German Conversation · Level 19
90 words
German word
kosten
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈkɔstn̩/
Meaning
- verbcost
Example
Der Mantel kostet 100 Euro.
The coat costs 100 euros.
More examples
Wie viel kostet ein Kaffee hier?
How much does a coffee cost here?
Core concept
A price tag hangs from a product, showing what must be paid for it.
Common phrases
Wie viel kostet das?
How much does that cost?
Das kostet mich 5 Euro.
That costs me 5 euros
Similar words
zahlen: Make a payment for goods, services, or an obligation.
bezahlen: Hand over the money due for a particular purchase.
verlangen: Set a price or demand a particular condition.
Definition in German
Geld erfordern; bei Waren oder Leistungen einen bestimmten Preis haben
Word origin
The cost sense comes through Middle High German kosten from Latin constare, meaning to stand together or amount to.
Usage tips
- The thing that has a price is the subject, as in 'Der Mantel kostet 100 Euro'; the person who bears the cost takes the accusative case.