German Phrase
Was kosten die Dienstleistungen?
Meaning
This question asks for the price of the services being offered. It is a neutral, business‑like way to inquire about costs.
When to use
Use it in a shop, a service provider’s office, or any professional setting when you need to know how much a set of services will cost you.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WaskostendieDienstleistungen?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
‘Was’ introduces a yes‑no or information question and stands at the beginning of the clause.
kosten (verb, 3rd person plural)
‘kosten’ is used with the thing that has a price as the subject; it conjugates as ‘kosten’ for plural subjects.
die (definite article, plural nominative)
In the plural nominative the definite article is ‘die’, matching ‘Dienstleistungen’.
Dienstleistungen (noun, plural)
‘Dienstleistung’ = service; the plural ‘Dienstleistungen’ is used when you refer to several services.
Verb‑second (V2) word order
In German main clauses the finite verb occupies the second position, so after ‘Was’ the verb ‘kosten’ comes next.
🗨In Conversation
Was kosten die Dienstleistungen?
What do the services cost?
Die Grundgebühr beträgt 50 Euro, und jede zusätzliche Leistung kostet 20 Euro.
The basic fee is 50 euros, and each additional service costs 20 euros.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist die Dienstleistungen?
‘ist’ is the singular verb for ‘to be’; the correct verb for asking price of multiple items is ‘kosten’ (plural).
Was kosten die Dienstleistung?
The noun must agree in number with the verb; use the plural ‘Dienstleistungen’ with ‘kosten’.
Wie viel kostet die Dienstleistungen?
Verb agreement error – ‘kostet’ is singular, but the subject is plural; use ‘kosten’.
↔Alternatives
Wie viel kosten die Dienstleistungen?
How much do the services cost?
Was ist der Preis für die Dienstleistungen?
What is the price for the services?
Könnten Sie mir bitte die Kosten der Dienstleistungen nennen?
Could you please tell me the cost of the services?
Cultural Tip
In German business communication it is perfectly acceptable to ask directly about price, but adding a polite opener such as ‘Könnten Sie mir bitte…’ softens the request. Also note that ‘Dienstleistungen’ is often used in contracts and invoices, so the phrase sounds formal and professional.