German Phrase
Haben die irgendwelche Rabatte?
Meaning
This phrase is an informal way to ask if a store or establishment offers any discounts. It literally translates to "Have they any discounts?" and is commonly used when referring to a group of people (e.g., the staff, the store owners) rather than directly addressing them.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are in a store, restaurant, or any service establishment and want to inquire about potential discounts, sales, or special offers. It's particularly suitable for informal settings or when speaking about the establishment in general, rather than directly to an employee.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HabendieirgendwelcheRabatte
Haben (to have)
This is the conjugated form of the verb 'haben' (to have) for the third person plural ('die' - they). It starts the question, indicating a yes/no query.
die (they/the)
In this context, 'die' functions as an informal plural pronoun meaning 'they', referring to the people running the establishment. It can also mean 'the' (plural definite article).
irgendwelche (any)
This word means 'any' and is crucial for asking about the existence or availability of something in a question. It's used with plural nouns or uncountable nouns.
Rabatte (discounts)
This is the plural form of 'der Rabatt' (the discount). It's the object of the question, asking what 'they' might have.
🗨In Conversation
Die Schuhe sind toll, aber auch teuer.
These shoes are great, but also expensive.
Ja, ich weiß. Haben die irgendwelche Rabatte?
Yes, I know. Do they have any discounts?
✕Common Mistakes
Haben Sie einige Rabatte?
While 'einige' means 'some', 'irgendwelche' is more appropriate for 'any' in a question about existence or availability, especially when expecting a 'yes' or 'no' answer.
Haben sie Rabatte?
Using 'sie' (they) without 'irgendwelche' can sound less natural when asking about 'any' discounts. 'Irgendwelche' emphasizes the 'any' aspect.
Haben die Rabatte irgendwelche?
The word order is incorrect. 'Irgendwelche' functions as a determiner for 'Rabatte' and should precede it.
↔Alternatives
Gibt es Rabatte?
Are there discounts?
Haben Sie Rabatte?
Do you (formal) have discounts?
Gibt es vielleicht einen Rabatt?
Is there perhaps a discount?
Cultural Tip
Germans are generally quite direct, and asking about discounts is common and not considered rude. However, the choice between 'die' (informal 'they') and 'Sie' (formal 'you') is important. Using 'die' is more casual and might be used among friends discussing a store, or when speaking to a peer about the store's policy. When addressing staff directly, 'Haben Sie Rabatte?' or 'Gibt es Rabatte?' is more appropriate and polite.