die Rechnung, bitte
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) ˈbɪtə/word by word
To say "can I have the check?" in German, use die Rechnung, bitte.
In a German restaurant, the most common and natural way to request your bill is the short phrase die Rechnung, bitte. While English speakers often use a full sentence like "Can I have the check?", the most common and natural way to request the bill in a German restaurant is the short phrase die Rechnung, bitte.
Which one should you use?
You may also hear or use Zahlen, bitte!, which literally means "Pay, please!" This is another common way to ask for the bill and is used when you are ready to settle the bill.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the phrase Könnten Sie mir bitte die Rechnung bringen? is widely used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Rechnung is feminine, which is why it takes the definite article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) ˈbɪtə/
Did you know?
- In Germany, it is common for the server to ask if you want to pay 'zusammen' (together) or 'getrennt' (separately). Many groups prefer to split the bill exactly by what each person consumed, even down to the cent.
- In many German-speaking regions, it is a common custom to settle the bill by stating the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip, rather than waiting for the exact total.
- The word Rechnung shares a common ancestor with the English word 'reckoning', which is why they sound so similar.
Examples in context
- Könnte ich bitte die Rechnung haben?Can I have the check, please?
- Die Rechnung, bitte.The check, please.
- Wir möchten zahlen. Die Rechnung, bitte.We would like to pay. The check, please.
- Können wir zahlen? Die Rechnung, bitte.Can we pay? The check, please.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- JulianDas Essen war sehr lecker.The food was very delicious.
- HannahJa, ich bin auch sehr satt.Yes, I am very full too.
- JulianKellner, die Rechnung, bitte!Waiter, the check, please!
- HannahIch bezahle heute für uns.I will pay for us today.
