SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Making Complaints

German Phrase

Ich hätte gern mein Geld komplett zurück, bitte.

/ɪç ˈhɛtə ɡɛrn maɪn ɡɛlt kɔmˈplɛt tsuˈrʏk ˈbɪtə/
Meaning"I would like my money back completely, please."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a polite yet firm way to request a full refund. It directly translates to 'I would like my money completely back, please.' The use of 'hätte gern' (conditional of 'haben' - to have) softens the request, making it more polite than a direct 'Ich will' (I want).

🎯

When to use

You would use this phrase in situations where you are returning an item, canceling a service, or expressing dissatisfaction and requesting a full refund. It's appropriate in customer service interactions, at a store, or with a service provider when you expect to receive all your money back.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichhätte gernmein Geldkomplett zurückbitte

1

Ich hätte gern

This is a polite way to express a wish or a request, meaning 'I would like to have'. It uses the subjunctive II form of 'haben' (to have), which makes the request softer and more courteous than a direct 'Ich will' (I want).

2

mein Geld

'Mein' is the possessive pronoun 'my' in the nominative/accusative neuter singular, agreeing with 'Geld' (money), which is a neuter noun. 'Geld' is always singular in German.

3

komplett zurück

'Komplett' means 'completely' and acts as an adverb modifying 'zurück' (back). This combination emphasizes that the entire amount of money is desired back, not just a partial refund.

4

bitte

'Bitte' means 'please' and is essential for politeness in German requests. Placing it at the end of the sentence is common and reinforces the courteous tone.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigen Sie, ich bin mit diesem Produkt nicht zufrieden.

Excuse me, I am not satisfied with this product.

Ich hätte gern mein Geld komplett zurück, bitte.

I would like my money back completely, please.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich will mein Geld komplett zurück.

    Using 'Ich will' (I want) is too direct and can sound impolite or demanding in German, especially when making a request. 'Ich hätte gern' is much softer and more appropriate.

  • Ich hätte gern mein Geld zurück komplett, bitte.

    The adverb 'komplett' (completely) should generally precede 'zurück' (back) when modifying it in this context. The correct order is 'komplett zurück'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte mein Geld zurück.

    I would like my money back.

  • Könnte ich bitte mein Geld zurückbekommen?

    Could I please get my money back?

  • Ich bitte um eine vollständige Rückerstattung.

    I request a full refund.

de

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking cultures, directness is often appreciated, but politeness is still crucial, especially in service interactions. Using 'Ich hätte gern' or 'Ich möchte' instead of 'Ich will' is a key indicator of politeness. Always remember to add 'bitte' (please) to soften requests, even when you are firm about your desired outcome. Germans value clear communication, so stating 'komplett zurück' leaves no room for ambiguity about wanting a full refund.