German Phrase
Hast du eine Visitenkarte?
Meaning
Literally, “Do you have a business card?” The speaker is asking the listener for a card that contains contact information, typically used in professional or networking contexts.
When to use
Use this informal question when you meet someone at a conference, trade fair, or any networking event and you’d like to exchange contact details. It’s appropriate with people you already address with *du* (friends, colleagues, or after a mutual agreement to use the informal address).
✦Grammar Breakdown
HastdueineVisitenkarte?
Verb‑First in Yes/No Questions
In German yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.
Haben – du‑Form
The verb *haben* is conjugated as *hast* for the second‑person singular (du).
Accusative with Indefinite Article
The noun *Visitenkarte* is feminine, so the indefinite article in the accusative case is *eine*.
Word Order of Objects
The object (*eine Visitenkarte*) follows the subject (*du*) after the verb in a simple question.
🗨In Conversation
Hast du eine Visitenkarte?
Do you have a business card?
Ja, hier bitte. Und hier meine.
Yes, here you go. And here’s mine.
✕Common Mistakes
Hast du ein Visitenkarte?
Visitenkarte is feminine; the correct indefinite article in the accusative is *eine*, not *ein*.
Hast du eine Visitenkarte?
When speaking to strangers or in formal settings you should use *Sie* instead of *du*.
↔Alternatives
Haben Sie eine Visitenkarte?
Do you have a business card? (formal)
Können Sie mir Ihre Visitenkarte geben?
Could you give me your business card?
Darf ich Ihre Visitenkarte haben?
May I have your business card?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking business culture, exchanging Visitenkarten is a ritual. Present the card with both hands, make eye contact, and take the received card carefully – often examining it before putting it away. Using the formal *Sie* form is the default unless you have explicitly switched to *du*.