At the Supermarket Checkout
Use these phrases to handle everyday interactions smoothly at supermarket checkouts and self-service terminals in German-speaking countries.
Key Phrases
Ich brauche noch eine Tüte.
casualI still need a bag.
Short and direct; say this while placing items on the conveyor belt.
Könnte ich bitte noch eine Tüte haben?
politeCould I please have a bag?
A polite request when bags are kept behind the cashier counter.
Mit Karte, bitte.
casualBy card, please.
The most common and natural spoken phrase at the checkout.
Ich möchte bitte mit Karte zahlen.
politeI would like to pay by card, please.
Full polite sentence suitable for any retail store.
Ich bezahle bar.
neutralI am paying in cash.
Clear and standard when preparing your banknotes and coins.
Nein danke, habe ich nicht.
casualNo thanks, I don't have one.
Natural response when the cashier asks: 'Haben Sie eine Kundenkarte?'
Nein, ich sammle keine Punkte.
neutralNo, I do not collect points.
Common reply when asked about loyalty programs like Payback.
Den Bon brauche ich nicht, danke.
casualI don't need the receipt, thanks.
'Der Bon' is the standard everyday spoken word for receipt.
Nein danke, ich brauche keinen Beleg.
politeNo thank you, I do not need a receipt.
'Der Beleg' is the standard and slightly more formal term.
Entschuldigung, ich brauche hier kurz Hilfe.
neutralExcuse me, I need a little help here.
Call this out to get the terminal supervisor's attention.
Können Sie mir bitte kurz am Automaten helfen?
politeCould you please help me at the machine for a moment?
Polite request when the self-service terminal stops or shows an error.