die Prepaid-SIM-Karte di PRI-peid-ZIM-kar-te
the prepaid SIM card
“Prepaid” = you pay up front, no contract — perfect for tourists. The opposite is “der Vertrag” (a 24-month plan you won't get as a tourist). Common providers: Telekom, Vodafone, O2, plus cheap brands (Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect).
das Datenvolumen das DA-ten-vo-lu-men
the data allowance (GB)
“Datenvolumen” = the gigabytes of internet included (e.g. “10 GB”). EU roaming is included at the German price — you can use the SIM all over the EU at no extra cost. When it runs out, the internet slows right down until you top up.
der Personalausweis der per-zo-NAL-aus-vais
the ID card
REQUIRED by law: the SIM is registered in your name with a valid ID. As a tourist you show your passport (“der Reisepass”) or an EU ID card (“der Personalausweis”). No ID, no SIM — and without registration it won't activate.
das Guthaben das GUT-ha-ben
the credit / balance
“Guthaben” = the credit on your SIM. The key verb is “aufladen” = to top up. You recharge with a voucher (“Aufladebon”) from a supermarket or petrol station, or via an app. Then you “buchst” (book) a data package out of the credit.
der Tarif der ta-RIF
the tariff / plan
“Der Tarif” = the monthly package (data + minutes + texts). On prepaid you often pick a “Tarif” that auto-renews every 4 weeks out of your credit. Cheap brands (Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect) have great tariffs for tourists.
ScenaLingua
