die Rechnung, bitte
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) ˈbɪtə/word by word
In German, "bill, please" is said as die Rechnung, bitte.
This phrase is the standard, polite way to ask for the check in a restaurant or cafe setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine noun die Rechnung (the bill) and the polite particle bitte (please).
Which one should you use?
While die Rechnung, bitte is a polite request for the bill, you may also hear the colloquial alternative Zahlen, bitte, which literally means "Pay, please".
How do you pronounce it?
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) ˈbɪtə/
Did you know?
- In Germany, it is common for a waiter to ask Zusammen oder getrennt? after you ask for die Rechnung, bitte, meaning they will ask if you want to pay together or separately.
- When asking for die Rechnung, bitte, you might notice Germans making a scribbling motion in the air with their hand. This gesture mimics writing and serves as a non-verbal way to ask for the bill.
- The word Rechnung is a direct cognate of the English word 'reckoning', sharing the same Germanic root used to describe calculating or settling an account.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, könnten Sie mir bitte die Rechnung bringen?Excuse me, could you please bring me the bill?
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, aber könnten Sie mir die Rechnung bringen?Excuse me, but could you please bring me the bill?
- Entschuldigung, die Rechnung, bitte.Excuse me, the bill, please.
- Wir möchten die Rechnung, bitte.We would like the bill, please.
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are finishing their lunch at a cafe.
- SarahDas Essen war sehr lecker.The food was very delicious.
- MaximilianJa, ich bin wirklich satt.Yes, I am really full.
- SarahKellner! Die Rechnung, bitte.Waiter! The bill, please.
- MaximilianIch bezahle heute für uns.I will pay for us today.
