An der Supermarktkasse
The card doesn't work
Enis hands over his card at the till, but the payment does not go through. There is a queue behind him, and he goes red.
Das macht 12,30 Euro.That's 12.30 euros.
Mit Karte, bitte.By card, please.
Hmm… Die Karte funktioniert leider nicht. Haben Sie eine andere?Hmm… I'm afraid the card isn't working. Do you have another one?
Moment… Ich habe noch Bargeld. Wie viel war es?One moment… I've got some cash. How much was it?
12,30 Euro. Keine Eile, wir warten.12.30 euros. No rush, we'll wait.
Hier, 15 Euro. Entschuldigung, dass es so lange gedauert hat.Here, 15 euros. Sorry it took so long.
Ach was, passiert jedem mal. Schönen Tag noch!Oh, don't worry, it happens to everyone. Have a nice day!
Useful words
die Kasse (die Kassen)till, checkout
die Kassiererin (die Kassiererinnen)cashier (woman)
die Karte (die Karten)card
funktionierento work (of a machine or a card)
das Bargeldcash
die Eilehurry, rush
wartento wait
dauernto take (time), to last
passierento happen
Language note
Die Karte funktioniert nicht: when a card or a machine does not work, German says funktionieren. Arbeiten is the work that people do: Mein Vater arbeitet hier. English uses work for both.
Culture note
Small shops in Germany do not always accept cards, so keeping 20–30 euros in cash in your wallet can save the day.
Lifesaver phrases
Kann ich anders bezahlen?Can I pay another way?
Können Sie die Karte noch einmal versuchen?Could you try the card again?
Tut mir leid, das war keine Absicht.Sorry, I didn't mean to.
Written by: Fatih Ün, German teacher · Last updated: