German for Repair Workshops: Asking for a Cost Estimate
Learn to ask for repair costs in German with polite phrases like 'Was würde die Reparatur kosten?' and 'Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?'
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you bring a flea-market find to a German repair workshop, you need to discuss costs clearly and politely. This lesson teaches you three key phrases to ask for an estimate, request a written quote, and decide if the repair is worth it. You'll practice a realistic dialogue and learn to avoid common mistakes. The focus is on financial vocabulary and polite register, so you can navigate the conversation with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- ask how much a repair would cost using 'Was würde die Reparatur kosten?'
- request a written cost estimate with 'Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?'
- ask whether a repair is still worth it using 'Lohnt sich die Reparatur noch?'
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
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Was würde die Reparatur kosten?
What would the repair cost?
vahs VUER-duh dee reh-pah-rah-TOOR KOS-ten
Use this polite question to ask for an approximate price. The verb 'würde' (would) makes it hypothetical and courteous.
Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?
Can you make me a cost estimate?
KUR-nen zee meer AY-nen KOS-ten-for-ahn-shlahk MAH-khen
A 'Kostenvoranschlag' is a formal written estimate. In Germany, it's common to ask for one before authorizing work.
Lohnt sich die Reparatur noch?
Is the repair still worth it?
lohnt zikh dee reh-pah-rah-TOOR nokh
Use this when you want an opinion on whether repairing is economically sensible, especially for older items.
Wie viel würde es ungefähr kosten?
About how much would it cost?
vee feel VUER-duh es OON-guh-fair KOS-ten
This asks for a rough estimate. 'Ungefähr' means 'approximately' and signals you don't need an exact figure yet.
Können Sie das reparieren, ohne dass es zu teuer wird?
Can you repair it without it becoming too expensive?
KUR-nen zee dahs reh-pah-REE-ren OH-nuh dahs es tsoo TOY-er veert
This phrase politely sets a budget limit. It's useful if you're worried about high costs.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern 'Was würde ... kosten?' is a polite way to ask for the cost of a service or item. You can replace the noun to ask about different things: 'Was würde der Austausch kosten?' (What would the replacement cost?) or 'Was würde die Reinigung kosten?' (What would the cleaning cost?). The verb 'würde' is the Konjunktiv II form of 'werden' and adds politeness. For a direct question, you can also say 'Was kostet die Reparatur?' but the 'würde' version sounds more tentative and courteous, which is appreciated in service interactions.
When to use it
Use 'Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?' when you want a written estimate before committing to a repair. In Germany, a 'Kostenvoranschlag' is not legally binding unless agreed otherwise, but it gives you a clear idea of costs. It's standard practice to ask for one, especially for repairs that might exceed 100 euros. For smaller jobs, a verbal estimate ('Was würde das ungefähr kosten?') is often enough. If you're unsure whether to proceed, ask 'Lohnt sich die Reparatur noch?' to get the technician's professional opinion. This question is common when the item has sentimental value or when repair costs might approach the price of a new item.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Tag, ich habe hier eine alte Lampe vom Flohmarkt. Was würde die Reparatur kosten?
Hello, I have an old lamp from the flea market. What would the repair cost?GOO-ten tahk, ikh HAH-buh heer AY-nuh AHL-tuh LAHM-puh fom FLOH-markt. vahs VUER-duh dee reh-pah-rah-TOOR KOS-tenDas kommt darauf an. Können Sie mir mehr Details geben? Was ist genau kaputt?
That depends. Can you give me more details? What exactly is broken?dahs komt dah-ROUF ahn. KUR-nen zee meer mair day-TIES GAY-ben? vahs ist guh-NOU kah-POOTDer Schalter funktioniert nicht mehr. Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?
The switch no longer works. Can you make me a cost estimate?dair SHAHL-ter foonk-tsee-oh-NEERT nikht mair. KUR-nen zee meer AY-nen KOS-ten-for-ahn-shlahk MAH-khenJa, das mache ich. Aber ehrlich gesagt: Lohnt sich die Reparatur noch? Eine neue Lampe wäre vielleicht günstiger.
Yes, I'll do that. But honestly: Is the repair still worth it? A new lamp might be cheaper.yah, dahs MAH-khuh ikh. AH-ber AIR-likh guh-ZAHKT: lohnt zikh dee reh-pah-rah-TOOR nokh? AY-nuh NOY-uh LAHM-puh VAY-ruh fee-LIKHT GUEN-stee-gherA little context goes a long way
In Germany, asking for a 'Kostenvoranschlag' is standard and expected for repairs. It's a written estimate that helps both parties avoid misunderstandings. However, note that a 'Kostenvoranschlag' is not the same as a fixed price ('Festpreis'); the final bill can be higher if unexpected work is needed, but usually only up to 20% more without your approval. Always clarify whether the estimate is binding ('verbindlich') or non-binding ('unverbindlich'). Politeness is key: use 'Sie' with staff unless they offer 'du' first.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Was kostet die Reparatur?' in a polite context without 'würde'.
Try this instead: While 'Was kostet die Reparatur?' is grammatically correct, it can sound blunt. The polite form is 'Was würde die Reparatur kosten?' with the Konjunktiv II 'würde'. This softens the question and shows respect. For example, 'Was würde die Reparatur kosten?' is better in a formal workshop setting.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask for a written cost estimate in German?
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Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?
This phrase directly asks for a 'Kostenvoranschlag', the standard term for a written estimate. You could also say 'Kann ich einen Kostenvoranschlag bekommen?' which is equally polite.
2What phrase would you use to ask if a repair is still worth it?
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Lohnt sich die Reparatur noch?
This question uses 'sich lohnen' (to be worth it) and 'noch' (still). It's perfect for getting an opinion on whether to proceed. Alternatively, 'Ist die Reparatur noch sinnvoll?' works but is slightly more formal.
3How can you ask for an approximate cost without committing to a full estimate?
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Was würde es ungefähr kosten?
This uses 'ungefähr' (approximately) to ask for a rough figure. You can also say 'Was würde das circa kosten?' with 'circa' meaning 'around'. Both are polite and common.
Use 'Was würde die Reparatur kosten?' for a polite cost inquiry, 'Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag machen?' to request a written estimate, and 'Lohnt sich die Reparatur noch?' to ask if it's worth it. Always use 'Sie' and clarify if the estimate is binding.
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