German Phrase
Was kostet ein Einzelticket?
Meaning
This question asks for the price of a single (one‑person) ticket, typically for public transport such as a train, bus, or tram. It is a direct way to find out how much you need to pay before buying.
When to use
Use this phrase at ticket counters, vending machines, or when speaking with a travel assistant at a train station, airport, or bus stop. It works in both formal and informal settings, but adding a polite opener like ‘Entschuldigung’ makes it sound more courteous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WaskosteteinEinzelticket?
Was (question word)
‘Was’ is used to ask about something unknown, here it introduces a yes‑no question about price.
kosten (verb conjugation)
‘kosten’ means ‘to cost’. In the present tense third‑person singular it becomes ‘kostet’.
ein (indefinite article)
‘ein’ is the neuter indefinite article in the accusative case, matching ‘Einzelticket’ (das Ticket).
Einzelticket (compound noun)
A compound noun formed from ‘Einzel’ (single) + ‘Ticket’; the whole word is neuter (das Einzelticket).
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, was kostet ein Einzelticket?
Excuse me, how much does a single ticket cost?
Ein Einzelticket kostet 2,80 Euro.
A single ticket costs 2.80 euros.
✕Common Mistakes
Was kostet der Einzelticket?
‘Ticket’ is neuter, so the correct article is ‘ein’, not ‘der’. Use ‘das Ticket’ in the nominative and ‘ein Ticket’ in the accusative.
Was kostet ein Einzelticket?
While grammatically correct, many learners prefer ‘Wie viel kostet…’ for price questions. ‘Was kostet…’ is still acceptable but can sound slightly formal.
Was kostet ein Einzelticket?
In spoken German the question mark is not pronounced; the intonation rises at the end of the sentence.
↔Alternatives
Wie viel kostet ein Einzelticket?
How much does a single ticket cost?
Wie viel kostet das Einzelticket?
How much does the single ticket cost?
Was ist der Preis für ein Einzelticket?
What is the price for a single ticket?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries tickets are often sold in zones, so the price can vary depending on the distance. It’s common to say ‘Entschuldigung’ before the question and to thank the staff afterwards with ‘Danke’. Also, remember that many vending machines display prices in euros and cents, so be ready to pay the exact amount or use a contactless card.