German Phrase
Sind die Preise hier wirklich günstiger?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether the prices at the current location are truly lower than elsewhere. The word ‘wirklich’ adds a tone of skepticism or a desire for confirmation.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are comparing prices in a shop, market, restaurant, or online store, especially after hearing a claim that something is cheaper. It’s common while traveling, during sales, or when negotiating with a vendor.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SinddiePreisehierwirklichgünstiger?
Verb‑First Question
In German yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position (V1). Here ‘Sind’ (are) leads the sentence.
Verb ‘sein’ (to be)
‘Sind’ is the 3rd person plural present of ‘sein’, used because ‘Preise’ is plural.
Definite Article with Plural Noun
‘die’ is the plural definite article that matches ‘Preise’ (prices).
Comparative Adjective
‘günstiger’ is the comparative form of ‘günstig’ (cheap/affordable). In comparatives the adjective takes the ending –er and no article is needed before it.
Adverb Placement
‘hier’ (here) and ‘wirklich’ (really) are adverbs; they normally follow the subject and precede the adjective in a question.
🗨In Conversation
Sind die Preise hier wirklich günstiger?
Are the prices here really cheaper?
Ja, wir haben 15 % Rabatt im Vergleich zu den Nachbargeschäften.
Yes, we have a 15 % discount compared to the neighboring stores.
✕Common Mistakes
Sind die Preise hier wirklich billiger?
‘Billiger’ is also a comparative but often suggests lower quality; ‘günstiger’ is the neutral term for ‘cheaper’ in a value‑oriented sense.
Die Preise hier sind wirklich günstiger.
Missing the question mark and the verb‑first order makes it look like a statement rather than a question.
Sind die Preise hier hier wirklich günstiger?
Swapping the adverbs changes the natural flow; ‘wirklich’ usually comes before the comparative adjective.
↔Alternatives
Sind die Preise hier tatsächlich günstiger?
Are the prices here actually cheaper?
Sind die Preise hier im Vergleich günstiger?
Are the prices here cheaper in comparison?
Sind die Preise hier wirklich billiger?
Are the prices here really cheaper?
Cultural Tip
In German, ‘günstig’ conveys good value, while ‘billig’ can imply low quality. When you want to stress that something is cheap without sounding critical, choose ‘günstig’. Adding ‘wirklich’ or ‘tatsächlich’ signals that you’re not taking the claim at face value – a common stance in German consumer culture, where price transparency is appreciated.