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Vocab: Shopping — A2 (1)
Shopping vocabulary at A2 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
die Aktion — action, campaign; promotion; action, act
For an organized public activity, die Aktion means campaign or action. In shops, it can also mean a special promotion or sale.
Die Aktion beginnt morgen.
The campaign starts tomorrow.
beginnt means starts, and morgen means tomorrow. Die Aktion is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Wir planen die Aktion gemeinsam.
We are planning the campaign together.
planen means plan, and gemeinsam means together. Die Aktion is accusative because it is the direct object of planen; wir means we and is the subject.
Viele Menschen helfen der Aktion.
Many people help the campaign.
viele Menschen means many people, and helfen means help. Der Aktion is dative because helfen takes a dative object, although English uses no special form here.
Das Ziel der Aktion ist klar.
The aim of the campaign is clear.
das Ziel means aim or goal, and klar means clear. Der Aktion is genitive because it shows which campaign the aim belongs to.
Die Aktionen sind sehr beliebt.
The campaigns are very popular.
sind means are, sehr means very, and beliebt means popular. Die Aktionen is plural nominative as the subject; beliebt follows sein as a predicate adjective and has no ending.
Mit einer schnellen Aktion rettet sie das Kind.
With a quick action, she saves the child.
mit means with, schnellen means quick, rettet means saves, and das Kind means the child. Einer schnellen Aktion is dative after mit, while das Kind is accusative because it is the object of retten.
Diese Aktion war nicht geplant.
This action was not planned.
diese means this, war means was, nicht means not, and geplant means planned. Diese Aktion is nominative as the subject; war is in position two, and geplant comes after the linking verb.
anbieten — to offer
The usual pattern is jemandem etwas anbieten: the person is dative and the thing offered is accusative. It is a strong separable verb: anbieten – bot an – hat angeboten.
Der Kellner bietet an, uns die Speisekarte zu geben.
The waiter offers to give us the menu.
der Kellner means the waiter, uns means us, die Speisekarte means the menu, and geben means to give. Uns is dative because it is the person receiving the offer, while die Speisekarte is accusative; in this sentence bietet an is followed by a zu-infinitive clause.
Sie hat mir einen Kaffee angeboten.
She offered me a coffee.
mir means to me and einen Kaffee means a coffee. Mir is dative and einen Kaffee is accusative; the auxiliary hat is in position two and angeboten goes to the end because this is a perfect-tense clause.
Der Verkäufer bot an, mir eine günstigere Tasche zu zeigen.
The salesperson offered to show me a cheaper bag.
der Verkäufer means the salesperson, mir means to me, günstiger means cheaper, die Tasche means the bag, and zeigen means to show. Mir is dative and eine günstigere Tasche is accusative; the strong past form bot is in position two and an follows it before the zu-infinitive clause.
Biete an, ihm deine Hilfe zu geben!
Offer to give him your help!
ihm means to him, deine Hilfe means your help, and geben means to give. The imperative has no subject; ihm is dative, deine Hilfe is accusative, and the separated prefix an follows biete.
Ich würde dir einen Sitzplatz anbieten.
I would offer you a seat.
dir means to you and ein Sitzplatz means a seat. Dir is dative and einen Sitzplatz is accusative; in a clause with würde, the infinitive anbieten stays together at the end.
Wir werden den Gästen Getränke anbieten.
We will offer the guests drinks.
die Gäste means the guests and Getränke means drinks. Den Gästen is dative and Getränke is accusative; werden is in position two and the complete infinitive anbieten goes to the end.
der Artikel — article; item, article of writing; item, product; article, written piece
In grammar, der Artikel means an article such as der, die, das, ein or eine. In shopping and newspapers, the same noun can mean an item or a written article.
Der bestimmte Artikel steht vor dem Nomen.
The definite article comes before the noun.
bestimmt means definite, steht vor means stands before, and das Nomen means the noun. Der bestimmte Artikel is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb steht is in position two.
Setze den richtigen Artikel ein.
Insert the correct article.
setze ... ein means insert, and richtig means correct. den richtigen Artikel is accusative because einsetzen takes a direct object; the imperative verb setze comes first.
Mit dem Artikel üben wir die Fälle.
We practise the cases with the article.
üben means practise and die Fälle means the cases. mit always takes the dative, so dem Artikel is dative; the prepositional phrase is first and üben follows it.
Die Endung des Artikels zeigt den Kasus.
The ending of the article shows the case.
die Endung means the ending, zeigt means shows, and der Kasus means the grammatical case. des Artikels is genitive because it means of the article, and the noun adds -s in the genitive.
In diesem Text fehlen mehrere Artikel.
Several articles are missing from this text.
diesem Text means this text, fehlen means are missing, and mehrere means several. Artikel is plural after mehrere; in diesem Text is dative because it describes a location, not movement.
Welchen Artikel hat das Wort „Haus“?
Which article does the word “Haus” take?
welchen Artikel means which article, and das Wort means the word. welchen Artikel is accusative because haben takes a direct object; the question word welchen shows masculine accusative.
Dieser Artikel ist heute im Angebot.
This item is on sale today.
heute means today and im Angebot means on sale. Dieser Artikel is nominative because it is the subject, and ist is the finite verb in position two.
Ich möchte den Artikel online bestellen.
I would like to order the item online.
online means online and bestellen means order. den Artikel is accusative because bestellen takes a direct object; the infinitive bestellen goes to the end after möchte.
Ich habe einen interessanten Artikel gelesen.
I read an interesting article.
interessant means interesting and gelesen means read. einen interessanten Artikel is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; in the perfect, habe is in position two and gelesen goes to the end.
Der Artikel berichtet über den Klimawandel.
The article reports on climate change.
berichtet über means reports on and der Klimawandel means climate change. Der Artikel is nominative as the subject, while über takes the accusative here; the finite verb berichtet is in position two.
ausliefern — to deliver; to hand over; to extradite; to expose
The delivery meaning takes the item delivered as an accusative object: etwas ausliefern. Because ausliefern is separable, finite forms split in a main clause, but the infinitive and Partizip II stay together.
Der Bote liefert das Paket heute aus.
The courier is delivering the parcel today.
der Bote means the courier, das Paket means the parcel, and heute means today. Das Paket is accusative because ausliefern takes the delivered item as a direct object; liefert is in position two and aus goes to the end.
Wir haben die Bestellung gestern ausgeliefert.
We delivered the order yesterday.
die Bestellung means the order, and gestern means yesterday. Die Bestellung is accusative, and ausgeliefert goes to the end with haben in the perfect.
Die Firma lieferte die Möbel pünktlich aus.
The company delivered the furniture on time.
die Firma means the company, die Möbel means the furniture, and pünktlich means on time. Die Möbel is accusative, while the regular past form lieferte is in position two and aus is at the end.
Liefer das Essen heute aus!
Deliver the food today!
das Essen means the food, and heute means today. Liefer is the informal singular imperative, and the prefix aus stays at the end; das Essen is accusative.
Wenn die Firma mehr Fahrer hätte, lieferte sie schneller aus.
If the company had more drivers, it would deliver faster.
mehr Fahrer means more drivers, and schneller means faster. The wenn clause puts hätte at the end; in the main clause, lieferte expresses the unreal condition and aus is separated.
Die Post wird das Paket morgen ausliefern.
The post office will deliver the parcel tomorrow.
die Post means the post office, das Paket means the parcel, and morgen means tomorrow. Das Paket is accusative; wird is in position two and the complete infinitive ausliefern stands at the end.
Das Land liefert den Verdächtigen an Deutschland aus.
The country is extraditing the suspect to Germany.
das Land means the country, der Verdächtige means the suspect, and Deutschland means Germany. Den Verdächtigen is accusative because he is being handed over, while an Deutschland marks the destination; aus goes to the end.
Niemand darf die Gefangenen der Gefahr ausliefern.
No one may expose the prisoners to danger.
niemand means no one, die Gefangenen means the prisoners, and die Gefahr means danger. Die Gefangenen is accusative, while der Gefahr is dative because this expression means expose someone to danger; after darf, the infinitive stays at the end.
der Automat — machine; vending machine
Der Automat is often a machine that accepts money and supplies something, such as a ticket or drink. It is a weak masculine noun: use den Automaten, dem Automaten, and des Automaten, not the bare form in those cases.
Der Automat verkauft Getränke.
The vending machine sells drinks.
verkauft means sells and Getränke means drinks. Der Automat is the masculine nominative subject, and the finite verb verkauft is in position two.
Ich benutze den Automaten.
I use the machine.
benutze means use. Den Automaten is accusative because benutzen takes a direct object; Automat is a weak masculine noun and therefore adds -en outside the nominative.
Ich kaufe am Automaten eine Fahrkarte.
I buy a ticket at the machine.
kaufe means buy, am means at the, and eine Fahrkarte is a ticket. Am Automaten is dative because an here describes a location and is contracted in am; the weak noun takes -en.
Die Tür des Automaten ist kaputt.
The machine’s door is broken.
die Tür means the door and kaputt means broken. Des Automaten is genitive to show possession, and this weak masculine noun keeps the ending -en in the genitive.
Die Automaten stehen in der Bahnhofshalle.
The machines are in the station hall.
stehen means stand or are located, and die Bahnhofshalle is the station hall. Die Automaten is the plural subject; its -en ending is the same as in the oblique singular forms, so die shows that it is plural.
bedienen — to serve, to attend to; to operate, to use
In a shop or restaurant, jemanden bedienen means to serve or attend to someone and takes an accusative object. The same verb also means to operate a machine; the reflexive expression sich einer Sache bedienen is formal and means to make use of something.
Die Kellnerin bedient die Gäste.
The waitress serves the guests.
die Kellnerin means “the waitress,” and die Gäste means “the guests.” die Gäste is accusative because bedienen takes an accusative object; the finite verb bedient stands in position two.
Der Kellner hat uns schnell bedient.
The waiter served us quickly.
der Kellner means “the waiter,” uns means “us,” and schnell means “quickly.” uns is accusative as the customers being served; hat is in position two and the Partizip II bedient goes to the end.
Die Verkäuferin bediente mehrere Kunden.
The sales assistant served several customers.
die Verkäuferin means “the sales assistant,” and mehrere Kunden means “several customers.” The object is accusative because bedienen is transitive, and the weak past form bediente stands in position two.
Bedien bitte die Gäste am Fenster.
Please serve the guests by the window.
bitte means “please,” die Gäste means “the guests,” and am Fenster means “by the window.” The imperative bedien comes first; die Gäste is accusative because they are the people being served, while am means an dem and marks location with the dative.
Wenn ich im Café arbeiten würde, würde ich die Kunden gern bedienen.
If I worked in the café, I would gladly serve the customers.
wenn means “if,” im Café means “in the café,” arbeiten means “work,” and gern means “gladly.” In the wenn clause, arbeiten würde places the verb at the end; in the main clause, würde is in position two and the infinitive bedienen is at the end.
Die Mitarbeiterin wird die nächsten Gäste bedienen.
The employee will serve the next guests.
die Mitarbeiterin means “the female employee,” and die nächsten Gäste means “the next guests.” The guests are accusative because bedienen takes an accusative object; wird is in position two and bedienen goes to the end.
Kannst du diese Maschine bedienen?
Can you operate this machine?
kannst du means “can you,” and diese Maschine means “this machine.” diese Maschine is accusative because it is the object of bedienen; after the modal verb kannst, the infinitive bedienen goes to the end.
Sie bedient das Gerät mit einer Fernbedienung.
She operates the device with a remote control.
das Gerät means “the device,” and mit einer Fernbedienung means “with a remote control.” das Gerät is accusative as the object of bedient, while mit takes the dative, so einer Fernbedienung is dative.
der Beleg — receipt, payment document; evidence, supporting document
A Beleg is proof of a purchase or payment, usually a receipt. Keep Beleg separate from Beweis, which is evidence or proof in a wider sense.
Der Beleg liegt auf dem Tisch.
The receipt is on the table.
liegt means is lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. der Beleg is nominative because it is the subject; auf takes the dative dem Tisch here because the sentence describes a location, not movement.
Ich brauche den Beleg.
I need the receipt.
brauchen means to need. den Beleg is accusative because brauchen takes an accusative object, and the finite verb brauche stands in position two.
Ich gebe dem Kunden den Beleg.
I give the customer the receipt.
geben means to give and dem Kunden means to the customer. dem Kunden is dative because it is the recipient, while den Beleg is accusative as the thing given; gebe is in position two.
Die Nummer des Belegs steht oben.
The number of the receipt is at the top.
die Nummer means the number and oben means at the top. des Belegs is genitive because it means “of the receipt”; the masculine noun takes -s and the article des.
Bitte sammeln Sie alle Belege.
Please collect all the receipts.
bitte means please, sammeln means collect, and alle means all. Belege is the plural form, made with -e; alle Belege is accusative as the object of sammeln, although this example fills the plural slot.
Für diese Behauptung gibt es keinen Beleg.
There is no evidence for this claim.
diese Behauptung means this claim and keinen means no or not any. für requires the accusative diese Behauptung; es gibt is a fixed expression meaning there is or there are, and keinen Beleg is its accusative object.
Die Studie liefert wichtige Belege für diese Theorie.
The study provides important evidence for this theory.
die Studie means the study, liefert means provides, wichtige means important, and diese Theorie means this theory. wichtige Belege is the plural accusative object of liefert, while für diese Theorie also uses the accusative because für always requires it.
besorgen — to get, obtain, arrange
This regular weak verb takes an accusative object for the thing obtained: jemand besorgt etwas. Its perfect uses haben, and because it begins with inseparable be-, its Partizip II is besorgt, not gebesorgt.
Ich besorge heute die Fahrkarten.
I will get the tickets today.
heute means today and die Fahrkarten means the tickets. Die Fahrkarten is accusative because besorgen takes the thing obtained as an accusative object; the finite verb besorge stands in position two.
Sie hat ein Geschenk besorgt.
She got a present.
sie means she and ein Geschenk means a present. Ein Geschenk is accusative because it is the object of besorgen; the auxiliary hat is in position two and besorgt goes to the end, and the form is besorgt, not gebesorgt.
Er besorgte schnell neue Schuhe.
He quickly got new shoes.
schnell means quickly and neue Schuhe means new shoes. Neue Schuhe is accusative because they are what he obtained; the weak past form besorgte is the finite verb in position two.
Besorg bitte noch Brot!
Please get some more bread!
bitte means please, noch means some more, and Brot means bread. Besorg is the informal du command and has no ending; Brot is an accusative object, although its mass-noun form has no visible article.
Wenn ich Zeit hätte, besorgte ich die Karten selbst.
If I had time, I would get the tickets myself.
wenn means if, Zeit means time, die Karten means the tickets, and selbst means myself. The sentence uses the Konjunktiv II form besorgte for an unreal situation; the verb comes at the end of the wenn-clause but returns to position two in the main clause.
Ich werde morgen ein Geschenk besorgen.
I will get a present tomorrow.
morgen means tomorrow and ein Geschenk means a present. Ein Geschenk is accusative because it is the object; werde is in position two and the infinitive besorgen goes to the end.
die Bestellnummer — order number
Bestellnummer is a compound made from Bestellung (order) and Nummer (number). Its plural is Bestellnummern, following the plural of Nummer.
Die Bestellnummer steht auf der E-Mail.
The order number is in the email.
steht means is written or appears, auf der E-Mail means in the email, and die E-Mail is the email. Die Bestellnummer is nominative because it is the subject; auf der E-Mail describes location and therefore uses the dative.
Bitte nennen Sie die Bestellnummer.
Please state the order number.
bitte means please, and nennen means state or give a name. Die Bestellnummer is accusative because nennen takes a direct object; the polite command uses nennen Sie, with the formal subject Sie.
Der Mitarbeiter hilft mir mit der Bestellnummer.
The employee helps me with the order number.
der Mitarbeiter is the employee, hilft means helps, and mir means to me. Der Bestellnummer is dative because mit always takes the dative; mir is also dative because helfen takes a dative person.
Die Eingabe der Bestellnummer war falsch.
Entering the order number was incorrect.
die Eingabe means the entry or entering, war means was, and falsch means incorrect. Der Bestellnummer is genitive because it identifies which number was entered; the finite verb war is in position two.
Die Bestellnummern stehen auf den Rechnungen.
The order numbers are on the invoices.
stehen means are written or appear, and die Rechnungen are the invoices. Bestellnummern is the plural subject in the nominative; auf den Rechnungen describes location and therefore takes the dative plural.
bieten — to offer, to provide; to offer, to provide (a possibility or advantage)
bieten normally has the pattern jemandem etwas bieten: the person receiving the offer is dative, and the thing offered is accusative. Its principal parts are bieten - bot - hat geboten; do not confuse it with anbieten, which means to offer something actively for sale or use and has a separable prefix.
Die Firma bietet ihren Mitarbeitern flexible Arbeitszeiten.
The company offers its employees flexible working hours.
die Firma is the company, ihren Mitarbeitern means its employees, and flexible Arbeitszeiten means flexible working hours. ihren Mitarbeitern is dative because they receive the offer, while flexible Arbeitszeiten is accusative; the finite verb bietet is in position two.
Das Hotel hat uns ein kostenloses Frühstück geboten.
The hotel offered us a free breakfast.
das Hotel is the hotel, uns means us, and kostenloses Frühstück means free breakfast. uns is dative and ein kostenloses Frühstück is accusative; the auxiliary hat is in position two and geboten goes to the end.
Der Händler bot den Kunden einen Rabatt an.
The dealer offered the customers a discount.
der Händler is the dealer, den Kunden means the customers, and einen Rabatt is a discount. den Kunden is dative because they receive the offer, while einen Rabatt is accusative; bot is the strong-verb preterite and stands in position two.
Biete ihm deine Hilfe an!
Offer him your help!
ihm means to him, deine Hilfe means your help, and anbieten means to offer. ihm is dative and deine Hilfe is accusative; in this imperative, the direct command form biete stands first, while the separable prefix an goes to the end.
Wenn ich mehr Zeit hätte, böte ich dir meine Unterstützung an.
If I had more time, I would offer you my support.
mehr Zeit means more time, and Unterstützung means support. dir is dative because you would receive the offer; hätte and böte form an unreal condition, with böte at the end of the subordinate clause and an at the end of the main clause.
Wir werden Ihnen mehrere Lösungen bieten.
We will offer you several solutions.
Ihnen is the formal word for to you, and mehrere Lösungen means several solutions. Ihnen is dative and mehrere Lösungen is accusative; the auxiliary werden is in position two and the infinitive bieten goes to the end.
Der Balkon bietet einen schönen Blick auf den See.
The balcony offers a beautiful view of the lake.
der Balkon is the balcony, einen schönen Blick is a beautiful view, and der See is the lake. einen schönen Blick is accusative because it is what the balcony offers; auf den See uses accusative because the view is directed toward the lake.
Diese Stelle bietet viele Chancen für junge Menschen.
This position offers many opportunities for young people.
diese Stelle means this position or job, and viele Chancen means many opportunities. viele Chancen is accusative as the thing offered, while für junge Menschen uses accusative because für always takes the accusative.
das Bioprodukt — organic product
Bioprodukt usually refers to organic food, but it can also describe other goods made to organic standards. The plural is Bioprodukte, with the ending -e.
Das Bioprodukt ist teurer als das normale Produkt.
The organic product is more expensive than the conventional product.
teurer means more expensive and normal means conventional or ordinary. Das Bioprodukt is nominative because it is the subject of ist; als introduces the comparison with das normale Produkt.
Ich kaufe das Bioprodukt im Supermarkt.
I buy the organic product at the supermarket.
kaufe means buy, im Supermarkt means at the supermarket, and Supermarkt is a supermarket. das Bioprodukt is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; the finite verb kaufe is in position two.
Wir vertrauen dem Bioprodukt nicht.
We do not trust the organic product.
vertrauen means to trust and nicht means not. dem Bioprodukt is dative because vertrauen always takes a dative object; the finite verb vertrauen is in position two and nicht comes later in the clause.
Die Qualität des Bioprodukts ist sehr gut.
The quality of the organic product is very good.
die Qualität means the quality and sehr gut means very good. des Bioprodukts is genitive and shows which product the quality belongs to; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Bioprodukte findet man heute in vielen Läden.
Nowadays you can find organic products in many shops.
heute means nowadays or today, viele means many, and Läden means shops. Bioprodukte is a plural object with no article after findet man; man means one or people in general, and the finite verb findet remains in position two.
die Buchhandlung — bookshop, bookstore
A Buchhandlung is a shop, not a library; a library is die Bibliothek. The compound contains Buch, meaning “book”, and Handlung, meaning “shop” in this word.
Die Buchhandlung öffnet um neun Uhr.
The bookshop opens at nine o’clock.
öffnet means “opens”, and um neun Uhr means “at nine o’clock”. Die Buchhandlung is nominative because it is the subject, and öffnet stands in position two.
Ich besuche die Buchhandlung am Samstag.
I am visiting the bookshop on Saturday.
besuche means “visit”, am Samstag means “on Saturday”, and ich means “I”. Die Buchhandlung is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object, and besuche is in position two.
Wir kaufen in der Buchhandlung ein Geschenk.
We are buying a present in the bookshop.
kaufen means “buy”, ein Geschenk means “a present”, and in means “in”. Der Buchhandlung is dative because in describes a location here; the finite verb kaufen stands in position two.
Die Tür der Buchhandlung ist geschlossen.
The door of the bookshop is closed.
die Tür means “the door”, and geschlossen means “closed”. Der Buchhandlung is genitive after Tür to show which door is meant; ist stands in position two.
In Berlin gibt es viele Buchhandlungen.
There are many bookshops in Berlin.
in Berlin means “in Berlin”, and viele means “many”. Buchhandlungen is plural after viele; in es gibt, the thing that exists is accusative, and gibt stands in position two.
bummeln — to stroll; to browse; to dawdle; to work slowly
Bummeln means moving around slowly and pleasantly, often in town or in shops. The perfect is normally formed with sein when the meaning clearly describes movement from place to place, although haben can occur when the focus is simply on spending time browsing.
Ich bummele jeden Samstag durch die Stadt.
Every Saturday I stroll through the city.
jeden Samstag means every Saturday, and durch die Stadt means through the city. Bummele is a regular present-tense form; durch takes the accusative, and the finite verb is in position two.
Wir sind gestern lange durch die Altstadt gebummelt.
Yesterday we strolled through the old town for a long time.
gestern means yesterday, lange means for a long time, and die Altstadt is the old town. Here gebummelt forms the perfect with sein because the sentence presents movement from place to place; the Partizip II goes at the end.
Früher bummelte er nach der Arbeit durch die Geschäfte.
He used to browse through the shops after work.
früher means in the past, nach der Arbeit means after work, and die Geschäfte are the shops. Bummelte is the regular preterite; nach takes the dative in der Arbeit.
Bummle nicht so lange durch die Läden!
Don’t take so long browsing through the shops!
nicht so lange means not for so long, and die Läden are the shops. Bummle is the du imperative and stands first; durch takes the accusative.
Ich würde gern durch die Stadt bummeln, wenn ich Zeit hätte.
I would like to stroll through the city if I had time.
gern means gladly or would like to, and wenn ich Zeit hätte means if I had time. Würde bummeln expresses a hypothetical wish; the infinitive bummeln goes to the end of the main clause, while hätte goes to the end of the wenn clause.
Morgen werde ich nach dem Frühstück durch die Altstadt bummeln.
Tomorrow I will stroll through the old town after breakfast.
morgen means tomorrow, nach dem Frühstück means after breakfast, and die Altstadt is the old town. In the future, werde is in position two and the infinitive bummeln goes to the end.
Wenn du beim Packen bummelst, verpassen wir den Zug.
If you dawdle while packing, we will miss the train.
beim Packen means while packing, verpassen means miss, and der Zug is the train. Bummelst goes to the end of the wenn clause because it is subordinate; the warning describes a condition.
Die Chefin sagt, dass er bei der Arbeit bummelt.
The boss says that he is working too slowly.
die Chefin is the female boss, sagen means to say, and bei der Arbeit means at work. Bummelt stands at the end of the dass clause, and bei takes the dative.
der Edelstein — gemstone; gemstone, jewel
Der Edelstein is a valuable stone used in jewellery. The regular plural is die Edelsteine, and the genitive is des Edelsteins.
Der Edelstein glänzt im Licht.
The gemstone shines in the light.
glänzen means to shine, and das Licht means the light. Der Edelstein is nominative because it is the subject; glänzt is the finite verb in position two.
Sie kauft den Edelstein für ihre Mutter.
She is buying the gemstone for her mother.
kaufen means to buy, and ihre Mutter means her mother. Den Edelstein is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; für also forces the accusative in für ihre Mutter.
Der Händler zeigt dem Kunden dem Edelstein?
The dealer shows the customer the gemstone?
der Händler means the dealer and der Kunde means the customer. This sentence is not natural because zeigen needs the thing shown in the accusative, so the correct phrase is den Edelstein, not dem Edelstein; dative normally marks the person receiving or being shown something.
Die Farbe des Edelsteins ist außergewöhnlich.
The colour of the gemstone is extraordinary.
die Farbe means the colour and außergewöhnlich means extraordinary. Des Edelsteins is genitive because it identifies whose colour it is; the finite verb ist remains in position two.
Im Museum liegen viele Edelsteine.
Many gemstones are on display in the museum.
das Museum means the museum, liegen means lie or be located, and viele means many. Edelsteine is plural and nominative because it is the subject; im Museum is dative because im means in dem for a location.
Der Ring ist mit einem Edelstein besetzt.
The ring is set with a gemstone.
der Ring means the ring and besetzt means set or decorated. Mit forces the dative, so einem Edelstein is dative; ist besetzt describes the ring’s state.
Sie bewahrt den Edelstein in einer Schachtel auf.
She keeps the gemstone in a box.
bewahren means to keep safe, die Schachtel means the box, and aufbewahren means to store or keep. Den Edelstein is accusative after bewahren; the separable verb appears as bewahrt ... auf, with auf at the end.
der Einkaufszettel — shopping list
The compound contains der Einkauf, shopping or a purchase, and der Zettel, a small piece of paper or note. It normally means a list for shopping, not a list of shopping trips.
Der Einkaufszettel liegt auf dem Tisch.
The shopping list is lying on the table.
liegt means is lying, and der Tisch means the table. Der Einkaufszettel is nominative because it is the subject; dem Tisch is dative because the preposition auf shows location here.
Ich schreibe einen Einkaufszettel.
I am writing a shopping list.
schreibe means write. Einen Einkaufszettel is accusative because schreiben takes a direct object, and the finite verb schreibe stands in position two.
Ich gehe mit dem Einkaufszettel in den Supermarkt.
I am going to the supermarket with the shopping list.
mit means with, gehen means to go, and der Supermarkt means the supermarket. Dem Einkaufszettel is dative because mit always takes the dative; in den Supermarkt is accusative because in expresses movement towards a place.
Die Farbe des Einkaufszettels ist blau.
The colour of the shopping list is blue.
die Farbe means the colour, and blau means blue. Des Einkaufszettels is genitive because it shows whose colour is meant, while ist is the finite verb in position two.
Die Einkaufszettel liegen neben der Kasse.
The shopping lists are lying next to the checkout.
liegen means are lying, neben means next to, and die Kasse means the checkout. Einkaufszettel is unchanged in the plural, and der Kasse is dative because neben expresses location here.
Bitte nimm den Einkaufszettel mit.
Please take the shopping list with you.
bitte means please, nimm means take, and mit means along or with you. Den Einkaufszettel is accusative because nehmen takes a direct object; mitnehmen is separable, so mit stands at the end.
die Ermäßigung — discount, reduction; reduction, fee concession
This noun usually means a price reduction, especially for a particular group. It is a feminine noun ending in -ung, so its plural is Ermäßigungen.
Die Ermäßigung gilt nur für Studierende.
The discount is only valid for students.
gilt means is valid, and nur means only; Studierende means students. Die Ermäßigung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb gilt stands in position two.
Ich bekomme die Ermäßigung an der Kasse.
I get the discount at the checkout.
bekomme means get, and an der Kasse means at the checkout. Die Ermäßigung is accusative because bekommen takes a direct object, while an der Kasse is a dative location.
Die Verkäuferin erklärt mir der Ermäßigung die Bedingungen.
The sales assistant explains the conditions of the discount to me.
die Verkäuferin is the sales assistant, erklärt means explains, and die Bedingungen are the conditions. The natural dative form is der Ermäßigung only when it is introduced by a dative construction; here the sentence uses mir as the dative recipient, so der Ermäßigung is a dative example inside the phrase mit der Ermäßigung would be needed for a natural use; this sentence is therefore not a model for that case.
Der Preis der Ermäßigung steht auf dem Ausweis.
The price of the discount is written on the ID card.
der Preis means the price, steht means is written or stands, and der Ausweis is the ID card. Der Ermäßigung is genitive because it specifies whose price is meant; the genitive phrase follows the noun it describes.
Die Ermäßigungen gelten nicht am Wochenende.
The discounts are not valid at the weekend.
gelten means are valid, nicht means not, and am Wochenende means at the weekend. Die Ermäßigungen is plural nominative because it is the subject, and the plural verb gelten must agree with it.
Die Stadt bietet eine Ermäßigung der Gebühren an.
The city offers a reduction in the fees.
die Stadt is the city, bietet ... an means offers, and die Gebühren are the fees. Eine Ermäßigung is accusative because it is the object of anbieten; the separable verb places an at the end of the main clause.
Wegen der Krankheit erhielt er eine Ermäßigung.
Because of the illness, he received a reduction.
wegen der Krankheit means because of the illness, and erhielt means received. Der Krankheit is genitive after wegen in careful standard German, while eine Ermäßigung is accusative after erhielt.
die Filiale — branch; local branch office
Filiale is especially common for a branch of a bank, shop, or other company. It is a feminine noun, and its plural is Filialen, not Filiale.
Die Filiale öffnet um neun Uhr.
The branch opens at nine o'clock.
öffnet means opens and um neun Uhr means at nine o'clock. Die Filiale is nominative because it is the subject, and öffnet stands in position two.
Ich besuche die Filiale am Samstag.
I am visiting the branch on Saturday.
besuche means visit and am Samstag means on Saturday. Die Filiale is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; besuche is the finite verb in position two.
Wir arbeiten in der Filiale.
We work in the branch.
arbeiten means work. Der Filiale is dative because in describes a fixed location here; the finite verb arbeiten is in position two.
Die Adresse der Filiale steht auf der Website.
The branch's address is on the website.
Die Adresse means the address, steht means is written or stands, and die Website means the website. Der Filiale is genitive because it shows which branch the address belongs to.
In Berlin gibt es drei neue Filialen.
There are three new branches in Berlin.
In Berlin means in Berlin, drei means three, and neue means new. Filialen is plural after drei; with es gibt, the thing that exists is grammatically accusative.
der Fleischerladen — butcher’s shop
Fleischerladen is a compound of Fleischer and Laden. Its plural is Fleischerläden, while its genitive singular is des Fleischerladens.
Der Fleischerladen öffnet um sieben Uhr.
The butcher’s shop opens at seven o’clock.
öffnet means opens, and um sieben Uhr means at seven o’clock. Der Fleischerladen is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb öffnet stands in position two.
Wir suchen den Fleischerladen im Zentrum.
We are looking for the butcher’s shop in the town centre.
suchen means to look for, and im Zentrum means in the town centre. Den Fleischerladen is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; im is short for in dem.
Ich kaufe im Fleischerladen frische Wurst.
I buy fresh sausage at the butcher’s shop.
frische Wurst means fresh sausage. Im Fleischerladen is dative because in describes a location here, not movement into it; im is short for in dem.
Die Tür des Fleischerladens ist geschlossen.
The door of the butcher’s shop is closed.
die Tür means the door, and geschlossen means closed. Des Fleischerladens is genitive because it shows which shop the door belongs to; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Fleischerläden verkaufen auch Käse.
The butcher’s shops also sell cheese.
verkaufen means sell, auch means also, and der Käse means cheese. Die Fleischerläden is plural and nominative, so the plural verb verkaufen stands in position two.
der Flohmarkt — flea market
The compound der Flohmarkt combines Floh, flea, and Markt, market. It normally refers to a market for used goods, not to a market selling fleas.
Der Flohmarkt ist heute auf dem Marktplatz.
The flea market is in the market square today.
heute means today, and der Marktplatz means the market square. Der Flohmarkt is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Wir besuchen den Flohmarkt am Sonntag.
We are visiting the flea market on Sunday.
wir besuchen means we are visiting, and am Sonntag means on Sunday. Den Flohmarkt is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; besuchen is the finite verb in position two.
Auf dem Flohmarkt finde ich alte Bücher.
I find old books at the flea market.
auf dem Flohmarkt means at the flea market, and alte Bücher means old books. The preposition auf takes the dative here because this describes a location, not movement; finde is in position two.
Die Preise des Flohmarkts sind niedrig.
The prices at the flea market are low.
die Preise means the prices, and niedrig means low. Des Flohmarkts is genitive and shows whose prices they are; the plural noun Preise is the subject and sind is in position two.
Am Wochenende gibt es viele Flohmärkte.
There are many flea markets at the weekend.
am Wochenende means at the weekend, and viele means many. Flohmärkte is the plural after viele; in es gibt, the thing that exists is accusative, although the article is not visible here.
der Flyer — flyer, leaflet
Der Flyer is a small printed leaflet used for advertising. It is a borrowed noun with the unchanged plural die Flyer.
Der Flyer liegt auf dem Tisch.
The flyer is lying on the table.
liegt means is lying, auf dem Tisch means on the table. Der Flyer is nominative because it is the subject, and liegt stands in position two.
Ich lese den Flyer im Bus.
I read the flyer on the bus.
lese means read, im Bus means on the bus or on the bus ride. Den Flyer is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the finite verb lese is in position two.
Wir geben dem Flyer einen neuen Platz.
We give the flyer a new place.
geben means give, einen neuen Platz means a new place. Dem Flyer is dative because it is the thing being assigned a place, while einen neuen Platz is accusative.
Die Farbe des Flyers ist sehr auffällig.
The colour of the flyer is very striking.
die Farbe means the colour, sehr means very, and auffällig means striking or eye-catching. Des Flyers is genitive because it shows whose colour is meant; the borrowed noun takes -s.
Die Flyer liegen am Eingang.
The flyers are lying at the entrance.
liegen means are lying and der Eingang is the entrance. Die Flyer is plural even though Flyer has no plural ending; the verb changes from liegt to liegen.
die Garantie — guarantee, warranty; assurance, guarantee
die Garantie usually refers to a product warranty, while a promise or assurance can also be a guarantee. The common phrase Garantie geben means to give a guarantee; the plural is Garantien.
Die Garantie gilt zwei Jahre.
The warranty is valid for two years.
gilt means is valid or applies, and zwei Jahre means two years. Die Garantie is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb gilt stands in position two.
Der Händler gibt die Garantie.
The retailer provides the guarantee.
der Händler means the retailer or dealer, and gibt means gives or provides. die Garantie is accusative because geben takes an accusative thing as its object; the feminine article remains die in the accusative.
Der Kunde vertraut der Garantie.
The customer trusts the guarantee.
der Kunde means the customer, and vertraut means trusts. vertrauen takes the dative, so der Garantie is dative; the finite verb vertraut is in position two.
Die Dauer der Garantie steht auf dem Kaufbeleg.
The duration of the warranty is stated on the receipt.
die Dauer means the duration, steht means is written or stated, and der Kaufbeleg means the receipt. der Garantie is genitive and means of the warranty; steht is in position two, while auf dem Kaufbeleg is a location phrase in the dative.
Für diese Geräte gibt es lange Garantien.
There are long warranties for these devices.
für diese Geräte means for these devices, and lange means long. Garantien is the plural of Garantie; after es gibt, the plural noun is accusative, and für also takes the accusative.
Niemand kann eine Garantie für den Erfolg geben.
Nobody can guarantee success.
niemand means nobody, Erfolg means success, and geben means to give. eine Garantie is accusative as the object of geben, while für den Erfolg means for success and uses the accusative because für always governs that case.
Das ist keine Garantie für ein gutes Ergebnis.
That is no guarantee of a good result.
kein means no, gutes Ergebnis means good result, and das means that. keine Garantie is nominative after ist because it identifies the subject; für ein gutes Ergebnis is a prepositional phrase with accusative after für.
gebraucht — used, second-hand; used, already used
gebraucht usually means used or second-hand when it describes an object. It can be compared, although comparisons such as am gebrauchtesten are less common than comparisons of price or condition.
Das Auto ist noch gut gebraucht.
The car is still good despite being used.
das Auto means the car, and noch gut means still good. gebraucht is a predicative adjective after ist, so it has no ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir kaufen einen gebrauchten Tisch.
We are buying a used table.
kaufen means to buy, and der Tisch is a table. einen gebrauchten Tisch is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; the adjective gets -en after einen.
Dieses Fahrrad ist gebrauchter als mein altes.
This bicycle is more used than my old one.
dieses Fahrrad means this bicycle, and altes means old one, referring to an old bicycle. gebrauchter compares two things with als; after ist, the adjective is predicative and has no ending.
Von den drei Autos ist dieses am gebrauchtesten.
Of the three cars, this one is the most used.
von den drei Autos means of the three cars, and dieses means this one. von takes the dative, while am gebrauchtesten is the predicative superlative and stands after ist.
Bitte wirf das gebrauchte Taschentuch weg.
Please throw the used tissue away.
wirf ... weg means throw away, and das Taschentuch is the tissue. das gebrauchte Taschentuch is accusative because wegwerfen takes a direct object; in this imperative, wirf comes first and the separable part weg goes to the end.
Im Bad liegen gebrauchte Handtücher.
Used towels are lying in the bathroom.
im Bad means in the bathroom, and liegen means are lying. gebrauchte Handtücher is the plural subject in the nominative; the finite verb liegen is in position two, and the adjective has the plural ending -e.
der Gemüsehändler — vegetable seller, greengrocer
The compound Gemüsehändler combines Gemüse (vegetables) and Händler (seller or trader). It can mean a shopkeeper or a person selling vegetables at a market.
Der Gemüsehändler arbeitet heute.
The vegetable seller is working today.
arbeitet means is working, and heute means today. Der Gemüsehändler is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich sehe den Gemüsehändler im Laden.
I see the vegetable seller in the shop.
sehe means see, im Laden means in the shop. Den Gemüsehändler is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the article changes from der to den.
Ich kaufe bei dem Gemüsehändler ein.
I shop at the vegetable seller's.
kaufe ... ein means shop or buy things, and bei means at someone's place or business. Dem Gemüsehändler is dative because bei always takes the dative; ein separates from einkaufen and goes to the end.
Das Fahrrad des Gemüsehändlers steht draußen.
The vegetable seller's bicycle is outside.
das Fahrrad means the bicycle and draußen means outside. Des Gemüsehändlers shows possession in the genitive; this masculine noun adds -s in that case.
Auf dem Markt arbeiten mehrere Gemüsehändler.
Several vegetable sellers work at the market.
auf dem Markt means at the market, and mehrere means several. Gemüsehändler has the same ending in the plural as in the singular, while mehrere and the verb arbeiten show the plural.
gratis — free, free of charge
gratis is used for something that costs nothing. It is often used before a noun without an adjective ending, and it normally does not take a special comparative or superlative ending.
Der Eintritt ist gratis.
Admission is free.
Der Eintritt means admission or entry, and gratis means free of charge. The adjective stands after ist in the predicative position; it has no ending here, and learners should not add an adjective ending.
Wir bekommen eine gratis Zeitung.
We get a free newspaper.
bekommen means get, and eine Zeitung means a newspaper. eine gratis Zeitung is an accusative object after bekommen; gratis is commonly used without an adjective ending in this expression, so do not change it to gratise.
Diese Mitgliedschaft ist mehr oder weniger gratis.
This membership is more or less free.
Diese Mitgliedschaft means this membership, and mehr oder weniger means more or less. The phrase gives a comparative degree to the unchanged adjective gratis after ist; gratis normally has no special comparative ending.
Von den drei Angeboten ist dieses am meisten gratis.
Of the three offers, this one is the most free of charge.
von den drei Angeboten means of the three offers, and dieses means this one. am meisten gratis uses am meisten with the unchanged adjective because gratis normally has no simple superlative form; the phrase follows ist in the predicative position.
gratis — for free, free of charge
As an adverb, gratis describes an action that costs nothing. It does not change its form and should not be confused with the adjective ending in a longer noun phrase.
Sie können die App gratis herunterladen.
You can download the app for free.
Sie können means you can, die App means the app, and herunterladen means download. gratis is an adverb modifying herunterladen; the modal verb können is in position two and the infinitive goes to the end.
Kinder fahren heute gratis.
Children travel for free today.
Kinder means children and heute means today; fahren means travel or ride. gratis is an adverb at the end of the clause, describing the conditions of the travel, while the finite verb fahren is in position two.
der Kassenbon — receipt; sales slip
Der Kassenbon is the printed proof of a purchase. In Germany, shops may ask whether you want einen Kassenbon; the word is masculine and its plural ends in -s.
Der Kassenbon liegt in der Tasche.
The receipt is in the bag.
liegt means is lying, and die Tasche is the bag. Der Kassenbon is the nominative subject, while the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Ich brauche den Kassenbon.
I need the receipt.
brauche means need. Den Kassenbon is masculine accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich gebe dem Kunden den Kassenbon.
I give the customer the receipt.
gebe means give and der Kunde is the customer. Dem Kunden is dative as the recipient, while den Kassenbon is accusative as the thing given.
Das Datum des Kassenbons ist kaum lesbar.
The date on the receipt is barely readable.
das Datum is the date and kaum lesbar means barely readable. Des Kassenbons is genitive, meaning of the receipt; the noun has the genitive ending -s.
Die Kassenbons liegen auf dem Tisch.
The receipts are lying on the table.
liegen means are lying and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Die Kassenbons is plural nominative, so it takes the plural verb liegen.
der Kassierer — cashier; checkout operator
Der Kassierer is the man working at a checkout; the feminine form is Kassiererin. Do not confuse the person, Kassierer, with the place or machine, Kasse.
Der Kassierer ist freundlich.
The cashier is friendly.
freundlich means friendly. Der Kassierer is the nominative subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich rufe den Kassierer.
I call the cashier.
rufe means call. Den Kassierer is masculine accusative because rufen takes a direct object; the article changes from der to den.
Ich gebe dem Kassierer das Geld.
I give the cashier the money.
gebe means give and das Geld is the money. Dem Kassierer is dative because he receives the money, while das Geld is accusative.
Die Stimme des Kassierers war laut.
The cashier’s voice was loud.
die Stimme is the voice and laut means loud. Des Kassierers is genitive, meaning of the cashier; this noun takes -s, not a weak-noun ending.
Die Kassierer arbeiten heute lange.
The cashiers are working for a long time today.
arbeiten means work, heute means today, and lange means for a long time. Die Kassierer is plural nominative and has no visible plural ending, so the plural verb arbeiten identifies the number.
der Katalog — catalogue, catalog
A Katalog may be printed or digital and normally lists products, books or other items. In online shopping, Katalog can also refer to the complete product list of a shop.
Der Katalog liegt auf dem Tisch.
The catalogue is on the table.
liegt means is lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Der Katalog is nominative because it is the subject, and auf takes dative here because the catalogue is in a location, not moving.
Ich bestelle den Katalog online.
I order the catalogue online.
bestellen means order, and online means online. Den Katalog is accusative because it is the direct object of bestelle; the finite verb is in position two.
Die Verkäuferin zeigt mir den Katalog.
The sales assistant shows me the catalogue.
die Verkäuferin means the sales assistant, and zeigen means show. Mir is dative because I receive the information, while den Katalog is accusative as the thing shown.
Die Preise des Katalogs sind gestiegen.
The catalogue's prices have risen.
die Preise means the prices, and gestiegen means risen or gone up. Des Katalogs is genitive because it shows which prices are meant; sind gestiegen is a perfect construction with sein.
Die neuen Kataloge kommen morgen.
The new catalogues are coming tomorrow.
neu means new, kommen means come, and morgen means tomorrow. Die neuen Kataloge is the plural subject; the noun takes -e, while the adjective takes -en after die.
das Kaufhaus — department store
A Kaufhaus is usually a large shop with several departments, for example clothing, household goods and electronics. It is not simply any shop; Warenhaus is a related word and can sound more formal or old-fashioned.
Das Kaufhaus ist heute geöffnet.
The department store is open today.
geöffnet means open, and heute means today. Das Kaufhaus is nominative because it is the subject; the verb ist is in position two, and geöffnet comes after sein as a predicative adjective.
Ich besuche das Kaufhaus am Samstag.
I am visiting the department store on Saturday.
besuchen means to visit, and am Samstag means on Saturday. Das Kaufhaus has the same article in nominative and accusative, but it is accusative because besuchen takes an accusative object.
Wir gehen in dem Kaufhaus einkaufen.
We go shopping in the department store.
gehen means to go, and einkaufen means to shop. In dem Kaufhaus is dative because in describes a location here, not movement into it; the separable verb einkaufen puts ein at the end.
Die Rolltreppe des Kaufhauses ist kaputt.
The department store's escalator is broken.
die Rolltreppe is the escalator, and kaputt means broken. Des Kaufhauses is genitive and shows possession; the noun takes -es, and ist remains in position two.
In der Stadt gibt es drei Kaufhäuser.
There are three department stores in the city.
die Stadt is the city, drei means three, and es gibt means there is or there are. Kaufhäuser is plural with an umlaut and -er; after es gibt, the noun phrase is grammatically accusative.
Das Kaufhaus verkauft Kleidung und Haushaltswaren.
The department store sells clothes and household goods.
verkaufen means to sell, die Kleidung means clothing, and die Haushaltswaren are household goods. Das Kaufhaus is the nominative subject, while both things being sold are accusative objects.
die Konditorei — pastry shop; cake café
A Konditorei is more specialised than an ordinary Bäckerei: it is associated especially with cakes, pastries and coffee. Do not confuse the singular ending -ei with the plural ending -eien.
Die Konditorei öffnet um sieben Uhr.
The pastry shop opens at seven o’clock.
öffnet means “opens,” and um sieben Uhr means “at seven o’clock.” Die Konditorei is nominative because it is the subject, and öffnet is in position two.
Ich suche die Konditorei in der Stadt.
I am looking for the pastry shop in the city.
suche means “am looking for,” and in der Stadt means “in the city.” Die Konditorei is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the finite verb suche is in position two.
Wir sitzen in der Konditorei und trinken Kaffee.
We are sitting in the pastry shop and drinking coffee.
sitzen means “sit,” and trinken Kaffee means “drink coffee.” In der Konditorei is dative because in describes a location here, not movement; the finite verb sitzen is in position two.
Die Tür der Konditorei ist geschlossen.
The pastry shop’s door is closed.
die Tür means “the door,” and geschlossen means “closed.” Der Konditorei is genitive because it identifies whose door it is; ist stands in position two.
In dieser Straße gibt es zwei Konditoreien.
There are two pastry shops in this street.
in dieser Straße means “in this street,” and gibt es means “there are.” Zwei Konditoreien is plural, formed with -eien; after es gibt, the thing that exists is accusative even though the plural article is not shown here.
Wir kaufen in der Konditorei frische Törtchen.
We buy fresh little cakes at the pastry shop.
frische Törtchen means “fresh little cakes,” and kaufen means “buy.” In der Konditorei is dative because it names the place where the action happens; kaufen is in position two.
die Kreditkarte — credit card
To say that you pay by card, use mit der Kreditkarte; the preposition mit requires the dative. The compound ends in Karte, so its gender is feminine and its plural is Kreditkarten.
Die Kreditkarte liegt auf dem Tisch.
The credit card is lying on the table.
liegen means to lie or be located, and der Tisch is the table. Die Kreditkarte is nominative because it is the subject; auf dem Tisch gives a location and therefore uses the dative.
Ich benutze die Kreditkarte im Urlaub.
I use the credit card on holiday.
benutzen means to use, and der Urlaub is a holiday. Die Kreditkarte is accusative because it is the direct object of benutze; im Urlaub means during the holiday.
Ich bezahle mit der Kreditkarte.
I pay by credit card.
bezahlen means to pay, and mit means by or with. Der Kreditkarte is dative because mit always governs the dative, and the feminine article changes from die to der.
Die Nummer der Kreditkarte steht hier.
The credit card number is written here.
die Nummer is the number, and stehen here means to be written or shown. Der Kreditkarte is genitive because it identifies which number is meant; the feminine noun itself has no genitive ending.
Viele Kreditkarten haben eine Jahresgebühr.
Many credit cards have an annual fee.
viele means many, and die Jahresgebühr is an annual fee. Kreditkarten is the plural subject, while eine Jahresgebühr is accusative as the object of haben.
der Käufer — buyer, purchaser
Käufer comes from kaufen, to buy, and refers to the person who buys something. It is not the same as Verkäufer, which means seller.
Der Käufer prüft den Vertrag.
The buyer checks the contract.
prüft means checks, and der Vertrag means the contract. Der Käufer is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb prüft stands in position two.
Die Verkäuferin berät den Käufer.
The saleswoman advises the buyer.
die Verkäuferin means the saleswoman, and berät means advises. Den Käufer is accusative because beraten takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Wir helfen dem Käufer bei der Suche.
We help the buyer with the search.
helfen means help, bei der Suche means with the search, and Suche means search. Dem Käufer is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; bei also requires the dative.
Die Adresse des Käufers steht auf dem Formular.
The buyer's address is on the form.
die Adresse means the address, steht means is written or stands, and das Formular means the form. Des Käufers is genitive to show possession, and the noun takes -s.
Viele Käufer vergleichen die Preise.
Many buyers compare the prices.
viele means many, vergleichen means compare, and die Preise means the prices. Käufer is plural with no ending; die Preise is accusative because it is the object of vergleichen.
die Käuferin — female buyer, female purchaser
Käuferin is the feminine form of Käufer, a woman who buys something. The plural is Käuferinnen, formed with -innen.
Die Käuferin liest die Beschreibung.
The female buyer reads the description.
liest means reads, and die Beschreibung means the description. Die Käuferin is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb liest stands in position two.
Der Händler begrüßt die Käuferin.
The dealer greets the female buyer.
der Händler means the dealer or merchant, and begrüßt means greets. Die Käuferin is accusative because begrüßen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Der Verkäufer zeigt der Käuferin das Kleid.
The seller shows the dress to the female buyer.
der Verkäufer means the seller, zeigt means shows, and das Kleid means the dress. Der Käuferin is dative because she is the recipient of zeigen, while das Kleid is the accusative thing shown.
Die Unterschrift der Käuferin fehlt noch.
The female buyer's signature is still missing.
die Unterschrift means the signature, fehlt means is missing, and noch means still. Der Käuferin is genitive because it shows whose signature it is; feminine genitive uses der and no noun ending.
Zwei Käuferinnen warten an der Kasse.
Two female buyers are waiting at the checkout.
zwei means two, warten means are waiting, and an der Kasse means at the checkout. Käuferinnen is plural with -innen, and the verb follows the fronted number phrase in position two.
der Lieferant — supplier, delivery person
Lieferant is a weak masculine noun: use der Lieferant only for the nominative singular, but den Lieferanten, dem Lieferanten, and des Lieferanten elsewhere. It can mean a supplying company as well as a person who brings an order.
Der Lieferant kommt heute.
The delivery person is coming today.
kommt heute means is coming today. Der Lieferant is nominative because it is the subject, and kommt is the finite verb in position two.
Ich rufe den Lieferanten an.
I am calling the supplier.
rufe ... an means call, and anrufen is separable. Den Lieferanten is accusative because it is the direct object; the weak noun adds -en outside the nominative singular.
Wir danken dem Lieferanten für die schnelle Lieferung.
We thank the supplier for the fast delivery.
danken means thank, schnell means fast, and die Lieferung means delivery. Dem Lieferanten is dative because danken requires the dative; für takes the accusative in die schnelle Lieferung.
Die Adresse des Lieferanten steht auf der Rechnung.
The supplier’s address is on the invoice.
die Adresse means address, steht means is written or stands, and die Rechnung means invoice. Des Lieferanten is genitive to show possession, and the weak noun keeps -en.
Die Lieferanten warten vor dem Geschäft.
The suppliers are waiting in front of the shop.
warten means are waiting, vor means in front of, and das Geschäft means shop. Die Lieferanten is plural nominative as the subject; vor dem Geschäft is dative because it describes a fixed location.
die Lieferung — delivery, shipment
Lieferung can mean the process of delivery or a shipment that arrives. It is a feminine noun formed from liefern with -ung, and nouns ending in -ung are normally feminine.
Die Lieferung kommt heute.
The delivery is arriving today.
kommt heute means is arriving today. Die Lieferung is nominative because it is the subject, and kommt is the finite verb in position two.
Ich erwarte die Lieferung.
I am expecting the delivery.
erwarte means am expecting. Die Lieferung is accusative because erwarten takes a direct object, while the finite verb erwarte stands in position two.
Wir warten auf die Lieferung.
We are waiting for the delivery.
warten auf means wait for. The phrase auf die Lieferung is accusative because auf takes the accusative in this fixed expression, even though English uses for.
Die Verspätung der Lieferung ärgert den Kunden.
The delay of the delivery annoys the customer.
die Verspätung means the delay, ärgert means annoys, and der Kunde means the customer. Der Lieferung is genitive because it identifies which delivery had the delay; den Kunden is accusative as the object of ärgert.
Die Lieferungen kommen am Morgen.
The deliveries arrive in the morning.
am Morgen means in the morning. Die Lieferungen is plural nominative as the subject, so the plural verb kommen is required.
das Modegeschäft — fashion shop, clothing store
Modegeschäft is a compound of Mode and Geschäft. The final part, Geschäft, determines the neuter gender and the plural ending.
Das Modegeschäft öffnet um zehn Uhr.
The fashion shop opens at ten o'clock.
öffnet means opens and um zehn Uhr means at ten o'clock. Das Modegeschäft is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb öffnet is in position two.
Ich besuche das Modegeschäft.
I am visiting the fashion shop.
ich means I and besuche means visit. Das Modegeschäft is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the neuter article das looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir kaufen in dem Modegeschäft eine Jacke.
We are buying a jacket in the fashion shop.
wir kaufen means we are buying and eine Jacke means a jacket. Dem Modegeschäft is dative because in expresses location here; the accusative object is eine Jacke.
Die Adresse des Modegeschäfts steht im Internet.
The address of the fashion shop is on the internet.
die Adresse means the address, steht means is written or is listed, and im Internet means on the internet. Des Modegeschäfts is genitive because it shows whose address it is; the neuter noun adds -s.
Die Modegeschäfte in der Innenstadt sind teuer.
The fashion shops in the city centre are expensive.
in der Innenstadt means in the city centre and teuer means expensive. Modegeschäfte is the plural of Modegeschäft; sind is plural and stands in position two.
Das Modegeschäft verkauft Schuhe und Taschen.
The fashion shop sells shoes and bags.
verkauft means sells, Schuhe means shoes, and Taschen means bags. Das Modegeschäft is the nominative subject, while Schuhe und Taschen are accusative objects after verkauft.
der Neuwagen — new car
der Neuwagen means a new car, usually one sold by a dealer. It is a compound of neu and Wagen; the plural is unchanged, die Neuwagen, and the genitive is des Neuwagens.
Der Neuwagen steht vor dem Haus.
The new car is parked in front of the house.
steht means is standing or is parked, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Der Neuwagen is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb steht is in position two, while vor dem Haus uses dative for a fixed location.
Ich kaufe den Neuwagen morgen.
I am buying the new car tomorrow.
Ich kaufe means I am buying and morgen means tomorrow. den Neuwagen is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; the finite verb kaufe is in position two, even though the object comes before the time expression.
Der Verkäufer zeigt dem Neuwagen einen Kratzer.
The salesman shows a scratch to the new car.
Der Verkäufer means the salesman, zeigt means shows, and einen Kratzer means a scratch. This sentence is unusual in meaning because a car cannot normally be shown something: dem Neuwagen is dative as the recipient, while einen Kratzer is the accusative thing shown.
Der Preis des Neuwagens ist sehr hoch.
The price of the new car is very high.
Der Preis means the price and sehr hoch means very high. des Neuwagens is genitive because it tells whose price it is; the masculine noun adds -s and takes des, and the finite verb ist remains in position two.
Viele Neuwagen haben ein Navigationssystem.
Many new cars have a navigation system.
Viele means many, haben means have, and ein Navigationssystem means a navigation system. Viele Neuwagen is the plural subject in the nominative; the plural form stays Neuwagen without an ending, and haben is in position two.
der Onlineshop — online shop
The English word Onlineshop is also used in German. The plural is formed with -s, as with many modern loanwords.
Der Onlineshop verkauft Schuhe.
The online shop sells shoes.
Schuhe means shoes, and verkauft means sells. Der Onlineshop is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb verkauft stands in position two.
Ich öffne den Onlineshop am Abend.
I open the online shop in the evening.
öffne means open, and am Abend means in the evening. Den Onlineshop is accusative because öffnen takes a direct object; the finite verb öffne stands in position two.
Ich bestelle in dem Onlineshop ein Geschenk.
I order a present from the online shop.
bestelle means order, ein Geschenk means a present, and in dem means in the. Dem Onlineshop is dative because the fixed location preposition in is used here for a place, not a direction.
Die Preise des Onlineshops sind günstig.
The online shop's prices are cheap.
Preise means prices, and günstig means cheap. Des Onlineshops is genitive because it shows whose prices they are; the plural subject Die Preise makes sind stand in position two.
Ich kenne viele Onlineshops.
I know many online shops.
kenne means know, and viele means many. Viele Onlineshops is plural accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the plural has -s.
der Prospekt — brochure, leaflet, catalogue
In everyday German, der Prospekt usually means a brochure or advertising leaflet. Do not confuse it with das Prospekt, which is a technical theatre term for the stage set or backdrop.
Der Prospekt liegt auf dem Tisch.
The brochure is lying on the table.
liegt means is lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Der Prospekt is nominative because it is the subject; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Ich lese den Prospekt.
I am reading the brochure.
lese means read, and ich means I. den Prospekt is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich gebe meiner Nachbarin dem Prospekt?
I give the brochure to my neighbour.
geben means give, and meiner Nachbarin means to my female neighbour. The sentence uses dem Prospekt as the thing given, but this is not natural German: the thing given should be accusative, den Prospekt; the dative is meiner Nachbarin.
Die Farbe des Prospekts ist sehr auffällig.
The colour of the brochure is very striking.
die Farbe means the colour, and auffällig means striking or noticeable. des Prospekts is genitive because it identifies whose colour it is; the masculine noun takes -s in the genitive.
Im Laden liegen viele Prospekte.
There are many brochures lying in the shop.
im Laden means in the shop, and liegen means are lying. Prospekte is the plural form with -e; im Laden is dative because it gives a fixed location.
der Rabatt — discount
A Rabatt is money taken off the normal price. The common expression Rabatt geben means “to give a discount”, while Rabatt bekommen means “to receive a discount”.
Der Rabatt gilt nur heute.
The discount is valid today only.
gilt means “is valid or applies”, and nur heute means “today only”. Der Rabatt is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb gilt is in position two.
Ich bekomme einen Rabatt.
I get a discount.
bekomme means “get or receive”. Einen Rabatt is accusative because bekommen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from ein to einen.
Mit dem Rabatt kostet die Jacke weniger.
With the discount, the jacket costs less.
mit means “with”, die Jacke means “the jacket”, and weniger means “less”. Dem Rabatt is dative because mit always takes the dative; the main verb kostet is in position two.
Die Höhe des Rabatts steht auf dem Schild.
The amount of the discount is written on the sign.
die Höhe means “the amount”, steht auf means “is written on”, and das Schild means “the sign”. Des Rabatts is genitive because it identifies the amount; remember the extra genitive ending -s.
Im Schlussverkauf gibt es viele Rabatte.
There are many discounts in the sale.
im Schlussverkauf means “in the sale”, and viele means “many”. Rabatte is the plural with -e; in es gibt the thing that exists is accusative, although the plural form looks the same as nominative.
das Schaufenster — shop window
The plural is die Schaufenster, with no ending on the noun. Do not confuse Schaufenster with Fenster: a Schaufenster is specifically a shop window.
Das Schaufenster ist heute besonders schön.
The shop window is especially beautiful today.
heute means today and besonders schön means especially beautiful. Das Schaufenster is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich sehe das Schaufenster jeden Morgen.
I see the shop window every morning.
ich sehe means I see and jeden Morgen means every morning. Das Schaufenster is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehe is in position two.
Vor dem Schaufenster warten viele Leute.
Many people are waiting in front of the shop window.
vor means in front of, warten means wait, and viele Leute means many people. Dem Schaufenster is dative because the fixed preposition vor has a location meaning here; the verb warten comes before the subject because the prepositional phrase is in position one.
Die Farbe des Schaufensters passt zum Laden.
The colour of the shop window matches the shop.
die Farbe means the colour, passt zu means matches, and der Laden means the shop. Des Schaufensters is genitive because it identifies whose colour it is; des and -s mark the genitive.
Die Schaufenster der Geschäfte sind hell.
The shop windows of the shops are bright.
der Geschäfte means of the shops and hell means bright. Die Schaufenster is plural because there is more than one window, while der Geschäfte is genitive plural and shows which shops they belong to.
das Schnäppchen — bargain, great deal
Das Schnäppchen is a standard word for something offered at an unusually good price. It often suggests that the buyer feels lucky to have found it.
Das Schnäppchen war schnell weg.
The bargain was quickly gone.
schnell weg means quickly gone or sold, and war means was. Das Schnäppchen is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb war is in position two.
Ich habe ein Schnäppchen gefunden.
I found a bargain.
gefunden means found. Ein Schnäppchen is accusative because finden takes a direct object, while the perfect places gefunden at the end.
Mit einem Schnäppchen spart man Geld.
You save money with a bargain.
mit means with, spart means saves, and Geld means money. Mit always takes the dative, so einem Schnäppchen is dative; man means people or you in general.
Der Preis des Schnäppchens war unglaublich niedrig.
The price of the bargain was incredibly low.
der Preis means the price, unglaublich means incredibly, and niedrig means low. Des Schnäppchens is genitive because it specifies which price; the neuter noun adds -s.
Auf dem Tisch liegen drei Schnäppchen.
There are three bargains on the table.
auf dem Tisch means on the table, liegen means are lying, and drei means three. Schnäppchen is unchanged in the plural; auf takes the dative here because the sentence describes a location.
das Shopping — shopping
Das Shopping is a loanword and is normally used as a mass noun, so it has no ordinary plural. German also often uses einkaufen for the activity of shopping.
Das Shopping macht mir Spaß.
Shopping is fun for me.
Spaß machen means to be fun or enjoyable. Das Shopping is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb macht is in position two.
Ich liebe das Shopping am Samstag.
I love shopping on Saturdays.
lieben means to love, and am Samstag means on Saturdays. Das Shopping is accusative because lieben takes a direct object; the finite verb liebe stands in position two.
Nach der Arbeit gehe ich zum Shopping.
After work I go shopping.
nach der Arbeit means after work, and gehen means to go. zum means zu dem and forces the dative; the finite verb gehe remains in position two even though the sentence starts with a time phrase.
Die Kosten des Shoppings sind gestiegen.
The costs of shopping have risen.
die Kosten are the costs, and gestiegen means risen. des Shoppings is genitive and shows whose costs they are; sind gestiegen is the perfect tense, with the participle at the end.
Das Shopping in dieser Straße ist sehr beliebt.
Shopping in this street is very popular.
in dieser Straße means in this street, and beliebt means popular. Das Shopping is a mass noun used only in the singular, so German does not normally form a plural here.
das Sonderangebot — special offer; bargain
This compound combines sonder (special) and Angebot (offer). The final part, das Angebot, determines the neuter gender and the plural ending.
Das Sonderangebot gilt nur heute.
The special offer is valid today only.
gilt means is valid and nur heute means today only. Das Sonderangebot is nominative because it is the subject, and gilt stands in position two.
Ich sehe ein Sonderangebot für Kaffee.
I see a special offer for coffee.
sehe means see and für Kaffee means for coffee. Ein Sonderangebot is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the neuter article ein does not change in the accusative.
Bei dem Sonderangebot spare ich fünf Euro.
I save five euros with the special offer.
bei means with or in the case of, and spare means save. Bei dem Sonderangebot is dative because bei always governs the dative; bei dem is often shortened to beim.
Der Preis des Sonderangebots ist unschlagbar.
The price of the special offer is unbeatable.
der Preis means the price and unschlagbar means unbeatable. Des Sonderangebots is genitive because it identifies whose price it is, and the neuter noun adds -s.
Die Sonderangebote hängen am Eingang.
The special offers are displayed at the entrance.
hängen means hang or are displayed and der Eingang means the entrance. Sonderangebote is plural with die; am Eingang is dative because an expresses a location here.
das Souvenir — souvenir, memento
das Souvenir is a keepsake from a place or experience. It is a loanword and has the plural die Souvenirs; the genitive is des Souvenirs, with -s on the noun.
Das Souvenir erinnert mich an Berlin.
The souvenir reminds me of Berlin.
erinnert means reminds, mich means me, and an Berlin means of Berlin or about Berlin. Das Souvenir is nominative because it is the subject, while mich is accusative because erinnern uses an accusative person; an takes the accusative here.
Ich kaufe ein Souvenir.
I am buying a souvenir.
kaufe means am buying. ein Souvenir is accusative because kaufen takes an accusative object; the neuter article ein has the same form in nominative and accusative.
Ich schenke meiner Schwester ein Souvenir.
I give my sister a souvenir as a present.
schenke means give as a present, and meiner Schwester means to my sister. Souvenir is accusative because it is the thing given, while meiner Schwester is dative because she is the recipient.
Die Farbe des Souvenirs ist sehr schön.
The colour of the souvenir is very beautiful.
die Farbe means the colour, and sehr schön means very beautiful. des Souvenirs is genitive because it means of the souvenir; both the neuter article des and the borrowed noun ending -s mark the genitive.
Auf dem Tisch liegen drei Souvenirs.
Three souvenirs are lying on the table.
auf dem Tisch means on the table, liegen means are lying, and drei means three. Souvenirs is plural with -s; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location, not movement.
umsonst — for free, free of charge; in vain, for nothing
In this sense, umsonst means that no money is required. Do not confuse it with kostenlos, which is also common for goods and services offered free of charge.
Kinder fahren heute umsonst mit dem Bus.
Children can travel free on the bus today.
Kinder means children, heute means today, and mit dem Bus means by bus. Umsonst modifies fahren and means free of charge; mit takes the dative in dem Bus, and the finite verb fahren is in position two.
Wir haben die Eintrittskarten umsonst bekommen.
We got the admission tickets for free.
die Eintrittskarten means the admission tickets, and bekommen means get or receive. Umsonst describes the way the tickets were obtained; die Eintrittskarten is accusative, while haben is in position two and bekommen closes the perfect clause.
Ich habe umsonst auf den Zug gewartet.
I waited for the train in vain.
auf den Zug means for the train, and gewartet means waited. Here umsonst means in vain, not free; auf takes the accusative with the verb warten auf, and habe is in position two while gewartet is at the end.
Sie hat umsonst versucht, ihn anzurufen.
She tried in vain to call him.
versucht means tried, ihn means him, and anzurufen means to call. Umsonst means in vain here; ihn is accusative as the object of anrufen, and hat is in position two while versucht ends the main clause.
der Umtausch — exchange, return
For a shop purchase, der Umtausch usually means returning an item and exchanging it for another one. It is often used with gegen for the replacement item or with von for the item being returned.
Der Umtausch ist nur mit dem Kassenbon möglich.
The exchange is only possible with the receipt.
nur means only, mit dem Kassenbon means with the receipt, and möglich means possible. Der Umtausch is nominative because it is the subject; mit always takes the dative, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich möchte den Umtausch dieser Jacke.
I would like to return this jacket.
möchte means would like, diese Jacke means this jacket, and ich means I. Den Umtausch is accusative because it is the object of möchte; the phrase dieser Jacke is genitive and says which exchange is meant.
Die Verkäuferin hilft mir beim Umtausch.
The shop assistant helps me with the exchange.
die Verkäuferin is the shop assistant, hilft means helps, and mir means me. Beim is short for bei dem and forces the dative; beim Umtausch means during or with the exchange.
Die Bedingungen des Umtauschs stehen auf der Rückseite.
The conditions for the exchange are on the back.
die Bedingungen are the conditions, stehen means are written or stand, and die Rückseite is the back. Des Umtauschs is genitive because it identifies which conditions are meant; the noun takes -s in the genitive singular.
In diesem Geschäft sind Umtausche innerhalb von vierzehn Tagen möglich.
In this shop, exchanges are possible within fourteen days.
dieses Geschäft means this shop, innerhalb von vierzehn Tagen means within fourteen days, and möglich means possible. Umtausche is the plural form; in diesem Geschäft is dative here because it describes a location, while innerhalb takes the genitive, shown by vierzehn Tagen in this time expression.
umtauschen — to exchange, to return
Umtauschen is a separable verb: in a main clause, um moves to the end, as in ich tausche die Jacke um. In the perfect, use haben with umgetauscht; the thing being exchanged is accusative.
Ich tausche die Schuhe gegen eine andere Größe um.
I am exchanging the shoes for another size.
die Schuhe means the shoes, gegen means for or against, and eine andere Größe means another size. Die Schuhe is accusative because umtauschen takes an accusative object; the finite part tausche is in position two and the prefix um goes to the end.
Sie hat den Pullover umgetauscht.
She exchanged the sweater.
sie means she, hat is has, and der Pullover is the sweater. Den Pullover is accusative because it is the object; the Partizip II umgetauscht goes to the end and forms the perfect with haben.
Er tauschte die Fahrkarte am Schalter um.
He exchanged the ticket at the counter.
er means he, die Fahrkarte is the ticket, and am Schalter means at the counter. Die Fahrkarte is accusative because it is the object; in the simple past, tauschte is in position two and um stands at the end.
Tausch das Hemd bitte um!
Please exchange the shirt!
das Hemd is the shirt and bitte means please. This is the informal du imperative; das Hemd is accusative, and the separable prefix um goes to the end.
Ich würde den Artikel gern umtauschen.
I would like to exchange the item.
ich means I, würde means would, der Artikel is the item, and gern means gladly or would like to. Den Artikel is accusative because it is the object; after würde, the whole infinitive umtauschen stays together at the end.
Wir werden die Lampe morgen umtauschen.
We will exchange the lamp tomorrow.
wir means we, die Lampe is the lamp, and morgen means tomorrow. Die Lampe is accusative because it is the object; werden is in position two and the complete infinitive umtauschen goes to the end.
verkaufen — to sell
Verkaufen is a regular weak verb and takes haben in the perfect. The person who buys may be introduced with an, while the thing sold is normally an accusative object: etwas an jemanden verkaufen.
Sie verkauft ihr altes Fahrrad.
She is selling her old bicycle.
ihr altes Fahrrad means “her old bicycle.” Ihr altes Fahrrad is accusative because verkaufen takes the thing being sold as an accusative object, and the finite verb verkauft is in position two.
Wir haben unser Auto verkauft.
We have sold our car.
unser Auto means “our car.” The perfect uses haben with the Partizip II verkauft, which goes to the end of the clause; unser Auto is accusative because it is the object.
Er verkaufte sein altes Handy online.
He sold his old mobile phone online.
sein altes Handy means “his old mobile phone,” and online means “online.” The regular preterite verkaufte is the finite verb in position two, and sein altes Handy is an accusative object.
Verkauf das Fahrrad nicht!
Do not sell the bicycle!
das Fahrrad means “the bicycle,” and nicht means “not.” Verkauf is the du imperative without a pronoun; the accusative object follows it, and nicht negates the command.
Ich würde mein altes Fahrrad nicht verkaufen.
I would not sell my old bicycle.
mein altes Fahrrad means “my old bicycle,” and nicht means “not.” Würde verkaufen expresses a hypothetical situation; verkaufen stays as an infinitive at the end, and the object is accusative.
Nächstes Jahr werde ich mein Auto verkaufen.
Next year I will sell my car.
nächstes Jahr means “next year,” and mein Auto means “my car.” Future I uses werde in position two and the infinitive verkaufen at the end; mein Auto is accusative as the thing being sold.
die Versandkosten — shipping costs, postage and packing
Versandkosten means the money charged for sending an order. It is a plural-only noun, so say die Versandkosten even when referring to one total charge; do not create a singular form.
Die Versandkosten sind im Preis enthalten.
The shipping costs are included in the price.
im Preis enthalten means included in the price. Die Versandkosten is nominative because it is the subject, and sind stands in position two; Versandkosten is used only in the plural.
Der Shop berechnet die Versandkosten extra.
The shop charges the shipping costs separately.
Der Shop means the shop, berechnet means charges, and extra means separately or additionally. Die Versandkosten is accusative because berechnen takes a direct object; the plural article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Bei den Versandkosten gibt es große Unterschiede.
There are major differences in the shipping costs.
bei means with or concerning, große Unterschiede means major differences, and gibt es means there are. Den Versandkosten is dative because bei always takes the dative; the plural noun does not add another ending here.
Die Höhe der Versandkosten überrascht viele Kunden.
The amount of the shipping costs surprises many customers.
Die Höhe means the amount, überrascht means surprises, and viele Kunden means many customers. Der Versandkosten is genitive because it specifies the amount of what; viele Kunden is accusative because it is the object of überrascht.
Die Versandkosten werden an der Kasse angezeigt.
The shipping costs are displayed at checkout.
an der Kasse means at checkout, and angezeigt means displayed or shown. Die Versandkosten is nominative plural because it is the subject of the passive sentence; werden stands in position two and angezeigt goes to the end.