German Phrase
Was kostet das Rezept?
Meaning
This question asks for the price of a prescription (or a recipe) – essentially, 'How much does the prescription cost?'. It is a neutral, everyday way to inquire about fees in a pharmacy or doctor's office.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are at a pharmacy, a doctor's office, or any place where you need to know the cost of a medical prescription. It can also be used in a cooking context when asking about the price of a written recipe in a shop.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WaskostetdasRezept?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' or, in this construction, 'how much' when combined with a verb of cost.
kosten (verb)
A regular verb meaning 'to cost'. In the present tense third‑person singular it becomes 'kostet'.
das (definite article)
Neuter singular article that agrees with the noun 'Rezept'.
Rezept (noun, neuter)
Means 'prescription' (medical) or 'recipe' (cooking). The article 'das' shows it is neuter.
Word order in yes‑no questions
German places the verb directly after the interrogative word: Was kostet …
🗨In Conversation
Was kostet das Rezept?
How much does the prescription cost?
Das Rezept kostet zehn Euro.
The prescription costs ten euros.
✕Common Mistakes
Was kostet das Rezept
Missing question mark or intonation can make it sound like a statement. Always use a rising intonation or a question mark.
Was kostet das Rezeptes?
Do not add the genitive ending – 'Rezept' is already in the accusative after 'kostet'.
Wie kostet das Rezept?
‘Wie’ asks ‘how’ (in what way), not ‘how much’. Use ‘Wie viel’ or ‘Was kostet…’ for price.
↔Alternatives
Wie viel kostet das Rezept?
How much does the prescription cost?
Wie hoch ist der Preis für das Rezept?
What is the price for the prescription?
Was muss ich für das Rezept bezahlen?
What do I have to pay for the prescription?
Cultural Tip
In Germany most health‑insurance plans cover the majority of prescription costs, but a small co‑payment (Zuzahlung) of usually 5–10 € is common. When you ask the price, you are typically referring to this co‑payment, not the full price of the medication. Also, use the formal 'Sie' when speaking to pharmacy staff unless you are on first‑name basis.