bezahlt
Paid; given money in exchange for work or goods.
bezahlt in 30 Seconds
- Indicates that a financial transaction is complete and the money has been successfully transferred to the recipient.
- Used as an adjective to describe jobs or internships that provide a salary, such as 'ein bezahlter Job'.
- Appears frequently on receipts and invoices to confirm that no further debt remains for the listed items.
- Can be used metaphorically to describe the 'price' or 'cost' one has given up for a specific achievement or goal.
The German word bezahlt is the past participle (Partizip II) of the verb bezahlen, frequently functioning as an adjective. At its core, it signifies that a financial transaction has been successfully concluded—that the required amount of money for a service, a physical product, or a debt has been transferred from the debtor to the creditor. In the context of employment, it describes work for which one receives a salary or wage, distinguishing it from voluntary or 'unpaid' (unbezahlt) labor. Understanding 'bezahlt' requires looking beyond the simple act of handing over cash; it encompasses the legal and social acknowledgment that an obligation has been met.
- Economic Context
- Refers to the fulfillment of a monetary obligation in commercial trade.
- Employment Context
- Indicates that a role or task is compensated with a wage or salary.
- Status Indicator
- Used on invoices or receipts to show that no further payment is required.
"Die Rechnung ist bereits bezahlt, also müssen wir uns keine Sorgen um Mahnungen machen."
In German culture, the concept of being 'bezahlt' is closely tied to the idea of Schuld (debt/guilt). When something is paid, the 'Schuld' is cleared. This linguistic connection highlights the weight of financial responsibility in German-speaking societies. Whether you are looking at a 'bezahlter Urlaub' (paid vacation) or a 'gut bezahlter Job' (well-paid job), the word acts as a marker of value and contractual fulfillment.
"Ein bezahltes Praktikum ist in dieser Branche leider eine Seltenheit."
- Adjectival Use
- Used before a noun: 'ein bezahlter Mitarbeiter' (a paid employee).
- Predicative Use
- Used after a verb: 'Das Ticket ist bezahlt' (The ticket is paid).
"Hast du das bezahlte Paket schon erhalten?"
Furthermore, 'bezahlt' can appear in compound words or phrases that define the quality of payment, such as 'überbezahlt' (overpaid) or 'unterbezahlt' (underpaid). These variations are essential for discussing social justice and labor market conditions. In a digital world, 'bezahlt' is often the green status icon you see after a successful checkout in an online shop, providing immediate psychological relief to the consumer.
"Er ist ein hoch bezahlter Berater für internationale Firmen."
- Legal Meaning
- The transfer of ownership often depends on whether the item is fully paid.
- Social Meaning
- Paid work is often seen as more 'professional' than unpaid work in capitalist structures.
"Alle bezahlten Rechnungen werden im blauen Ordner abgelegt."
Using 'bezahlt' correctly involves understanding its dual role as a past participle and an adjective. When used as a participle in the perfect tense, it follows the verb 'haben' (e.g., 'Ich habe bezahlt'). However, as an adjective, it describes the state of an object or person. This distinction is crucial for German learners at the B1 level.
1. Attributive Use (Before Nouns)
When 'bezahlt' comes before a noun, it must decline based on the gender, case, and number of that noun. This is where most learners struggle. For example:
- Masculine: Ein bezahlter Urlaub (A paid vacation).
- Feminine: Eine bezahlte Rechnung (A paid invoice).
- Neuter: Ein bezahltes Abonnement (A paid subscription).
- Plural: Die bezahlten Überstunden (The paid overtime).
2. Predicative Use (After Verbs)
When used after 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become/passive), it does not change its ending. This is the simplest form for learners. 'Die Rechnung ist bezahlt' (The bill is paid). Here, it describes the current state of the bill.
3. Passive Voice Nuances
In the passive voice, 'bezahlt' indicates the action of paying. 'Die Rechnung wird bezahlt' (The bill is being paid). 'Die Rechnung wurde bezahlt' (The bill was paid). It is vital to distinguish between the state (Zustandspassiv: 'ist bezahlt') and the process (Vorgangspassiv: 'wird bezahlt').
4. Common Collocations
Certain nouns almost always pair with 'bezahlt'. 'Bezahlte Werbung' (paid advertising) is a common term in marketing. 'Bezahlter Inhalt' (paid content) is what you see on news websites. In the workplace, 'bezahlte Freistellung' (paid leave) is a highly valued benefit.
Finally, consider the adverbial use. You can be 'gut bezahlt' (well paid) or 'schlecht bezahlt' (poorly paid). These phrases describe the quality of one's compensation and are standard in discussions about careers and the economy.
You will encounter 'bezahlt' in a variety of environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly professional. Understanding these contexts helps in recognizing the tone and intent of the speaker.
At the Grocery Store or Restaurant
The most common place is at the checkout. After you tap your card or hand over cash, the cashier might say, 'Das ist damit bezahlt' (That is paid for with that) or simply 'Bezahlt!' as they hand you the receipt. In a restaurant, if you want to tell the waiter that your friend has already covered the bill, you would say, 'Mein Freund hat schon bezahlt.'
In the Office and Business World
In professional settings, 'bezahlt' appears on every invoice. A stamp with the word 'BEZAHLT' and a date is a classic sight in German accounting departments. You will also hear it in HR meetings: 'Sind die Überstunden bezahlt oder werden sie durch Freizeit ausgeglichen?' (Are the overtime hours paid or are they compensated with time off?).
Online and Digital Media
On social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube, German law requires influencers to mark sponsored posts. You will often see the hashtag #bezahltewerbung or a label saying 'Bezahlte Partnerschaft' (Paid partnership). This ensures transparency for the consumer.
In News and Politics
News reports often discuss 'bezahlbarer Wohnraum' (affordable housing—related to the root) or 'bezahlte Elternzeit' (paid parental leave). Political debates frequently center on whether certain services should be 'vom Staat bezahlt' (paid for by the state).
Even advanced learners make mistakes with 'bezahlt' due to its similarity to other words and its grammatical flexibility. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.
1. Confusing 'bezahlt' with 'gezahlt'
While both come from 'zahlen', 'bezahlt' is used for the object or person being paid (e.g., 'Ich habe die Rechnung bezahlt'), whereas 'gezahlt' is often used for the amount itself (e.g., 'Ich habe 50 Euro gezahlt'). Using 'bezahlt' for an amount is technically possible but less common in specific contexts.
2. The 'Ich bin bezahlt' Error
English speakers often translate 'I am paid' literally as 'Ich bin bezahlt'. In German, this sounds like you, the person, have been bought or settled as a debt. If you want to say you receive a salary, say 'Ich werde bezahlt' (passive) or 'Ich bekomme Gehalt'. If you want to say you have finished paying at a register, say 'Ich habe (schon) bezahlt'.
3. Adjective Endings
Many learners forget to decline 'bezahlt' when it's an attribute. Saying 'Ein bezahlt Urlaub' is incorrect; it must be 'Ein bezahlter Urlaub'. Always check the gender of the following noun.
4. Mixing up 'bezahlbar' and 'bezahlt'
'Bezahlt' means it has been paid. 'Bezahlbar' means it is affordable (able to be paid). These are often confused in discussions about prices. 'Das Haus ist bezahlt' (The house is paid off) vs. 'Das Haus ist bezahlbar' (The house is affordable).
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances than 'bezahlt'.
1. Beglichen
This is a more formal synonym often used in banking and legal contexts. You 'begleichen' a 'Rechnung' (invoice) or a 'Schuld' (debt). It implies a formal settlement of an outstanding balance. 'Die Forderung wurde beglichen.'
2. Entlohnt
This specifically refers to being compensated for work. While 'bezahlt' is general, 'entlohnt' focuses on the reward for labor. 'Er wurde für seine Mühen reichlich entlohnt' (He was richly rewarded/paid for his efforts).
3. Vergütet
Often used in job contracts. 'Vergütung' is the formal word for compensation or remuneration. If an internship is 'vergütet', it means you get money for it. It sounds more bureaucratic than 'bezahlt'.
4. Quittiert
This means 'receipted'. When a payment is 'quittiert', it means someone has officially signed off that they received the money. You might see this on official documents.
5. Finanziert
This means 'financed'. While 'bezahlt' implies the money has been handed over, 'finanziert' implies the source of the money or a long-term payment plan. 'Das Projekt ist durch Spenden bezahlt' (paid by donations) vs. 'Das Projekt ist durch Spenden finanziert' (funded/financed by donations).
How Formal Is It?
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Pronunciation Guide
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Examples by Level
Ich habe das Brot bezahlt.
I paid for the bread.
Perfect tense with 'haben'.
Ist das schon bezahlt?
Is that already paid?
Predicative adjective.
Er hat die Pizza bezahlt.
He paid for the pizza.
Subject + Verb + Object.
Wir haben zusammen bezahlt.
We paid together.
Adverbial use of 'zusammen'.
Hast du bezahlt?
Did you pay?
Question in perfect tense.
Das Ticket ist bezahlt.
The ticket is paid.
Zustandspassiv (state).
Sie hat bar bezahlt.
She paid in cash.
Adverb 'bar' (cash).
Bezahlt bitte hier.
Please pay here.
Imperative form.
Mein Job ist gut bezahlt.
My job is well paid.
Adverb + Adjective.
Die Rechnung ist noch nicht bezahlt.
The bill is not yet paid.
Negation with 'noch nicht'.
Ich suche eine bezahlte Arbeit.
I am looking for paid work.
Attributive adjective (feminine).
Wer hat das Bier bezahlt?
Who paid for the beer?
Interrogative pronoun 'Wer'.
Alles ist inklusive und bezahlt.
Everything is inclusive and paid.
Coordinating conjunction 'und'.
Sie hat mit Karte bezahlt.
She paid by card.
Prepositional phrase 'mit Karte'.
Ist der Urlaub bezahlt?
Is the vacation paid?
Predicative adjective.
Er hat die Parkgebühr bezahlt.
He paid the parking fee.
Compound noun 'Parkgebühr'.
Ein bezahlter Urlaub ist wichtig für die Erholung.
A paid vacation is important for recovery.
Attributive adjective (masculine nominative).
Die Überstunden werden extra bezahlt.
The overtime hours are paid extra.
Vorgangspassiv (process).
Ich habe die bezahlte Rechnung abgelegt.
I filed the paid invoice.
Attributive adjective (feminine accusative).
Das Praktikum war leider nicht bezahlt.
The internship was unfortunately not paid.
Past tense of 'sein' + adjective.
Haben Sie die Mehrwertsteuer schon bezahlt?
Have you already paid the VAT?
Specific vocabulary 'Mehrwertsteuer'.
Für bezahlte Anzeigen gibt es Regeln.
There are rules for paid advertisements.
Dative plural adjective ending.
Er fühlt sich für seine Arbeit schlecht bezahlt.
He feels poorly paid for his work.
Reflexive verb 'sich fühlen'.
Die Ware wird erst nach Erhalt bezahlt.
The goods are only paid for after receipt.
Passive voice with temporal preposition.
Bezahlte Partnerschaften müssen klar gekennzeichnet sein.
Paid partnerships must be clearly labeled.
Plural adjective ending.
Das Unternehmen hat die Fortbildung komplett bezahlt.
The company paid for the training completely.
Adverb 'komplett'.
In Deutschland ist bezahlte Elternzeit gesetzlich geregelt.
In Germany, paid parental leave is regulated by law.
Legal context.
Er ist ein hoch bezahlter Spezialist auf seinem Gebiet.
He is a highly paid specialist in his field.
Compound adjective 'hoch bezahlt'.
Die bereits bezahlten Gebühren werden nicht erstattet.
The fees already paid will not be refunded.
Participle as an attribute with an adverb.
Wurde der Schaden von der Versicherung bezahlt?
Was the damage paid for by the insurance?
Passive voice in the past.
Sie hat einen hohen Preis für ihre Karriere bezahlt.
She paid a high price for her career.
Metaphorical usage.
Alle bezahlten Beiträge sind in der Liste aufgeführt.
All paid contributions are listed in the table.
Adjective in a plural noun phrase.
Die moralische Schuld kann nicht mit Geld bezahlt werden.
Moral guilt cannot be paid for with money.
Modal verb in passive voice.
Das Projekt wird durch staatliche Gelder bezahlt.
The project is paid for by state funds.
Preposition 'durch' for the means.
Ein schlecht bezahlter Sektor leidet oft unter Fachkräftemangel.
A poorly paid sector often suffers from a shortage of skilled workers.
Complex noun phrase.
Trotz der bezahlten Kaution durfte er die Wohnung nicht beziehen.
Despite the paid deposit, he was not allowed to move into the apartment.
Preposition 'trotz' with genitive/dative.
Die Rechnung gilt erst dann als bezahlt, wenn das Geld eingegangen ist.
The invoice is only considered paid when the money has been received.
Conditional structure.
Er hat seine Schulden bei der Gesellschaft teuer bezahlt.
He paid dearly for his debts to society.
Idiomatic expression 'teuer bezahlen'.
Bezahlte Lobbyarbeit steht oft in der Kritik.
Paid lobbying is often criticized.
Political vocabulary.
Die vom Kunden bereits bezahlten Artikel sind versandfertig.
The items already paid for by the customer are ready for shipping.
Extended participle construction.
Die Frage, ob Kunst angemessen bezahlt werden kann, bleibt offen.
The question of whether art can be adequately paid for remains open.
Indirect question clause.
In einer Welt des Überflusses wird Aufmerksamkeit zur am teuersten bezahlten Währung.
In a world of abundance, attention becomes the most dearly paid currency.
Superlative adjective phrase.
Die mühsam bezahlten Reparationen belasteten die Wirtschaft über Jahrzehnte.
The laboriously paid reparations burdened the economy for decades.
Historical/Economic context.
Es ist ein Trugschluss zu glauben, dass alles Schweigen bezahlt werden kann.
It is a fallacy to believe that all silence can be bought/paid for.
Infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Die durch Schmiergelder bezahlte Gefälligkeit flog schließlich auf.
The favor paid for by bribes was eventually exposed.
Complex attributive construction.
Das mit Blut bezahlte Territorium wurde schließlich aufgegeben.
The territory paid for with blood was finally abandoned.
Metaphorical/Poetic usage.
Die Angestellten fordern, dass jede geleistete Minute auch bezahlt wird.
The employees demand that every minute worked is also paid for.
Subjunctive/Demand structure.
Ein hochgradig bezahlter Aufsichtsrat trägt eine immense Verantwortung.
A highly paid supervisory board bears immense responsibility.
Corporate terminology.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Ich habe schon bezahlt.
Ist das schon bezahlt?
Das wird extra bezahlt.
Ein gut bezahlter Job.
Bezahlt und quittiert.
Vom Staat bezahlt.
Teuer bezahlt.
Bezahltes Praktikum.
Die Rechnung ist bezahlt.
Wer hat bezahlt?
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
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Easily Confused
To count (numbers).
To pay (general).
To pay (specific object/person).
To tell a story.
To pay out a sum.
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Can mean 'suffered the consequences' in phrases like 'teuer bezahlt'.
Use 'bezahlt' for the bill/person, 'gezahlt' for the amount.
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In German, 'Ich bin bezahlt' implies you were purchased. Use 'habe' for the action or 'werde' for the salary.
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Adjectives before nouns must have endings. 'Job' is masculine, so it needs '-er' in the nominative.
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While 'bezahlt' is often used, 'gezahlt' is more precise for specific monetary amounts.
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'Bezahlbar' means affordable, 'bezahlt' means already paid. Don't mix up the suffixes.
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The past participle must end in '-t', not '-e'.
Tips
Watch the Endings
When 'bezahlt' is before a noun, it needs an ending like -er, -e, or -es. For example, 'ein bezahlter Urlaub' (masculine). Without the noun, like 'Die Rechnung ist bezahlt', it stays the same. This is a key B1 grammar point.
Use 'Beglichen' for Bills
If you want to sound more professional in an office, use 'beglichen' instead of 'bezahlt'. Say 'Die Rechnung wurde bereits beglichen'. It shows a higher level of German proficiency. It is very common in business emails.
Paid Vacation is a Right
In Germany, 'bezahlter Urlaub' is not a perk, it is a legal requirement. Most employees get at least 25-30 days. When discussing jobs, always ask if the vacation days are 'bezahlt'. It is a standard part of any contract.
Restaurant Etiquette
In a restaurant, don't say 'Ich bin bezahlt'. Say 'Ich möchte zahlen' or 'Die Rechnung, bitte'. If someone else paid, say 'Mein Freund hat schon bezahlt'. This avoids the awkward 'I am bought' translation error.
Social Media Labels
If you are an influencer in Germany, you must use '#bezahlt' or 'Anzeige'. Failing to do so can lead to heavy fines. This is part of the 'Impressumspflicht' and consumer protection laws. Transparency is very important in German media.
Listen for the 't'
The 't' at the end of 'bezahlt' is crucial. It tells you the action is completed. If you hear 'bezahle', it's 'I pay' (present). If you hear 'bezahlt', it's 'paid' (past/state). Train your ear to catch that final consonant.
Paid Overtime
Always clarify if 'Überstunden' (overtime) are 'bezahlt' or 'abgebummelt' (taken as time off). This is a standard question in German job interviews. Use the word 'bezahlt' to be clear about your expectations.
The 'Be-' Prefix
The prefix 'be-' often makes a verb take a direct object. 'Zahlen' is just to pay, but 'bezahlen' is to pay *something*. 'Bezahlt' is the state of that *something* after you've finished. Think: 'Be-finished'.
Check the Status
In online banking, look for the status 'bezahlt' or 'ausgeführt'. If it says 'offen' or 'pendent', the money hasn't moved yet. 'Bezahlt' is the confirmation you need for your records. It is the most important word on a receipt.
Paid vs. Affordable
Don't confuse 'bezahlt' (paid) with 'bezahlbar' (affordable). 'Die Wohnung ist bezahlt' means you own it. 'Die Wohnung ist bezahlbar' means the rent is cheap enough for you. One letter makes a huge difference in meaning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'be-' as 'become' and 'zahlt' as 'salt'. In ancient times, soldiers were paid in salt (salary). So, 'bezahlt' is when you have 'become salted' (paid).
Word Origin
Cultural Context
Paid sick leave and paid vacation are strictly protected by German law.
Germany is traditionally a cash-heavy society, though 'bezahlt mit Karte' is becoming more common.
Sponsored content must be marked as 'bezahlt' to avoid legal penalties.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"Hast du das Mittagessen schon bezahlt?"
"Ist ein bezahltes Praktikum in deinem Land normal?"
"Findest du, dass Lehrer gut bezahlt werden?"
"Hast du jemals teuer für einen Fehler bezahlt?"
"Wie viele Tage bezahlten Urlaub hast du pro Jahr?"
Journal Prompts
Beschreibe deinen ersten bezahlten Job.
Warum ist es wichtig, dass Überstunden bezahlt werden?
Was war die höchste Rechnung, die du jemals bezahlt hast?
Sollte Bildung vom Staat bezahlt werden? Warum?
Denkst du, dass Influencer ihre bezahlte Werbung deutlicher markieren sollten?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Bezahlt' is usually used when referring to the thing you are paying for, like a bill or a person. 'Gezahlt' is more common when you are talking about the specific amount of money. For example, 'Ich habe die Rechnung bezahlt' but 'Ich habe 20 Euro gezahlt'. However, in many casual contexts, they are used interchangeably. 'Bezahlt' is more common as an adjective.
No, this is a common mistake for English speakers. In German, 'Ich bin bezahlt' sounds like you yourself were the object of a transaction (like a slave or a debt). To say you have a salary, say 'Ich werde bezahlt'. To say you have finished paying at a counter, say 'Ich habe bezahlt'.
It is both. It is the past participle (Partizip II) of the verb 'bezahlen'. In the sentence 'Ich habe bezahlt', it acts as a verb. In the sentence 'Das ist eine bezahlte Rechnung', it acts as an adjective. This is common for many German past participles.
It follows standard adjective declension rules. If there is no article, use strong endings (bezahlter Wein). With a definite article, use weak endings (der bezahlte Wein). With an indefinite article, use mixed endings (ein bezahlter Wein). Always match the gender and case of the noun.
'Gut bezahlt' means 'well paid'. It is a very common way to describe a job with a high salary. Conversely, 'schlecht bezahlt' means 'poorly paid'. These are standard phrases in job advertisements and career discussions.
It is neutral and can be used in any context. However, in very formal business or legal writing, you might see 'beglichen' (for bills) or 'vergütet' (for work) instead. In a restaurant, 'bezahlt' is perfectly fine.
This means 'paid advertising'. You will see this on social media or in newspapers. It is a legal requirement in Germany to label any content that was paid for by a company to ensure transparency for the audience.
Usually, yes. However, it can be used metaphorically. If someone says 'Er hat einen hohen Preis bezahlt', they might mean he suffered a lot or lost something valuable (like health or time) to achieve a goal. It doesn't always mean physical cash.
The direct opposite is 'unbezahlt' (unpaid). You can also use 'offen' (open) for bills that haven't been settled yet, or 'ausstehend' (outstanding) for payments that are due but not yet made.
Yes, but be careful. 'Ein bezahlter Mitarbeiter' is a paid employee. However, 'ein bezahlter Mörder' is a hitman. It simply means the person receives money for their role or action.
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Summary
The word 'bezahlt' is essential for navigating daily transactions and professional life in Germany. It confirms the settlement of debts and distinguishes compensated labor from voluntary work, requiring careful attention to adjective endings in formal writing.
- Indicates that a financial transaction is complete and the money has been successfully transferred to the recipient.
- Used as an adjective to describe jobs or internships that provide a salary, such as 'ein bezahlter Job'.
- Appears frequently on receipts and invoices to confirm that no further debt remains for the listed items.
- Can be used metaphorically to describe the 'price' or 'cost' one has given up for a specific achievement or goal.
Watch the Endings
When 'bezahlt' is before a noun, it needs an ending like -er, -e, or -es. For example, 'ein bezahlter Urlaub' (masculine). Without the noun, like 'Die Rechnung ist bezahlt', it stays the same. This is a key B1 grammar point.
Use 'Beglichen' for Bills
If you want to sound more professional in an office, use 'beglichen' instead of 'bezahlt'. Say 'Die Rechnung wurde bereits beglichen'. It shows a higher level of German proficiency. It is very common in business emails.
Paid Vacation is a Right
In Germany, 'bezahlter Urlaub' is not a perk, it is a legal requirement. Most employees get at least 25-30 days. When discussing jobs, always ask if the vacation days are 'bezahlt'. It is a standard part of any contract.
Restaurant Etiquette
In a restaurant, don't say 'Ich bin bezahlt'. Say 'Ich möchte zahlen' or 'Die Rechnung, bitte'. If someone else paid, say 'Mein Freund hat schon bezahlt'. This avoids the awkward 'I am bought' translation error.
Related Content
More work words
abgeben
A2to hand in, to submit, to drop off
absprechen
B1To coordinate or agree upon something.
administrativ
B1Administrative or managerial.
aktualisieren
B1to update
analog
B1analog
Anforderung
B1Requirement, demand; a condition that must be met.
angestellt
B1Employed; working for an employer.
Angestellter
A1employee (person working for someone)
anspruchsvoll
B1Demanding, challenging; requiring great effort or skill.
anstatt... zu...
B1Instead of (doing something); in place of an action.
