Kann ich bezahlen?
The English phrase "can I pay?" is translated into German as Kann ich bezahlen?
The phrase Kann ich bezahlen? is a common way to ask if you can pay and can be used to start the payment process in a shop or restaurant.
Which one should you use?
While Kann ich bezahlen? focuses on the act of paying, Die Rechnung, bitte. is the standard way to specifically ask for the physical piece of paper, such as the bill or check. For a much shorter and more direct approach, you can use Zahlen, bitte.
Did you know?
- In Germany, when you ask to pay, it is common for the waiter to ask Zusammen oder getrennt? which means 'together or separately?' This is a standard part of the payment ritual that does not exist in many other cultures.
- When paying in a café or bakery, you may hear the server say Stimmt so, which means 'that is correct' and is used when the customer tells the server to keep the change as a tip.
- The word bezahlen comes from the root zahlen, which is closely related to the English word 'digit' via the Latin 'digitus' meaning finger, used for counting.
Examples in context
- Kann ich bezahlen?Can I pay?
- Entschuldigung, kann ich bezahlen?Excuse me, can I pay?
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are finishing a meal at a cafe.
- LukasDas Essen war sehr gut.The food was very good.
- JuliaJa, das stimmt. Kann ich bezahlen?Yes, that's true. Can I pay?
- LukasIch kümmere mich darum, Julia.I will take care of it, Julia.
- JuliaDanke, Lukas!Thanks, Lukas!
