German · Real conversations
How to say “I'd like to return this.” in German
Tell a shop that you want to return an item.
Ich möchte das zurückgeben.
I'd like to return this.
Have the item and the relevant purchase information ready.
Use it in three situations
At a returns counter
Ich möchte das zurückgeben.
I'd like to return this.
A clothing purchase
Ich möchte dieses Hemd zurückgeben.
I'd like to return this shirt.
A faulty item
Ich möchte das zurückgeben, weil es beschädigt ist.
I'd like to return this because it's damaged.
What to watch for
Returning an item and exchanging it are different requests.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine shopping and returns. Say this in German: I'd like to return this shirt.
Reveal a sample reply
Ich möchte dieses Hemd zurückgeben.
I'd like to return this shirt.
Build a useful exchange
Explain a return and check the available options.
This expression 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.
