Wie viel kostet das?
How much does that cost?
Littéralement: How much costs that?
Use this phrase whenever you need to know the price of something in any retail or casual setting.
En 15 secondes
- The standard way to ask for a price in German.
- Works in shops, markets, restaurants, and with friends.
- Swap 'kostet' for 'kosten' if asking about multiple items.
Signification
This is the go-to way to ask for the price of something in German. It is the most direct and common way to find out how much money you need to hand over.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At a local bakery
Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet das Brot?
Excuse me, how much does the bread cost?
At a flea market
Wie viel kostet das? Das ist aber teuer!
How much does that cost? That is quite expensive!
In a clothing store
Wie viel kostet das Kleid in Größe M?
How much does the dress cost in size M?
Contexte culturel
In Germany, price transparency is a legal requirement in most retail settings (Preisangabenverordnung). While bargaining is rare in standard shops, it is an art form at Sunday flea markets. Interestingly, Germans are famously price-conscious and love a good 'Angebot' (deal).
The 'Was macht das?' Trick
If you are at the register and the cashier has scanned everything, they might say 'Das macht 15 Euro.' You can ask 'Was macht das?' to get the total.
Plural Pitfall
If you point to a pair of shoes, remember they are plural in German (`die Schuhe`). Use `Wie viel kosten die?` instead of `kostet`.
En 15 secondes
- The standard way to ask for a price in German.
- Works in shops, markets, restaurants, and with friends.
- Swap 'kostet' for 'kosten' if asking about multiple items.
What It Means
Wie viel kostet das? is your bread and butter for shopping in Germany. It translates directly to "How much does that cost?" The structure is simple. Wie viel means "how much." Kostet is the verb for "costs." Das means "that" or "it." It is the most universal way to inquire about a price. You will hear it in every corner of the German-speaking world.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly straightforward. You can point at an item and say it. You can hold up a pretzel at the bakery. If you are talking about multiple items, change kostet to kosten. For example, Wie viel kosten die Äpfel? (How much do the apples cost?). It is flexible and fits almost anywhere. Just remember to use a friendly tone. A little smile goes a long way when talking about money.
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any commercial setting. Use it at the local farmers' market. Use it in a high-end boutique in Berlin. It works perfectly at a restaurant if the daily special has no price. It is also great for flea markets. If you are at a Flohmarkt, this phrase starts the negotiation. It is clear, concise, and leaves no room for confusion.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for services that are clearly free. Do not use it when asking for a favor from a friend. It sounds a bit cold if you ask a friend Wie viel kostet das? after they help you move. In that case, ask Was bekommst du dafür? (What do I owe you?). Also, avoid it in very formal contract negotiations. There, you might use more specific financial terms. But for 99% of daily life, it is perfect.
Cultural Background
Germans generally appreciate clarity and directness. Asking for a price upfront is not considered rude. It is seen as being practical. In many German cities, prices are clearly marked by law. However, in smaller shops or markets, the price might be missing. Germans value their Bargeld (cash) highly. Even today, many small shops only take cash. Always have some Euros ready after you ask this question!
Common Variations
You might hear Was kostet das? which means "What does that cost?" It is slightly shorter and very common. Another one is Wie teuer ist das? (How expensive is that?). This is often used when something looks particularly fancy. If you are in a hurry, you can even just say Was macht das? (What does that make?). This is very common at checkout counters. It is like asking for the total sum.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for all A1 learners. It works in both formal and informal settings without sounding out of place. Just remember to conjugate the verb for plural items.
The 'Was macht das?' Trick
If you are at the register and the cashier has scanned everything, they might say 'Das macht 15 Euro.' You can ask 'Was macht das?' to get the total.
Plural Pitfall
If you point to a pair of shoes, remember they are plural in German (`die Schuhe`). Use `Wie viel kosten die?` instead of `kostet`.
Cash is King
When you ask the price, be ready for the answer 'Nur Barzahlung' (Cash only). Many small German cafes and shops still don't accept cards!
Exemples
6Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet das Brot?
Excuse me, how much does the bread cost?
A polite way to ask for the price of a specific item.
Wie viel kostet das? Das ist aber teuer!
How much does that cost? That is quite expensive!
Used to start a negotiation or express surprise at a price.
Wie viel kostet das Kleid in Größe M?
How much does the dress cost in size M?
Adding specific details like size after the phrase.
Wie viel kostet das eigentlich?
How much does that actually cost?
Using 'eigentlich' makes it sound more casual and conversational.
Wie viel kostet das Glas Riesling?
How much does the glass of Riesling cost?
Perfect for when prices aren't listed on the menu.
Wahnsinn! Wie viel kostet das wohl?
Amazing! I wonder how much that costs?
Using 'wohl' indicates you are wondering out loud rather than asking for a quote.
Teste-toi
You are at a market and want to know the price of a single apple.
Wie viel ___ der Apfel?
Since 'der Apfel' is singular, you must use the singular verb form 'kostet'.
You are asking about the price of two beers.
Wie viel ___ die zwei Biere?
Since you are asking about multiple items (two beers), you use the plural form 'kosten'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Wie viel kostet das?'
Used with friends or at flea markets.
Was kostet das?
The standard, safe version for all shops.
Wie viel kostet das?
Polite inquiry in luxury settings.
Darf ich fragen, wie viel das kostet?
Where to use the phrase
Bakery
Asking for a pastry price.
Flea Market
Starting a bargain.
Kiosk
Buying a newspaper.
Boutique
Checking a price tag.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth work! Wie viel kostet das? is 'How much does it cost?', while Was kostet das? is 'What does it cost?'. They are interchangeable in 99% of situations.
No, that would be very strange! This is only for items or services. For people, you would ask about their fee or salary using different words.
Not at all. In Germany, being direct about money is seen as practical and honest rather than rude.
While you could use this phrase, it's more common to say Die Rechnung, bitte (The bill, please) or Zahlen, bitte (To pay, please).
Just point and say Wie viel kostet das da? (How much does that there cost?). The word das is a perfect placeholder.
You might hear Was soll das kosten? which can imply that the person thinks the price might be a bit high or negotiable.
It's always better! Wie viel kostet das, bitte? makes you sound much more polite and friendly to the shopkeeper.
You would ask Wie viel kostet das pro Kilo?. This is very common at vegetable stands and butcher shops.
You could say Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wie viel das kostet? (Could you please tell me how much that costs?).
For rent, Germans usually ask Wie hoch ist die Miete? (How high is the rent?), but Wie viel kostet die Wohnung? is also understood.
Expressions liées
Was kostet das?
What does that cost?
Wie teuer ist das?
How expensive is that?
Was macht das?
What does that come to? (Total)
Haben Sie ein Angebot?
Do you have a special offer/deal?
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