Saadnoor Salehin.
Living in Germany: The Cashier

Living in Germany: The Cashier

July 2, 2024

At the grocery store the cashier scans and passes items so fast that getting them into your bag in time is a challenge.

Having packed everything, with a world of confidence I said, Mit Karte Bitte. [With card, please.]

That one line is all the German I know, and saying it gives me a little thrill.

After the payment the cashier asked whether I needed a receipt. I said, “No.”

I never take one.

The man asked again whether I needed a receipt.

I said No again, quite clearly this time.

The man asked a third time whether I needed a receipt.

Annoyed, I said “No” — and saw the rest of the people in line laughing.

One of them said, “In German he was telling you — have a nice weekend.”