Which one should you use?
While bezahlen is the standard verb for "to pay", you may hear people use the shorter form zahlen in casual dining contexts, such as saying Ich möchte zahlen to mean they wish to settle the bill. Additionally, if you prefer a very short alternative, you can simply say Die Rechnung, bitte (The bill, please).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ich möchte bezahlen, the verb bezahlen (to pay) is placed at the end of the sentence because möchte acts as a modal-like verb that requires the infinitive to be positioned at the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈmœç.tʰə bəˈtsaːlən/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
After you express your desire to pay, a server will often ask Zusammen oder getrennt? (Together or separately?) to find out if you are paying one single bill or splitting it among several people.
Did you know?
- The word bezahlen comes from the word for 'counting', as early payments involved counting out individual coins.
- In many parts of Germany, paying with cash is still deeply preferred over cards, so saying ich möchte bezahlen might be followed by a swift reach for your wallet rather than a credit card.
- If you are dining in a traditional German restaurant, you might find that 'getrennt zahlen' (paying separately) is so common that it is often treated as the default expectation rather than a special request.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte bezahlen.I would like to pay.
- Hier, ich übernehme die Rechnung.Here, I'll take care of the bill.
- Ich möchte bezahlen, bitte.I would like to pay, please.
- Entschuldigung, ich möchte bezahlen.Excuse me, I would like to pay.
Example conversation
A cafe where Julian and Julia are finishing their coffee.
- JulianIch möchte bezahlen.I would like to pay.
- JuliaSoll ich für uns beide zahlen?Should I pay for both of us?
- JulianJa, gerne.Yes, please.
- JuliaAlles klar, Julian.All right, Julian.
