German Phrase
Kann ich den Kassenbon haben?
Meaning
A polite request for the receipt after a purchase. The speaker is asking the shop assistant if they may receive the printed proof of the transaction.
When to use
Use this sentence right after you have paid for goods or a service and need a receipt for returns, warranty claims, or tax purposes. It works in supermarkets, cafés, boutiques, and any place that issues a ‘Kassenbon’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannichdenKassenbonhaben?
Kann (modal verb)
‘Kann’ is the 1st‑person singular present form of the modal verb ‘können’, used to ask for permission or ability.
ich (personal pronoun)
‘ich’ is the nominative singular pronoun meaning ‘I’.
den (definite article, accusative)
‘den’ is the masculine accusative form of ‘der’, required because ‘Kassenbon’ is the direct object of ‘haben’.
Kassenbon (masculine noun)
‘Kassenbon’ means ‘receipt’; it is masculine, so its article changes with case.
haben (infinitive with modal)
With a modal verb, the main verb stays in the infinitive; here ‘haben’ expresses the desire to receive something.
🗨In Conversation
Kann ich den Kassenbon haben?
Can I have the receipt?
Natürlich, hier bitte.
Of course, here you go.
✕Common Mistakes
Kann ich der Kassenbon haben?
‘der’ is nominative; the object needs the accusative ‘den’ because ‘Kassenbon’ is the direct object.
Kann ich den Kassenbon hab?
After a modal verb the infinitive ‘haben’ must be used, not the conjugated form ‘hab’.
Kann ich die Kassenbon haben?
The noun is masculine; using the feminine ‘die Kassenbon’ is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Könnte ich bitte den Kassenbon bekommen?
Could I please get the receipt?
Darf ich den Kassenbon haben?
May I have the receipt?
Ich hätte gern den Kassenbon.
I would like the receipt.
Cultural Tip
In Germany a receipt (‘Kassenbon’) is more than a courtesy; it is often required for returns, warranty claims, and for tax‑deduction purposes (e.g., work‑related expenses). Asking politely with a modal verb shows respect. In some smaller shops the receipt may be optional, so phrasing the request as a question rather than a demand is considered good manners.