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German Phrase

Hast du etwas zu verzollen?

/hast du ˈɛtvas tsu fɛrˈtsɔlən/
Meaning"Do you have anything to declare?"
💡

Meaning

Literally: ‘Do you have anything to declare (to customs)?’ It is the standard question customs officers ask travelers to find out whether they are bringing goods that must be declared for tax or duty purposes.

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When to use

Use this sentence at border crossings, airports, or train stations when a customs officer checks your luggage. It is also useful when filling out a customs declaration form and you want to ask a fellow traveler if they have anything to declare.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Hastduetwaszuverzollen?

1

Hast (haben)

‘Hast’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of ‘haben’, used to form yes/no questions.

2

du (personal pronoun)

The informal singular ‘you’, placed after the verb in questions.

3

etwas (indefinite pronoun)

Means ‘something’ or ‘anything’; works as the object of the infinitive clause.

4

zu + infinitive

The construction ‘zu + infinitive’ expresses an obligation or purpose, similar to English ‘to …’.

5

verzollen (verb)

A separable verb meaning ‘to declare (goods) to customs’. In the infinitive it appears without the prefix ‘ver‑’ in the ‘zu‑’ construction.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du etwas zu verzollen?

Do you have anything to declare?

Ja, ich habe ein Geschenk aus der Schweiz.

Yes, I have a gift from Switzerland.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hast du etwas verzollen?

    Learners sometimes drop the ‘zu’ and say ‘Hast du etwas verzollen?’, which is ungrammatical because the infinitive clause requires ‘zu’.

  • Hast du etwas zu verzollen?

    When speaking to a customs officer you should use the formal ‘Sie’: ‘Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?’. Using ‘du’ can sound overly familiar.

↔Alternatives

  • Möchten Sie etwas verzollen?

    Would you like to declare something?

  • Gibt es etwas, das Sie verzollen müssen?

    Is there anything you need to declare?

  • Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?

    Do you have anything to declare?

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Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries customs officers are very formal and expect a clear ‘ja’ or ‘nein’. Even small items like chocolate or perfume must be declared if they exceed the duty‑free allowance. Failing to declare can lead to fines, so honesty is crucial. The phrase uses the informal ‘du’ only in casual contexts (e.g., among friends); with strangers or officials you would use the formal ‘Sie’: “Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?”.