie mir den Preis nennen? | Can you tell me the price? |
| Was ist der Preis dafür? | What is the price for that? |
| Wie teuer ist das? | How expensive is that? |
| Was kostet dieses Produkt? | What does this product cost? |
| Wie viel verlangen Sie dafür? | How much do you charge for that? |
| Was ist Ihr Preis? | What is your price? |
| Wie viel soll ich zahlen? | How much should I pay? |
| Was sind die Kosten? | What are the costs? |
| Wie hoch ist der Preis? | How high is the price? |
| Was kostet das insgesamt? | What does it cost in total? |
| Wie viel macht das? | How much does that make? (How much is that?) |
| Was ist der Gesamtpreis? | What is the total price? |
| Könnten Sie mir bitte den Gesamtpreis sagen? | Could you please tell me the total price? |
| Wie ist der Preis pro Stück? | What is the price per piece? |
| Was kostet es im Angebot? | What does it cost on sale? |
| Wie viel kostet es reduziert? | How much does it cost reduced? |
| Wie viel kostet die Lieferung? | How much does the delivery cost? |
| Was kostet der Versand? | What does the shipping cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Reparatur? | How much does the repair cost? |
| Was kostet die Wartung? | What does the maintenance cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Installation? | How much does the installation cost? |
| Was kostet die Beratung? | What does the consultation cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Stunde? | How much does the hour cost? |
Asking About Prices of Food and Drinks
These examples demonstrate how to ask about the prices of food and drinks in a restaurant or café.
The following table provides examples of how to inquire about the prices of food and drinks in German. These phrases are useful in restaurants, cafes, or markets.
Each entry includes the German question and its English translation to aid in your understanding.
| German Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Was kostet das Bier? | What does the beer cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Kaffee? | How much does the coffee cost? |
| Was kostet die Suppe? | What does the soup cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das Stück Kuchen? | How much does the piece of cake cost? |
| Was kostet die Flasche Wein? | What does the bottle of wine cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das Menü? | How much does the menu cost? |
| Was kostet das Frühstück? | What does the breakfast cost? |
| Wie viel kosten die Brötchen? | How much do the rolls cost? |
| Was kosten die Äpfel pro Kilo? | What do the apples cost per kilo? |
| Wie viel kostet die Pizza? | How much does the pizza cost? |
| Was kostet das Eis? | What does the ice cream cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Saft? | How much does the juice cost? |
| Was kostet die Limonade? | What does the lemonade cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das Wasser? | How much does the water cost? |
| Was kostet die Cola? | What does the cola cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das Sandwich? | How much does the sandwich cost? |
| Was kostet der Salat? | What does the salad cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Pommes? | How much do the fries cost? |
| Was kostet das Hähnchen? | What does the chicken cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Fisch? | How much does the fish cost? |
| Was kostet das Steak? | What does the steak cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Nachtisch? | How much does the dessert cost? |
| Was kostet die Beilage? | What does the side dish cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Portion? | How much does the portion cost? |
| Was kostet die Tasse Kaffee? | What does the cup of coffee cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Kanne Tee? | How much does the pot of tea cost? |
Asking About Prices of Services
These examples illustrate how to ask about the prices of various services, such as haircuts, repairs, or transportation.
The table below provides examples of how to inquire about the prices of different services in German. This includes services such as haircuts, transportation, and repairs.
Each example is provided with both the German phrase and its English translation.
| German Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Was kostet ein Haarschnitt? | What does a haircut cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Taxifahrt? | How much does the taxi ride cost? |
| Was kostet die Reparatur? | What does the repair cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Massage? | How much does the massage cost? |
| Was kostet die Reinigung? | What does the cleaning cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Beratung? | How much does the consultation cost? |
| Was kostet die Übersetzung? | What does the translation cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Nachhilfe? | How much does the tutoring cost? |
| Was kostet die Autowäsche? | What does the car wash cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Umzug? | How much does the move cost? |
| Was kostet die Lieferung? | What does the delivery cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Stunde? | How much does the hour cost? |
| Was kostet der Tag? | What does the day cost? |
| Wie viel kostet die Woche? | How much does the week cost? |
| Was kostet der Monat? | What does the month cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das Jahr? | How much does the year cost? |
| Was kostet die Mitgliedschaft? | What does the membership cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Eintritt? | How much does the entrance fee cost? |
| Was kostet die Fahrkarte? | What does the ticket cost? (transportation) |
| Wie viel kostet die Monatskarte? | How much does the monthly ticket cost? |
| Was kostet das Parken? | What does the parking cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das Fitnessstudio? | How much does the gym cost? |
| Was kostet der Kurs? | What does the course cost? |
| Wie viel kostet der Workshop? | How much does the workshop cost? |
| Was kostet das Seminar? | What does the seminar cost? |
Negotiating Prices
These examples provide phrases you can use when trying to negotiate a lower price.
The following table includes phrases useful for negotiating prices in German. This can be helpful when shopping at markets or flea markets, or when dealing with services where negotiation is possible.
Each phrase is provided with its English translation.
| German Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ist das Ihr bester Preis? | Is that your best price? |
| Kann ich einen Rabatt bekommen? | Can I get a discount? |
| Geht das auch günstiger? | Can it be cheaper? |
| Ist das verhandelbar? | Is that negotiable? |
| Ich würde es für … nehmen. | I would take it for… |
| Das ist mir zu teuer. | That is too expensive for me. |
| Haben Sie Sonderangebote? | Do you have any special offers? |
| Kann man da noch was machen? | Can anything be done about the price? |
| Ich habe es woanders billiger gesehen. | I have seen it cheaper somewhere else. |
| Gibt es einen Mengenrabatt? | Is there a quantity discount? |
| Was ist der niedrigste Preis, den Sie anbieten können? | What is the lowest price you can offer? |
| Können wir uns in der Mitte treffen? | Can we meet in the middle? |
| Ich kaufe es sofort, wenn Sie mir entgegenkommen. | I’ll buy it immediately if you meet me halfway. |
| Das ist ein bisschen über meinem Budget. | That’s a little over my budget. |
| Gibt es eine Garantie? | Is there a warranty? |
Asking prices for gifts
These examples provide phrases you can use when asking about prices for gifts you want to buy.
The following table includes phrases useful for asking about prices for gifts you want to buy in German. This can be helpful when shopping at markets or stores.
Each phrase is provided with its English translation.
| German Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Was kostet diese Geschenk? | What does this gift cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das als Geschenk verpackt? | How much does it cost wrapped as a gift? |
| Ist das ein gutes Geschenk und wie viel kostet es? | Is this a good gift and how much does it cost? |
| Können Sie mir ein Geschenk empfehlen und was kostet es? | Can you recommend a gift and how much does it cost? |
| Was kostet das kleine Geschenk? | What does the small gift cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das große Geschenk? | How much does the big gift cost? |
| Ist das Geschenk im Angebot und was kostet es? | Is the gift on sale and how much does it cost? |
| Was kostet das teuerste Geschenk hier? | What does the most expensive gift here cost? |
| Wie viel kostet das billigste Geschenk hier? | How much does the cheapest gift here cost? |
| Kann ich das als Geschenk kaufen und was kostet es? | Can I buy this as a gift and how much does it cost? |
Usage Rules: Grammar and Syntax
Following the correct grammar and syntax rules is essential for forming accurate price questions in German. This includes understanding case agreement, word order, and pronoun usage.
Case Agreement
Case agreement is crucial in German. The case of the noun you are asking about affects the articles and adjectives used with it.
When asking “Was kostet…?”, the item is in the nominative case because it is the subject of the verb “kosten”.
For example: “Was kostet *der* Wein?” (What does the wine cost?). Here, “der Wein” is in the nominative case. If you were to rephrase the question, the case might change, but when using “Was kostet…?”, it remains nominative.
Word Order
The word order in German questions can vary depending on whether it’s a yes/no question or an information question. Price questions typically fall into the latter category.
In a “Was kostet…?” question, the word order is generally: Interrogative word (Was) + verb (kostet) + subject (item). For example: “Was kostet das Buch?” (What does the book cost?).
In a “Wie viel kostet…?” question, the word order is: Interrogative phrase (Wie viel) + verb (kostet) + subject (item). For example: “Wie viel kostet die Fahrkarte?” (How much does the ticket cost?).
Using the Correct Pronoun
Using the correct pronoun to refer to the item you’re asking about is important for clarity. If you’ve already mentioned the item, you can use a pronoun instead of repeating the noun.
For example: “Ich möchte das Hemd kaufen. Was kostet *es*?” (I would like to buy the shirt.
What does *it* cost?). Here, “es” refers to “das Hemd”.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learners often make common mistakes when asking about prices in German. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them.
Incorrect: “Wie viel kostet die Bücher?” Correct: “Was kosten die Bücher?” (What do the books cost?). The mistake here is using “Wie viel” with a plural noun. “Wie viel” is generally used for uncountable nouns or in conjunction with a singular verb. Also kostest is singular, kosten is plural.
Incorrect: “Was kostet der Wasser?” Correct: “Was kostet das Wasser?” (What does the water cost?). The mistake here is using the wrong article for “Wasser” (water), which is neuter and requires “das”.
Incorrect: “Wie viel kostet das pro Stück?” (Correct but can be improved) Correct: “Was kostet das pro Stück?” (What does that cost per piece?). While “Wie viel” isn’t incorrect, “Was” is more idiomatic in this context.
Incorrect: “Was kostet die?” Correct: “Was kostet sie?” (What does it cost?). The incorrect use of the article “die” instead of the pronoun “sie”.
Incorrect: “Wie viel kostet es die?” Correct: “Wie viel kostet es?” (How much does it cost?). The unnecessary addition of “die” makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of how to ask “How much?” in German with these practice exercises.
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of “Wie viel” or “Was kostet” and the appropriate articles and endings.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| … die Jacke? | Was kostet die Jacke? |
| … die Äpfel? | Was kosten die Äpfel? |
| … das Brot? | Was kostet das Brot? |
| … der Kaffee? | Was kostet der Kaffee? |
| … die Milch? | Was kostet die Milch? |
| … das Wasser pro Flasche? | Was kostet das Wasser pro Flasche? |
| … die Tomaten pro Kilo? | Was kosten die Tomaten pro Kilo? |
| … ein Haarschnitt? | Was kostet ein Haarschnitt? |
| … eine Taxifahrt zum Bahnhof? | Was kostet eine Taxifahrt zum Bahnhof? |
| … das Buch im Angebot? | Was kostet das Buch im Angebot? |
Translate the following English sentences into German, asking about the price.
| English Question | German Translation |
|---|---|
| How much does the car cost? | Was kostet das Auto? |
| What do the shoes cost? | Was kosten die Schuhe? |
| How much does the ticket cost? | Was kostet die Fahrkarte? |
| What does the rent cost per month? | Was kostet die Miete pro Monat? |
| How much does the course cost? | Was kostet der Kurs? |
| What does the small gift cost? | Was kostet das kleine Geschenk? |
| How much does the large pizza cost? | Was kostet die große Pizza? |
| What does the entrance fee cost? | Was kostet der Eintritt? |
| How much does the repair cost? | Was kostet die Reparatur? |
| What does the plane ticket cost? | Was kostet das Flugticket? |
Advanced Topics: Complex Sentence Structures
For advanced learners, mastering complex sentence structures can add nuance and sophistication to your price inquiries.
Indirect Questions: Using indirect questions can soften the tone and make your inquiries more polite. For example: “Ich würde gerne wissen, was das kostet.” (I would like to know what that costs.). This structure uses the subjunctive mood to express politeness.
Relative Clauses: You can use relative clauses to specify which item you are asking about. For example: “Was kostet das Buch, das du mir empfohlen hast?” (What does the book that you recommended to me cost?). This adds detail and context to your question.
Using “ob”: You can use “ob” (whether) to ask if something costs a certain amount. For example: “Weisst du, ob das mehr als 10 Euro kostet?” (Do you know whether that costs more than 10 euros?). This is useful when you have a price range in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about asking “How much?” in German.
Q: Is there a difference between “Wie viel kostet das?” and “Was kostet das?”
A: Yes, while both phrases are used to ask “How much does that cost?”, “Was kostet das?” is generally more common and straightforward. “Wie viel kostet das?” is also correct, but “Was kostet das?” is often preferred in everyday conversation because it is more direct and concise.
Q: Can I use “Wie viel” for countable nouns when asking about price?
A: While “Wie viel” is generally used for uncountable nouns, it can be used with the verb “kosten” to ask about the price of countable nouns. However, it’s more common to use “Was kostet?” for specific items.
For example, both “Wie viel kostet das Buch?” and “Was kostet das Buch?” are correct, but the latter is more frequently used.
Q: How do I ask about the price of multiple items?
A: To ask about the price of multiple items, use the plural form of the verb “kosten” (kosten). For example: “Was kosten die Äpfel?” (What do the apples cost?).
Make sure the noun is also in the plural form.
Q: How do I ask about prices in a formal setting?
A: In a formal setting, use polite and indirect phrasing. For example: “Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wie viel das kostet?” (Could you please tell me how much that costs?).
Using conditional clauses and polite forms shows respect.
Q: What if I don’t know the name of the item in German?
A: You can point to the item and ask “Was kostet das hier?” (What does this cost here?) or “Wie viel kostet das da?” (How much does that there cost?). Using “das hier” or “das da” allows you to inquire without knowing the specific name.
Q: How do I ask about the price including tax?
A: You can ask “Ist das inklusive Mehrwertsteuer?” (Is that including VAT?) or “Ist die Mehrwertsteuer inbegriffen?” (Is the VAT included?). This ensures you know the final price you will be paying.
Q: What are some common responses to price inquiries?
A: Common responses include “Das kostet [amount] Euro” (That costs [amount] euros), “[Amount] Euro bitte” ([Amount] euros, please), and “Der Preis ist [amount] Euro” (The price is [amount] euros).
Q: How do I ask if something is on sale?
A: You can ask “Ist das im Angebot?” (Is that on sale?) or “Gibt es einen Rabatt?” (Is there a discount?). These phrases are helpful when looking for deals and promotions.
Conclusion
Mastering how to ask “How much?” in German is a fundamental skill for effective communication in German-speaking environments. By understanding the nuances of phrases like “Wie viel?” and “Was kostet…?”, and by practicing their usage in various contexts, you can significantly improve your confidence and fluency. Remember to pay attention to formality, noun agreement, and common mistakes to ensure your questions are accurate and polite.
Continue to practice these phrases in real-life situations, such as shopping, dining, or asking about services. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll be able to confidently ask about prices in German and navigate everyday interactions with ease.
Good luck with your German language journey!