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German Phrase

Ich zahle mit Karte, bitte.

/ɪç ˈtsaːlə mɪt ˈkaʁtə ˈbɪtə/
Meaning"I'll pay with a card, please."
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Meaning

A polite way to tell a server, cashier, or driver that you intend to settle the bill using a card. Adding 'bitte' makes the statement courteous, as if you are asking for the card terminal to be brought.

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When to use

Use this phrase in restaurants, cafés, shops, taxis, or any situation where you need to indicate your preferred payment method. It works both in formal settings (e.g., a hotel reception) and casual ones (e.g., a street food stall).

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchzahlemitKartebitte

1

Personal Pronoun (Ich)

Subject pronoun for the first person singular; often omitted in informal speech but kept here for clarity.

2

Verb Conjugation (zahlen → zahle)

Present tense, 1st person singular of the verb 'zahlen' (to pay).

3

Preposition mit + Dative

The preposition 'mit' always governs the dative case; 'Karte' is feminine, so the dative form is 'der Karte', but the article is often dropped in spoken German.

4

Polite Particle (bitte)

Placed at the end of the sentence to soften the request, similar to saying 'please' in English.

🗨In Conversation

A

Möchten Sie bar oder mit Karte zahlen?

Would you like to pay cash or with a card?

Ich zahle mit Karte, bitte.

I'll pay with a card, please.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich zahle mit die Karte, bitte.

    The preposition 'mit' requires the dative case, so the article must be 'der', not 'die'. In spoken German the article is often omitted entirely.

  • Ich zahle mit Karte bitte.

    Without the comma, the sentence can sound rushed; the comma separates the polite particle 'bitte' from the main clause.

  • Ich zahle Karte, bitte.

    Missing the preposition 'mit' makes the sentence ungrammatical; you need 'mit' to indicate the means of payment.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich bezahle mit Karte, bitte.

    I'll pay with a card, please.

  • Karte, bitte.

    Card, please.

  • Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?

    May I pay with a card?

  • Ich möchte mit Karte zahlen.

    I would like to pay with a card.

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it’s common for staff to ask 'Bar oder Karte?' before bringing the payment terminal. Adding 'bitte' after your answer shows politeness and signals that you’re ready to hand over the card. Remember that 'Karte' usually refers to a debit (EC/Girocard) or credit card; if you need a specific type, you can say 'Kreditkarte' or 'EC‑Karte'.