die Rechnung, bitte
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) ˈbɪtə/word by word
The English phrase 'can I have the bill please?' is translated into German as die Rechnung, bitte.
While English speakers often use a full sentence like 'Can I have the bill, please?', in German it is much more common and perfectly polite to simply say die Rechnung, bitte. You may also hear the colloquial and more direct phrase Zahlen, bitte, which literally means 'Pay, please'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, you may hear the regional variation Könnten's bitte mei' Rechnung bringa?
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Rechnung is a feminine noun, which is why it takes the definite article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) ˈbɪtə/
Did you know?
- In many German restaurants, it is common for the waiter to ask Zusammen oder getrennt?, meaning 'Together or separately?' This is because splitting the bill by individual items is a standard social expectation in Germany.
- While die Rechnung, bitte is common, some diners use a subtle hand gesture, mimicking writing in the air, to signal the waiter for the bill without speaking.
- The polite word bitte actually originates from a shortened version of the phrase 'ich bitte Sie', which means 'I beg you'.
Examples in context
- Wir möchten zahlen. Die Rechnung, bitte.We would like to pay. The bill, please.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are finishing their coffee at a cafe.
- FelixSarah, alles war sehr gut.Sarah, everything was very good.
- SarahJa, das stimmt. Ich gehe zum Kellner.Yes, that's true. I'll go to the waiter.
- FelixSag ihm: Die Rechnung, bitte.Tell him: The bill, please.
- SarahAlles klar, mache ich.All right, I'll do that.
