Meaning
To ask how a group wants to pay the bill.
Cultural Background
Paying separately is the default for friends and colleagues. It is not considered rude or cheap; it is considered practical. Similar to Germany, but in traditional Viennese coffee houses, the 'Ober' (waiter) might be slightly more formal and expect a clear signal early on. Precision is key. Splitting the bill is very common, and with high prices, people are very careful about who had what. In the US, 'separate checks' is often requested *before* ordering. in Germany, you decide at the *end*.
Be Ready to List
If you say 'getrennt', the waiter will look at you and wait. You must list what you ate and drank immediately.
Tipping when 'Getrennt'
Each person should tip individually. Rounding up to the next Euro is the minimum; 5-10% is generous.
Meaning
To ask how a group wants to pay the bill.
Be Ready to List
If you say 'getrennt', the waiter will look at you and wait. You must list what you ate and drank immediately.
Tipping when 'Getrennt'
Each person should tip individually. Rounding up to the next Euro is the minimum; 5-10% is generous.
Don't say 'Ja'
It's a common reflex for beginners to say 'Yes' to any question. Here, it will just lead to an awkward silence.
Test Yourself
You are at a restaurant with a friend. You want to pay only for your own food. What do you say?
Kellner: 'Zusammen oder getrennt?'
'Getrennt, bitte' is the standard way to say you want to pay separately.
Complete the sentence to say you are paying for everyone.
Wir zahlen ___________.
'Zusammen' means together.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Kellner: 'Das macht 25 Euro.' Kunde: 'Machen Sie 27 Euro. Stimmt ____.'
'Stimmt so' is the idiomatic way to say 'Keep the change'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You are on a business lunch and your boss is paying.
In a business lunch where the boss pays, the answer to the waiter's question is 'Zusammen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKellner: 'Zusammen oder getrennt?'
'Getrennt, bitte' is the standard way to say you want to pay separately.
Wir zahlen ___________.
'Zusammen' means together.
Kellner: 'Das macht 25 Euro.' Kunde: 'Machen Sie 27 Euro. Stimmt ____.'
'Stimmt so' is the idiomatic way to say 'Keep the change'.
Situation: You are on a business lunch and your boss is paying.
In a business lunch where the boss pays, the answer to the waiter's question is 'Zusammen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is not considered rude, but it is a statement. Paying 'zusammen' often signals romantic interest, while 'getrennt' can signal a desire for friendship or equality. It's best to discuss it briefly.
Yes, most modern German restaurants can handle multiple card transactions for one table. However, in very small cafes, they might have a 'minimum amount' for cards.
You say 'Getrennt' to the waiter, and when it's your turn, you say: 'Ich zahle für mich und die Dame hier zusammen.'
Efficiency! German service culture is often more about speed and accuracy than small talk. They want to know how to process the transaction immediately.
Related Phrases
Stimmt so
builds onKeep the change
Ich lade dich ein
contrastI invite you / My treat
Die Rechnung, bitte
similarThe bill, please
Aufrunden
specialized formTo round up (the price)
