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German Phrase

Nimmst du Kreditkarten?

/ˈnɪmst du ˈkʁeːdɪtˌkaʁtn̩/
Meaning"Do you accept credit cards?"
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Meaning

Literally, ‘Do you take credit cards?’, this question is used to find out whether a shop, restaurant or service accepts payment by credit card. It is informal because of the pronoun ‘du’. In a formal context you would ask ‘Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten?’

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are about to pay for something and want to know if the establishment accepts credit cards. It works in cafés, supermarkets, hotels, taxis, and any place where you might need to choose a payment method.

✦Grammar Breakdown

NimmstduKreditkarten?

1

Verb conjugation (nehmen)

‘Nimmst’ is the 2nd person singular present tense of ‘nehmen’ (to take/accept).

2

Verb‑second word order

In a yes/no question the verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.

3

Accusative object

‘Kreditkarten’ is a plural noun in the accusative case, acting as the direct object of ‘nehmen’.

4

Pronoun placement

‘du’ is the informal second‑person pronoun; in formal settings you would use ‘Sie’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Nimmst du Kreditkarten?

Do you accept credit cards?

Ja, wir akzeptieren alle gängigen Karten.

Yes, we accept all common cards.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Machst du Kreditkarten?

    ‘machen’ means ‘to make/do’; the correct verb for accepting payment is ‘nehmen’ or ‘akzeptieren’.

  • Nimmst du Kreditkarte?

    ‘Kreditkarte’ is singular; the question refers to the type of payment, so the plural ‘Kreditkarten’ is idiomatic.

  • Du nimmst Kreditkarten?

    In yes/no questions the verb must be in first position; ‘Du nimmst…?’ is a statement, not a question.

↔Alternatives

  • Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten?

    Do you accept credit cards? (formal)

  • Akzeptieren Sie Kreditkarten?

    Do you accept credit cards? (formal, using ‘akzeptieren’)

  • Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?

    Can I pay with a card?

  • Zahlen Sie mit Kreditkarte?

    Will you pay with a credit card? (formal)

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany cash is still widely used, especially in smaller shops and rural areas. Even when cards are accepted, it’s polite to ask before pulling out your wallet. Use the formal ‘Sie’ form with strangers, shop staff, or in any business setting unless you’re explicitly invited to use ‘du’. Some places may only accept EC‑Karten (debit) and not credit cards, so it’s useful to know both questions.