Shopping is easy and similar rules apply anywhere – you look around, you pick, you pay and then you’re done but how to say it? This guide will help you when looking for a specific item or store and when checking out.
Einkaufen – Shopping in Germany
Though many Germans will have a sufficient command of English to help you out in your shopping endeavor, they may be hesitant to use it if it’s not perfect. Germans are perfectionists and not the most extroverted of people, so don’t take any shrugs personally. What a bit of prodding and persistency can’t achieve, you’ll be able to cover with this basic shopping vocabulary in German.
- Kann ich Ihnen helfen? – May I help you?
- Ja, ich suche… - Yes, I am looking for…
- Was darf’s sein? – What would you like?
- Haben Sie…? – Do you have…?
- Das gefällt mir. – I like that.
- Das gefällt mir nicht. – I don’t like that.
- Was kostet das? – How much is that?
- Das kostet… – That costs…
- Das macht… – That is…
- Wo ist die Umkleidekabine? – Where’s the changing room?
- Wo ist die Toilette? – Where’s the bathroom?
Notice the difference between das kostet and das macht: Kostet is used to ask for or tell a price, whereas macht is used after tallying various items.
Where to Shop in Germany
Most German cities will have a shopping district (Einkaufsstraße or Fußgängerzone) that is closed to vehicular traffic, making it very inviting to stroll along and do a bit of window shopping (Schaufensterbummel). Here, specialty shops (Spezialgeschäfte) rub shoulders with department stores (Kaufhäuser). Usually a little away from the city center (Stadtzentrum) is where you will find malls. They can be indoor shopping complexes (Einkaufszentrum) or an assortment of various large, detached stores. Here’s a list of the most common specialty stores:
- Abteilung – department
- Andenkenladen – souvenir shop
- Antiquariat – second-hand bookstore
- Antiquitätengeschäft – antique store
- Apotheke - pharmacy
- Ausverkauf - sale
- Bäckerei/Konditorei – bakery/pastry shop
- Bekleidungsgeschäft – clothes store
- Blumenladen - florist
- Buchladen – bookstore
- Computerladen – computer store
- Elektrogeschäft – appliance store
- Geschenkeladen – stationary and gift store
- Getränkemarkt – beverage
- Juwelier – jewelry store
- Kaufhaus – department store
- Kiosk – kiosk
- Lebensmittelgeschäft – grocery store
- Metzger – butcher
- Reformhaus – health/organic food store
- Schuhgeschäft – shoe store
- Spielzeuggeschäft – toy store
Both Geschäft and Laden are terms for a store and can be used quite interchangeably, similar to the English "store" and "shop". The only difference, if any, might be that Geschäft tends to be used for bigger stores and Laden for smaller ones.
Shopping in Germany – Special Types of Stores
Note that liquor stores are missing from the list above. That’s because there are no designated liquor stores in Germany. Alcoholic beverages are available anywhere from the food section in department stores to designated beverage stores that carry a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Or at a Kiosk, a small neighborhood store that stocks anything from newspapers and magazines to basic groceries, similar to the small convenience stores you would find at a gas station (Tankstelle).
These corner shops are usually a bit more expensive than chain stores but their opening hours are more flexible. Weekly markets (Wochenmarkt) are also common in most cities, and shoppers can buy anything from fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods to regional specialties and tasty snacks. This special vocabulary will help you when buying sausages, bread, beer or Christmas items in Germany.
When You’re Done Shopping - How to Pay
In most German stores, major credit cards are accepted but if in doubt, make sure to ask before you pick your items as smaller stores may not. Unlike the slightly grumpy reputation that German shopkeepers have, it is customary to say a quick hallo or other common German greetings when entering a shop, when being served or when checking out. Likewise, a quick tschüß or auf Wiedersehen is the polite way to exit.
- Sonst noch etwas? – Would you like anything else?
- Nein, danke. – No, thank you.
- Ich zahle bar. – I’m paying by cash.
- Bargeld - cash
- Geld – money
- Wechselgeld – change
- Und 5 Euro zurück. – And 5 Euro change. (literally: back (to you))
- Kann ich mit Kreditkarte zahlen? – Can I pay by credit card?
- Bitte unterschreiben Sie hier. – Please sign here.
- Wo ist der Geldautomat? – Where is the ATM?
- Danke, tschüss. – Thank you, bye-bye.
- Einen schönen Tag noch. – Have a nice day.
- Ihnen auch. - You too. (in response to the previous phrase)
Make sure to keep your receipt (Kassenbon) so that you can exchange an item if necessary. It is also a good idea to check regional and bank holidays beforehand, as most German shops will be closed on Sundays and holidays. Happy shopping!
Simone Preuss - Simone is a freelance writer, editor and translator who decided to go solo after a successful career in publishing. That was more than ...
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