In 15 Seconds
- Used for settling invoices, restaurant bills, or utility costs.
- Standard, neutral phrase suitable for both formal and casual settings.
- Often involves bank transfers or paying the waiter directly.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are settling a debt or paying for a service you received, like at a restaurant or for a utility bill.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant with a waiter
Ich möchte bitte die Rechnung bezahlen.
I would like to pay the bill, please.
Talking to a roommate about utilities
Hast du die Stromrechnung schon bezahlt?
Have you already paid the electricity bill?
Texting a friend after a shared meal
Bezahlst du die Rechnung? Ich überweise dir das Geld.
Are you paying the bill? I'll transfer the money to you.
Cultural Background
The 'Getrennte Rechnung' is a standard practice. Waiters expect to calculate individual totals for each person at the table unless told otherwise. In traditional Viennese coffee houses, you often pay the 'Ober' (head waiter) directly. The phrase remains the same, but the etiquette is very formal. In Switzerland, bills are often called 'Einzahlungsschein' (payment slip). Paying bills is extremely punctual; being even a day late is frowned upon. German companies often have a 'Zahlungsziel' (payment deadline) of 14 or 30 days. Paying 'auf Rechnung' is a sign of trust between partners.
The 'Be-' Rule
Remember that 'bezahlen' never takes 'ge-' in the past. It's always 'bezahlt'.
Zusammen oder getrennt?
Be prepared for this question in every German restaurant. It's the most common context for the phrase.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for settling invoices, restaurant bills, or utility costs.
- Standard, neutral phrase suitable for both formal and casual settings.
- Often involves bank transfers or paying the waiter directly.
What It Means
At its heart, eine Rechnung bezahlen is about settling your debts. It means you have received a service or a product. Now, it is time to send the money over. It is the ultimate 'adulting' phrase in Germany. You are not just buying something. You are fulfilling an obligation. It covers everything from your monthly internet to a fancy steak dinner.
How To Use It
You will mostly use the verb bezahlen at the end of a sentence. If you are using a modal verb like müssen (must), it stays at the end. For example, Ich muss die Rechnung bezahlen. If you are just stating the action, you say Ich bezahle die Rechnung. The word Rechnung is feminine. This means it stays die Rechnung in the accusative case. It is a very sturdy, reliable phrase. You can't really get the grammar wrong if you remember die.
When To Use It
Use this phrase in any professional or commercial setting. It is the standard way to ask for the bill at a restaurant. Just catch the waiter's eye and say it. Use it when talking about your monthly expenses. If your roommate asks about the electricity, this is your go-to line. It also works for online shopping. Many German shops let you pay after delivery. You receive the goods, then you bezahlen die Rechnung via bank transfer.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, immediate cash purchases. If you buy a single banana at a kiosk, don't say it. It sounds way too formal. Just say Ich zahle bar (I am paying cash). Also, if you are treating a friend, don't use this phrase. It sounds a bit cold and transactional. Instead, say Ich lade dich ein (I invite you). This sounds much warmer and friendlier. Avoid using it for taxes too. For that, Germans usually say Steuern zahlen.
Cultural Background
Germany is the land of the Rechnung. While other countries love credit cards, Germans love invoices. You will receive many paper envelopes in your mailbox. Most will be a Rechnung. Paying by bank transfer (Überweisung) is a national pastime. Germans are also very punctual with payments. If you miss a deadline, you get a Mahnung (reminder). These often come with extra fees. It is a system built on trust and very organized paperwork.
Common Variations
You might hear die Rechnung begleichen. This is a bit more formal. It is like saying 'to settle the account'. If you are at a restaurant with friends, you will hear getrennt bezahlen. This means 'paying separately'. It is a very German tradition. Everyone pays exactly what they ate. No more, no less. It keeps friendships simple and math-heavy. Another common one is die Rechnung geht auf mich. This means 'the bill is on me'. Use it if you are feeling generous!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. Remember that in restaurants, 'bezahlen' is the verb of choice, while for bank transfers, 'begleichen' adds a touch of professional polish.
The 'Be-' Rule
Remember that 'bezahlen' never takes 'ge-' in the past. It's always 'bezahlt'.
Zusammen oder getrennt?
Be prepared for this question in every German restaurant. It's the most common context for the phrase.
Mahngebühren
If you don't pay a 'Rechnung' on time, companies will add 'Mahngebühren' (late fees) very quickly.
Online Banking
Most Germans pay bills via 'Überweisung' (bank transfer). Look for the 'IBAN' on the 'Rechnung'.
Examples
6Ich möchte bitte die Rechnung bezahlen.
I would like to pay the bill, please.
The most common way to ask for the check in Germany.
Hast du die Stromrechnung schon bezahlt?
Have you already paid the electricity bill?
A typical household conversation about monthly costs.
Bezahlst du die Rechnung? Ich überweise dir das Geld.
Are you paying the bill? I'll transfer the money to you.
Common when one person pays the total and others reimburse them.
Wir müssen diese Rechnung bis Freitag bezahlen.
We must pay this invoice by Friday.
Focuses on the deadline of a professional payment.
Meine Brieftasche ist aus Zwiebelleder – wenn ich die Rechnung bezahle, muss ich weinen!
My wallet is made of onion leather – when I pay the bill, I have to cry!
A classic German dad joke about high prices.
Mein Vater hat die gesamte Rechnung für die Hochzeit bezahlt.
My father paid the entire bill for the wedding.
Shows gratitude for a significant financial gesture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'bezahlen' and the article for 'Rechnung'.
Ich habe gestern {___|___} {___|___} (the bill) per Banküberweisung {___|___} (paid).
'Rechnung' is feminine accusative, and 'bezahlen' in the perfect tense is 'bezahlt'.
Which sentence is correct?
You are in a restaurant and want to pay.
This is the standard, grammatically correct way to express this.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Restaurant, 2. Business Email, 3. Slang with friends
'Bezahlen' is neutral, 'begleichen' is formal, and 'blechen' is slang.
Complete the dialogue.
Kellner: 'Möchten Sie zusammen oder getrennt bezahlen?' - Gast: 'Bitte ___ ___ ___.'
The guest is specifying they want to pay the bill as one.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Zahlen vs. Bezahlen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe gestern {___|___} {___|___} (the bill) per Banküberweisung {___|___} (paid).
'Rechnung' is feminine accusative, and 'bezahlen' in the perfect tense is 'bezahlt'.
You are in a restaurant and want to pay.
This is the standard, grammatically correct way to express this.
1. Restaurant, 2. Business Email, 3. Slang with friends
'Bezahlen' is neutral, 'begleichen' is formal, and 'blechen' is slang.
Kellner: 'Möchten Sie zusammen oder getrennt bezahlen?' - Gast: 'Bitte ___ ___ ___.'
The guest is specifying they want to pay the bill as one.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's better to say 'Ich zahle 10 Euro'. 'Bezahlen' is usually for the object (the bill) or the person.
A 'Rechnung' is a request for payment (before you pay). A 'Quittung' is a receipt (proof that you paid).
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
Say: 'Die Rechnung, bitte' or 'Ich würde gerne bezahlen'.
It means you receive the product first and pay the invoice later, usually within 14 days.
Yes, 'Ich bezahle den Kellner' (I am paying the waiter) is correct.
It is a formal reminder sent if you forget to pay a bill. It often includes extra fees.
In restaurants, yes, but for utilities and online shopping, bank transfers are the standard.
It means to leave a restaurant without paying the bill (dine and dash). It is a crime!
Yes, 'eine Rechnung begleichen' sounds more professional in a corporate environment.
You say: '{die|f} Rechnung ist fällig'.
In big stores and restaurants, yes. In small cafes or for official government bills, often no.
Related Phrases
eine Rechnung begleichen
synonymTo settle a bill
auf Rechnung kaufen
specialized formTo buy on account
die Zeche zahlen
similarTo pay the tab
eine Rechnung offen haben
contrastTo have an unpaid bill / a bone to pick
die Quittung bekommen
figurativeTo get the receipt (to get what's coming to you)
