Meaning
Requesting payment in a restaurant.
Cultural Background
Splitting the bill is a national pastime. Don't be offended if a Dutch friend asks to pay 'apart'. It's not about being cheap; it's about being fair and independent. Flemish culture is slightly more formal than Dutch culture. You are much more likely to hear 'alstublieft' even in casual cafes. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be warmer, and you might hear 'Schat, mag ik de rekening?' in very local, friendly spots. Afrikaans, a daughter language of Dutch, uses 'Die rekening, asseblief', which is phonetically very close and culturally similar.
The Hand Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, make a 'writing in the air' motion with your hand while saying the phrase. It's universally understood in NL.
Pinnen is King
Many Dutch cafes are 'pin-only'. Always check if they accept cash before asking for the 'rekening' if you don't have a card.
Meaning
Requesting payment in a restaurant.
The Hand Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, make a 'writing in the air' motion with your hand while saying the phrase. It's universally understood in NL.
Pinnen is King
Many Dutch cafes are 'pin-only'. Always check if they accept cash before asking for the 'rekening' if you don't have a card.
Rounding Up
If the bill is €19.20, just say 'Maak er maar twintig van'. It's easier and seen as a nice gesture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask for the bill politely.
De ____, alsjeblieft.
'Rekening' is the standard word for the bill in a restaurant.
Which version is the most formal?
How do you ask an elderly waiter for the bill?
Using 'Mag ik' and 'alstublieft' (formal) is the most respectful.
Complete the dialogue.
Waiter: 'Wilt u nog iets drinken?' Learner: 'Nee, bedankt. ______'
When you are finished drinking/eating, you ask for the bill.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a fancy restaurant in Amsterdam.
Formal settings require 'alstublieft'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Pay
Methods
- • Pinnen
- • Contant
- • Creditcard
- • Tikkie
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe ____, alsjeblieft.
'Rekening' is the standard word for the bill in a restaurant.
How do you ask an elderly waiter for the bill?
Using 'Mag ik' and 'alstublieft' (formal) is the most respectful.
Waiter: 'Wilt u nog iets drinken?' Learner: 'Nee, bedankt. ______'
When you are finished drinking/eating, you ask for the bill.
You are at a fancy restaurant in Amsterdam.
Formal settings require 'alstublieft'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's a bit blunt. 'Mag ik betalen?' is better, but 'De rekening, alsjeblieft' is the most natural.
In the Netherlands, it's usually fine. If the waiter is much older or the place is very fancy, use 'alstublieft'.
Say: 'Ik geloof dat er een foutje op de rekening staat.' (I believe there's a mistake on the bill).
No, it's not mandatory, but rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 euros is common for good service.
It means paying with a debit card. The waiter will often ask 'Wilt u pinnen?' when they bring the bill.
Ask for a 'btw-bon' or 'factuur'.
In big cities, yes. In smaller towns, many places only take 'pin' (Maestro/V-Pay). Always ask first.
It means 'on the house' (free). You might see this on the bill with a price of €0.00.
It's slightly more modern and very common in Amsterdam. Both are perfectly fine.
Say 'Laat maar zitten' or 'Houd het wisselgeld'.
Related Phrases
Mag ik afrekenen?
similarMay I settle the bill?
Houd het wisselgeld.
builds onKeep the change.
De bon, graag.
synonymThe bill/receipt, please.
Ik trakteer.
contrastIt's my treat.
