Rechnungen bezahlen
The German phrase for 'pay bills' is Rechnungen bezahlen.
This phrase is used to describe the act of giving money that is owed for goods or services received. For example, you might use it in the context of die Handyrechnung, which means 'mobile phone bill'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Rechnungen, which means 'bills' or 'invoices' and the verb bezahlen, which means 'to pay'.
Which one should you use?
You may encounter Rechnungen begleichen or Die Kosten begleichen in different contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to one specific bill, use the singular die Rechnung instead of the plural Rechnungen.
Did you know?
- The formal alternative begleichen literally means 'to make level'. It treats a debt as a physical imbalance that must be flattened to reach a state of equality.
- In German, the word Rechnung is used for both a financial bill and a mathematical calculation. This means you use the same word for a restaurant check and a complex equation.
- In Germany, many people do not simply 'pay bills' by hand, but use a system called 'Lastschrift', where a company is authorized to automatically withdraw the amount from your bank account.
Examples in context
- Ich muss meine Rechnungen bezahlen.I have to pay my bills.
- Bitte begleichen Sie die Kosten bis zum Ende des Monats.Please settle the costs by the end of the month.
- Er leistet monatliche Zahlungen an den Stromanbieter.He makes monthly payments to the electricity provider.
- Ich muss die Rechnungen zahlen.I have to pay the bills.
- Ich überweise das Geld für meine Rechnungen.I transfer the money for my bills.
- Es ist dringend, dass du deine Rechnungen sofort zahlst.It's urgent that you pay your bills immediately.
- Ich muss noch meine Rechnungen bezahlen.I still have to pay my bills.
- Ich muss heute noch die Rechnungen bezahlen.I still have to pay the bills today.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing their monthly finances.
- JulianHast du die Rechnungen bezahlen können?Were you able to pay the bills?
- HannahJa, ich habe es gestern erledigt.Yes, I took care of it yesterday.
- JulianDanke, Hannah. Das war sehr nett.Thanks, Hannah. That was very kind.
- HannahKein Problem, Julian. Gerne geschehen.No problem, Julian. You're welcome.
