German Phrase
Gib den Betrag ein.
Meaning
A direct, informal command telling someone to type or input a monetary amount, for example in a payment form or a cash register.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are speaking to a familiar person (du‑form) and you need them to enter a sum of money into a computer, app, or cash register. It is common in retail, banking apps, and online checkout screens.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GibdenBetragein
Imperativ (du)
‘Gib’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘geben’. For du‑address, drop the -en ending and add a short vowel.
Trennbares Verb
‘eingeben’ is a separable verb; in the imperative the prefix ‘ein’ moves to the end of the clause.
Akkusativobjekt
‘den Betrag’ is the accusative form of the masculine noun ‘der Betrag’; the article changes from ‘der’ to ‘den’.
Wortstellung
In commands the verb (or its stem) comes first, followed by the object, and the separable prefix finishes the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Wie viel möchten Sie bezahlen?
How much would you like to pay?
Gib den Betrag ein.
Enter the amount.
✕Common Mistakes
Gib das Betrag ein.
‘Betrag’ is masculine; the correct accusative article is ‘den’, not ‘das’.
Gib den Betrag.
The separable prefix ‘ein’ is required; without it the meaning changes to ‘give the amount’ instead of ‘enter the amount’.
Geben Sie den Betrag ein.
When using the formal ‘Sie’, the verb must be in the polite imperative ‘geben Sie’, not ‘geben Sie’ without the capital ‘G’.
↔Alternatives
Bitte geben Sie den Betrag ein.
Please enter the amount.
Trage den Betrag ein.
Enter the amount.
Geben Sie den Betrag ein.
Enter the amount (formal).
Cultural Tip
German software often uses the formal ‘Sie’ form in menus, so you’ll see ‘Bitte geben Sie den Betrag ein.’ In casual conversation or in a shop with a familiar clerk, the informal ‘Gib den Betrag ein.’ is perfectly natural. Remember that the separable prefix ‘ein’ always moves to the end in the imperative, which can feel odd to English speakers.