German Phrase
Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?
Meaning
You are asking a shop assistant, waiter, or cashier whether you are allowed to pay using a card instead of cash. It’s a polite, neutral way to check the payment options available.
When to use
Use this sentence in any retail or service setting – supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, hotels, or online checkout counters – when you want to confirm that card payment is accepted.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannichmitKartebezahlen?
Modalverb 'können'
‘Kann’ is the 1st‑person singular present of ‘können’, used to ask for permission or ability.
Verb‑first in Ja/Nein‑Frage
In yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.
Preposition ‘mit’ + Dativ
‘mit’ always governs the dative case; ‘Karte’ is dative singular (der Karte) but the article is often omitted in short questions.
Infinitiv am Satzende
The main verb ‘bezahlen’ stays in infinitive form at the end of the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?
Can I pay with a card?
Ja, wir akzeptieren EC‑Karten und Kreditkarten.
Yes, we accept debit (EC) cards and credit cards.
✕Common Mistakes
Kann ich mit die Karte bezahlen?
The preposition ‘mit’ requires dative; the correct form is ‘mit Karte’ or ‘mit der Karte’.
Kann ich mit Karte bezahle?
In a yes/no question the infinitive stays at the end; ‘bezahle’ would be a statement, not a question.
Kann ich mit Karten bezahlen?
‘Karten’ is plural; you need the singular ‘Karte’ when referring to one payment card.
↔Alternatives
Kann ich mit Kreditkarte bezahlen?
Can I pay with a credit card?
Nehmen Sie Karten?
Do you take cards?
Kann ich hier mit Karte zahlen?
Can I pay here with a card?
Cultural Tip
In Germany cash is still widely used, especially in smaller shops and rural areas. While most big stores accept EC‑Girocards, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are less common. It’s courteous to ask before pulling out your card, and saying ‘Entschuldigung’ (excuse me) before the question makes it sound even more polite.