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German Phrase

Funktioniert der Geldautomat gerade?

/fʊŋktsi̯oˈniːɐ̯t deːɐ̯ ˈɡɛltˌʔaʊtoːm ɡəˈʁaːdə/
Meaning"Is the ATM working right now?"
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Meaning

You are asking whether the cash‑dispensing machine (ATM) is currently operational. The focus is on the present moment, not on future availability or past performance.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you need cash and want to check if the nearest ATM is working, for example while traveling, after a power outage, or when you see a line of people waiting at the machine.

✦Grammar Breakdown

FunktioniertderGeldautomatgerade?

1

Verb conjugation (Funktionieren)

‘Funktionieren’ is a regular verb; in a yes‑no question the third‑person singular present form ‘funktioniert’ moves to the first position.

2

Definite article (der)

‘Geldautomat’ is masculine, so the nominative article is ‘der’.

3

Adverb of time (gerade)

‘gerade’ means ‘right now / at this moment’ and is placed after the subject in a question.

4

Word order in yes‑no questions

German yes‑no questions start with the finite verb, followed by subject, then any adverbial elements.

🗨In Conversation

A

Funktioniert der Geldautomat gerade?

Is the ATM working right now?

Ja, er funktioniert. Du kannst jetzt Geld abheben.

Yes, it’s working. You can withdraw cash now.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Funktioniert es der Geldautomat?

    The verb must be first, followed directly by the subject; ‘es’ is unnecessary here.

  • Der Geldautomat funktioniert gerade?

    In a yes‑no question the finite verb must precede the subject.

  • Funktioniert die Geldautomat gerade?

    ‘Geldautomat’ is masculine, so the article must be ‘der’, not ‘die’.

↔Alternatives

  • Ist der Geldautomat im Moment in Betrieb?

    Is the ATM in operation at the moment?

  • Läuft der Geldautomat gerade?

    Is the ATM running right now?

  • Kann ich jetzt am Geldautomaten Geld abheben?

    Can I withdraw money from the ATM right now?

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany the word ‘Geldautomat’ is the standard term for an ATM; ‘Bankautomat’ is also understood but less common. Many ATMs are free for customers of the owning bank, but fees may apply for other banks. When asking a bank employee, use the polite ‘Sie’: ‘Entschuldigung, funktioniert der Geldautomat gerade?’