In any shopping or financial context, knowing the right vocabulary for transactions is crucial. This section covers the most important German terms and expressions you'll need to handle purchases, payments, and exchanges smoothly.
- der Kauf (purchase)
- bezahlen (to pay)
- die Rechnung (bill, invoice)
- die Quittung (receipt)
- das Wechselgeld (change)
- die Zahlung (payment)
- bar (in cash)
- mit Karte (by card)
- umtauschen (to exchange)
- zurückgeben (to return)
- der Preis (price)
- teuer (expensive) / billig (cheap)
- das Sonderangebot (special offer)
- die Garantie (warranty)
- der Rabatt (discount)
Source Material
Author: German Very Easy
Document: Essential German Shopping Vocabulary
Date Published: 2024
Exercise:
- Match the German transaction words with their English meanings.
- Use five of these terms to write a short dialogue between a customer and cashier.
- Identify whether each term is more likely used before, during, or after a purchase.
Payment Methods
die Kreditkarte
- bar – in cash
- mit Kreditkarte – by credit card
- mit EC-Karte – with debit card
- die Überweisung – bank transfer
- per Lastschrift – direct debit
Source Material
Author: German Way
Document: Zahlungsmittel – Payment Methods in German
Date Published: 2024
Exercise:
List four payment methods in German and describe when each is typically used.
At the Store
checkout/cash register
- der Kassenzettel – receipt
- die Tüte / die Tasche – bag
- das Preisschild – price tag
- das Angebot – offer
- der Kunde / die Kundin – customer (male/female)
- das Rückgaberecht – return policy
Der Ausverkauf
Exercise:
Describe a shopping experience using at least six of the store-related terms in German.
Making a Complaint
- beschweren (sich) – to complain
- defekt – defective
- nicht zufrieden – not satisfied
- der Kundendienst / Kundenservice – customer service
- eine Lösung finden – to find a solution
die Garantie
Exercise:
Write a short complaint in German about a faulty product, using appropriate vocabulary.
Conclusion
Mastering transaction vocabulary empowers you to shop, pay, and solve problems confidently in German.
- Practice key words for payment, shopping, and complaints.
- Use new terms in real or simulated conversations.
- Knowing transaction vocabulary helps in everyday life and travel.