German Phrase
Der Geldautomat funktioniert gerade nicht.
Meaning
The sentence means 'The ATM is currently not working.' It conveys a temporary malfunction, implying that the machine may work later.
When to use
Use this phrase when you approach an ATM and discover it won't dispense cash, or when you need to explain to a friend or a bank employee why you couldn't withdraw money.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DerGeldautomatfunktioniertgeradenicht
Der (definite article)
Masculine nominative singular article used before a noun like 'Geldautomat'.
Geldautomat (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'ATM' (automated teller machine). In the nominative case as the subject.
funktioniert (verb)
3rd person singular present of 'funktionieren' – to work/function.
gerade (adverb)
Means 'right now' or 'currently', placed before the negation for emphasis.
nicht (negation)
Negates the verb phrase; placed after the adverb in this construction.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, funktioniert der Geldautomat hier?
Excuse me, does the ATM work here?
Der Geldautomat funktioniert gerade nicht.
The ATM is currently not working.
✕Common Mistakes
Der Geldautomat nicht funktioniert gerade.
The negation 'nicht' should follow the verb phrase, not precede it.
Der Geldautomat ist nicht funktioniert.
Avoid using 'sein' with 'funktionieren'; the correct construction is 'funktioniert nicht'.
Der Geldautomat gerade nicht funktioniert.
While understandable, the natural order is 'funktioniert gerade nicht'.
↔Alternatives
Der Geldautomat ist momentan außer Betrieb.
The ATM is temporarily out of service.
Der Geldautomat funktioniert zurzeit nicht.
The ATM doesn't work at the moment.
Der Geldautomat hat gerade ein Problem.
The ATM is having a problem right now.
Cultural Tip
In Germany many ATMs are free for customers of the bank that operates them, but using another bank's machine can incur a small fee. If you encounter a non‑functioning ATM, look for the bank's logo to find an alternative machine nearby, and consider asking a shop assistant for the nearest working one. Politeness matters: a simple 'Entschuldigung' before asking makes the request sound courteous.