Wie viel kostet das?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.