German Phrase
Der Geldautomat geht gerade nicht.
Meaning
This sentence tells the listener that the ATM is currently out of service. It focuses on the momentary nature of the problem, implying that the machine may work later.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need cash but the nearest ATM isn’t working, when you’re explaining the situation to a friend, a hotel receptionist, or a fellow traveler.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DerGeldautomatgehtgeradenicht
Der (definite article)
Masculine nominative singular article used before a noun like 'Geldautomat'.
Geldautomat (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'ATM' or 'cash machine'.
geht (verb gehen)
Third‑person singular present of 'gehen' used idiomatically to say a device is working.
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
Der Geldautomat geht gerade nicht.
The ATM isn’t working right now.
Oh, das ist ärgerlich. Vielleicht probierst du den nächsten an der Ecke?
Oh, that’s annoying. Maybe try the one around the corner?
✕Common Mistakes
Der Geldautomat ist gerade nicht.
While 'Der Geldautomat ist nicht' is grammatically possible, native speakers prefer 'geht nicht' for machines.
Der Geldautomat geht nicht gerade.
The adverb 'gerade' should come before 'nicht' in this construction.
Geldautomat geht gerade nicht.
Missing the definite article 'Der' makes the sentence sound incomplete.
↔Alternatives
Der Geldautomat funktioniert gerade nicht.
The ATM isn’t functioning right now.
Der Geldautomat ist momentan außer Betrieb.
The ATM is temporarily out of service.
Der Geldautomat arbeitet gerade nicht.
The ATM isn’t working at the moment.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries ATMs are commonly called 'Geldautomat' or 'Bankautomat'. When a machine is down, locals often use the verb 'gehen' (to go) in the sense of 'to work', e.g., 'Der Automat geht nicht'. Keep the tone neutral; adding 'gerade' signals that the problem is temporary, which is polite when you’re asking for alternatives.