German Phrase
Geht der Geldautomat?
Meaning
A short question asking whether the ATM is operational. It’s the typical way to check if you can withdraw cash at that moment.
When to use
Use it when you see an ATM that looks out of order, when you’re in a bank hall, or when you’re traveling and need to confirm that a cash machine works before joining a line.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GehtderGeldautomat
Geht (gehen)
Third‑person singular present of *gehen* used idiomatically to mean ‘to work/function’ for machines and devices.
der (definite article)
Masculine nominative singular article; matches the noun *Geldautomat*.
Geldautomat (noun)
Masculine noun meaning ‘ATM, cash machine’; compound of *Geld* (money) + *Automat* (machine).
🗨In Conversation
Geht der Geldautomat?
Is the ATM working?
Ja, er funktioniert. Du kannst Geld abheben.
Yes, it works. You can withdraw money.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist der Geldautomat?
‘Ist’ asks about identity or state, not about whether a device works.
Geht das Geldautomat?
Wrong article and gender; *Geldautomat* is masculine, so it needs *der*.
Geldautomat geht?
Word order is unnatural for a yes/no question; the verb should be in first position.
↔Alternatives
Funktioniert der Geldautomat?
Does the ATM work?
Ist der Geldautomat in Betrieb?
Is the ATM in operation?
Kann man am Geldautomaten Geld abheben?
Can you withdraw cash at the ATM?
Cultural Tip
In Germany ATMs (Geldautomaten) are often free for customers of the bank that owns them, but other banks may charge a small fee. Germans usually glance at the screen for a green ‘OK’ sign or a ‘Kein Geld’ message before queuing. Using *Geht* for devices is common, but remember it’s informal; in a very formal setting you might say *Funktioniert der Geldautomat?*