Survival German #9
German supermarkets have their own rules: a deposit system on bottles (Pfand), bagging your own groceries fast, and cash still being king in a few places. Here’s how to shop like a local.
How it actually works
- Know the chains: discounters (Aldi, Lidl, Netto) are cheapest; Rewe, Edeka are fuller-range; Alnatura and Denn’s for organic (bio).
- Bring your own bags — they cost money and aren’t handed out free. Bag your own groceries, quickly, at the end of the belt.
- Understand Pfand: most bottles and cans carry a deposit (25c for many). Return them at the Pfandautomat (reverse vending machine) for a voucher.
- Hand the Pfandbon (deposit voucher) to the cashier to deduct it from your bill.
- Pay — discounters love the Girocard or cash; a few small shops are still nur Bargeld (cash only).
The German you’ll need
Brauchen Sie eine Tüte? — Do you need a bag? (there’s usually a charge)
Wo kann ich das Pfand abgeben? — Where can I return the deposit bottles?
Ist auf dieser Flasche Pfand? — Is there a deposit on this bottle?
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? — Can I pay by card?
Nur Bargeld? — Cash only?
Ich hätte gern eine Quittung. — I’d like a receipt.
At the checkout: a real dialogue
Kassiererin: Guten Tag. Haben Sie Pfand?
Hello. Do you have any deposit bottles?
Anna: Ja, hier ist mein Pfandbon.
Yes, here’s my deposit voucher.
Kassiererin: Danke. Brauchen Sie eine Tüte?
Thanks. Do you need a bag?
Anna: Nein, ich habe eine dabei.
No, I’ve brought one.
Kassiererin: Das macht 23,40 Euro.
That’s 23.40 euros.
Anna: Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
Can I pay by card?
Kassiererin: Ja, gerne. Bitte hier.
Yes, sure. Here please.
Anna: Danke, schönen Tag!
Thanks, have a nice day!
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| der Pfand | deposit (on bottles/cans) |
| der Pfandbon | deposit voucher |
| der Pfandautomat | bottle-return machine |
| die Flasche | bottle |
| die Tüte | bag |
| die Kasse | checkout / till |
| das Bargeld | cash |
| die Quittung | receipt |
| die Dose | can |
Quick check
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Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- Bring your own bags and bag fast — German checkouts move quickly and there’s no bagging help.
- Save your Pfand bottles; the Pfandbon deducts straight off your bill and adds up.
- Discounters (Aldi, Lidl) are dramatically cheaper than full-service shops for staples.
- Sundays: almost everything is closed (except some shops at train stations and petrol stations). Stock up on Saturday.
- A few small shops and bakeries are still nur Bargeld (cash only) — carry a little cash.
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