German Phrase
Brauchst du einen Einkaufswagen?
Meaning
The sentence asks someone whether they need a shopping cart. It is a polite, informal way to offer help in a supermarket or market setting.
When to use
Use this question when you see a shopper without a cart, when you are helping a friend, or when you work as staff in a grocery store and want to offer a cart.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BrauchstdueinenEinkaufswagen?
Verb conjugation – brauchen
‘Brauchst’ is the 2nd person singular present tense of ‘brauchen’ (to need).
Subject‑verb order in questions
In yes/no questions the verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.
Accusative case – einen
‘Einen’ is the masculine accusative indefinite article, required because ‘Einkaufswagen’ is the direct object.
Noun gender – der Einkaufswagen
‘Einkaufswagen’ is a masculine noun (der Einkaufswagen).
🗨In Conversation
Brauchst du einen Einkaufswagen?
Do you need a shopping cart?
Ja, bitte. Ich habe zu viele Äpfel.
Yes, please. I have too many apples.
✕Common Mistakes
Braucht du einen Einkaufswagen?
‘braucht’ is 3rd person singular; with ‘du’ you need ‘brauchst’.
Brauchst du ein Einkaufswagen?
The accusative masculine article is ‘einen’, not ‘ein’.
Du brauchst einen Einkaufswagen?
In a yes/no question the verb must be first; the statement order is wrong for a question.
↔Alternatives
Möchtest du einen Einkaufswagen?
Would you like a shopping cart?
Kann ich dir einen Einkaufswagen holen?
Can I get you a shopping cart?
Brauchen Sie einen Einkaufswagen?
Do you need a shopping cart? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In most German supermarkets the carts are free to use, but you often have to insert a small coin (usually €1) to unlock a cart. The coin is returned when you bring the cart back to the return area. Offering a cart is considered courteous, especially for older shoppers or those with many items.