Rechnung
/ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k)/feminine
The German word for 'invoice' is Rechnung.
Rechnung is the most common and widely used term for 'invoice' and is suitable for all formal contexts. If you want to refer to the process of invoicing, use Rechnungsstellung. In legal or financial contexts, you may also see the formal synonym Faktura. To say 'to issue an invoice', use the idiomatic expression eine Rechnung stellen. If you need to refer to an invoice number, the word is Rechnungsnummer, which uses a connecting '-s-' between the two nouns.
Meaning: bill (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between Rechnung and Quittung. While Rechnung refers to the invoice (the request for payment), Quittung refers to the receipt (the proof that payment was made).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Rechnung is a feminine noun. The plural form is Rechnungen. In the genitive or dative case, the feminine article changes to der Rechnung.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k)/
Did you know?
- In German, you can say mit jemandem TODOS abrechnen, which uses the root of Rechnung to mean 'settling a score' or getting revenge on someone.
- In some German regions, people may use the phrase die Rechnung begleichen instead of bezahlen, as 'begleichen' literally means 'to make level'.
- The German Rechnung is a cognate of the English word 'reckoning', as seen in the phrase 'day of reckoning'.
Examples in context
- Ich sende die Rechnung per Fax.I am sending the invoice by fax.This sentence is useful for showing how to send an Rechnung by fax.Tatoeba #5821219 by dasbeispielholz, translation #1665920 by Amastan
- Dem Paket lag eine Rechnung bei.There was an invoice with the parcel.This sentence shows how an Rechnung can be included with a parcel.Tatoeba #937560 by Sudajaengi, translation #10965641 by sundown
- Bitte fügen Sie dies der Rechnung hinzu.Please put that on the invoice.This sentence demonstrates how to add something to an Rechnung.Tatoeba #6596259 by Esperantostern, translation #6598480 by andrewmc
- Bitte schicken Sie mir die Rechnung für die erbrachte Dienstleistung.Please send me the invoice for the provided service.
- Können Sie mir bitte weitere Informationen zur Rechnungsstellung geben?Could you please provide me with more information about the invoicing process?
- Wir benötigen Ihre Faktura für die ordnungsgemäße Buchführung.We need your invoice for proper bookkeeping.
- Kannst du mir bitte die Rechnung schicken?Can you please send me the invoice?
- Bitte schicke mir die Rechnung.Please send me the invoice.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte die Rechnung aushändigen?Could you please hand me the invoice?
- Ich benötige die Rechnung für meine Unterlagen.I need the invoice for my records.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are discussing a payment for a service.
- MaximilianHast du die Rechnung schon bezahlt?Have you already paid the invoice?
- HannahNein, ich habe die Rechnung noch nicht gesehen.No, I haven't seen the invoice yet.
- MaximilianIch schicke dir die Rechnung jetzt per E-Mail.I will send you the invoice by email now.
- HannahDanke, ich bezahle die Rechnung sofort.Thanks, I will pay the invoice immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “invoice” translations and entries Rechnung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rechnung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
