German · Real conversations

Shopping and returns: useful German phrases

Explain a return and check the available options.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Receipt
die Quittung
Receipt
Size (clothes)
die Größe
Size (clothes)
Can I try it on?
Kann ich das anprobieren?
Can I try it on?
Do you have a bigger size?
Haben Sie das eine Nummer größer?
Do you have a bigger size?

Make the conversation more specific

Useful German expressions for shopping and returns
What you want to say	German
Receipt	die Quittung Receipt
Size (clothes)	die Größe Size (clothes)
Can I try it on?	Kann ich das anprobieren? Can I try it on?
Do you have a bigger size?	Haben Sie das eine Nummer größer? Do you have a bigger size?
I'd like to return this.	Ich möchte das zurückgeben. Show English translation I'd like to return this.
Do you have the receipt?	Haben Sie den Kassenbon? Show English translation Do you have the receipt?
Can I exchange it for ...?	Kann ich das gegen … umtauschen? Show English translation Can I exchange it for …?
It doesn't fit.	Es passt mir nicht. Show English translation It doesn't fit.
How long do I have to return it?	Wie lange habe ich Zeit, es zurückzugeben? Show English translation How long do I have to return it?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Guten Tag. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?
Hello. How can I help you?
You
Ich möchte das zurückgeben.
I'd like to return this.
Partner
Haben Sie den Kassenbon?
Do you have the receipt?
You
Ja, hier ist er.
Yes, here it is.

Shopping and returns in other languages

A note on speaking German

Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.

The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.