Which one should you use?
While Kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben? is a standard polite way to ask, you may encounter more formal variations like Könnten Sie mir bitte die Rechnung geben? (Could you please give me the bill?) or Entschuldigen Sie, könnte ich bitte die Rechnung haben? (Excuse me, could I please have the bill?). In casual settings, you might hear the more informal Könnte ich bitte die Rechnung kriegen? (Could I please get the bill?).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard Kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben? is polite. For a more formal tone, use Könnten Sie mir bitte die Rechnung geben? or Entschuldigen Sie, könnte ich bitte die Rechnung haben? In casual dining environments, the shorter, efficient Zahlen, bitte. (The bill, please.) is very common. You can also use the slightly more direct but still polite Die Rechnung, bitte.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Rechnung is a feminine noun, which is why the definite article die is used.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Rechnung to mean a receipt after you have already paid. Rechnung refers to the request for the amount owed, whereas a Quittung or Beleg refers to the actual proof of payment.
When do people say it?
In German restaurants, it is standard practice for friends or colleagues to pay for their own meals separately rather than one person paying for the entire group. You might use the word Getrennt to indicate you wish to pay separately.
Did you know?
- The word Rechnung is a close relative of the English word 'reckoning', sharing a common root in the idea of calculating or counting.
- In some traditional German gasthäuser, the server may bring a single Rechnung for the table, but will wait for the guests to tell them exactly who is paying for what.
- In many German restaurants, it is common to tell the server Zusammen if you want to pay the total amount for your group on one bill.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben?Excuse me, can I have the bill, please?
- Wir möchten bezahlen, kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben?We would like to pay, can I have the bill, please?
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- JulianDas Essen war wirklich sehr lecker.The food was really very delicious.
- LauraJa, ich bin auch sehr zufrieden.Yes, I am also very satisfied.
- JulianIch rufe jetzt den Kellner. Kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben?I'll call the waiter now. Can I please have the bill?
- LauraGute Idee, ich bezahle heute.Good idea, I will pay today.
