New words for this lesson
Say them out loud. Then use one word in a sentence.
€50 in cash or €50 on a card?
Same amount. Same shop. Same jacket.
🤔 Why do most people say the card?
Show answer
Because you never see the money leave. With cash you watch your wallet get thinner — a small, useful pain. Researchers call this the pain of paying.
Tapping a card removes that feeling. The money still goes. Your brain just doesn't notice it the same way.
When does the money actually leave?
| Way to pay | Money leaves your account |
|---|---|
| 💶 Cash | now, and you see it |
| 💳 Debit card | now (or in seconds) |
| 💳 Credit card | later — the bank pays first |
| 📱 Payment app | depends what is behind it |
| 🏦 Bank transfer | now, but it can take a day |
A payment app on your phone is not a new kind of money. Behind it there is always a card or a bank account. The app is just a faster door to the same money.
One of them can put you in debt
🤔 You pay €80 with a credit card. Whose money did the shop get?
Show answer
The bank's money. You now owe the bank €80. If you pay it back on time, this is usually free. If you don't, interest starts — and credit card interest is often very high.
🤔 What is an overdraft, and why is it dangerous if you don't notice it?
Show answer
Your account goes below zero and the bank lends you the difference automatically. It feels like nothing happened — but it is a loan, usually an expensive one. We look at the real cost in Lesson 14.
Which way would you pay?
I read a situation — you answer in the chat with 💶 cash, 💳 card or 📱 phone. There is no single right answer, but be ready to say why.
- a market stall
- an online shop
- splitting a pizza bill
- a monthly subscription
- a school trip
- a second-hand bike from a stranger
🤔 For which of these is cash the worst choice — and why?
Show answer
Online and for subscriptions: cash can't travel through the internet. And for something expensive from a stranger, a card or transfer leaves a record — cash leaves nothing.
Small habits that work
- Check your balance before you tap, not after.
- Turn on notifications — you see every payment in real time.
- Lost card? Block it in the app immediately, then tell the bank.
- Never share your PIN, not even with a friend.
- Contactless works without a PIN for small amounts — handy, and the reason a lost card matters.
Zusatzwissen · extra knowledge
Paying by card is not free for the shop. The shop pays a small fee on every card payment. That is why some very small shops still ask for cash, or set a minimum amount for cards.