die Rechnung bezahlen
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) bəˈtsaːlən/word by word
To pay the bill in German is to say die Rechnung bezahlen.
This phrase is used to describe the act of giving money for goods or services as requested in a written statement of charges.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the definite article and noun die Rechnung (the bill or invoice) and the verb bezahlen (to pay).
Which one should you use?
While die Rechnung bezahlen is the standard way to express this, you may encounter die Rechnung begleichen, which means to settle the bill. The latter is a more formal way to say it and is often used in business correspondence.
How do you pronounce it?
/diː ˈʁɛçnʊŋ(k) bəˈtsaːlən/
Did you know?
- In German, you often pay at the table rather than at a central counter, and the waiter will ask Zusammen oder getrennt? to see if you are paying one bill or separate ones.
- The noun Rechnung shares an ancient root with the English word 'reckoning', which is why both languages use a word related to 'calculating' to describe a bill.
- In Germany, it is culturally common to round up the Rechnung to the nearest whole Euro as a tip, rather than calculating a percentage.
Examples in context
- Ich muss die Rechnung bezahlen.I have to pay the bill.This sentence is useful for expressing an obligation to pay the bill with die Rechnung bezahlen.Tatoeba #1745950 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1744911 by Amastan
- Wer wird die Rechnung bezahlen?Who's going to pay the bill?This sentence is useful for asking a question about who will pay the bill with die Rechnung bezahlen.Tatoeba #7478355 by Yorwba, translation #2543282 by CK
- Ich werde die Rechnung bezahlen.I'll pay the bill.This sentence is useful for stating a future intention to pay the bill with die Rechnung bezahlen.Tatoeba #1070866 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #321308 by CK
- Die Rechnung, bitte.The check, please.
- Würden Sie mir bitte die Rechnung geben?Would you please give me the check?
- Kannst du die Rechnung bezahlen?Can you pay the bill?
- Bezahlst du die Rechnung?Are you paying the bill?
- Wir teilen uns die Rechnung, oder?Are we splitting the bill?
- Können wir getrennt zahlen?Can we pay separately?
- Wir möchten bitte getrennte Rechnungen.We would like separate bills, please.
- Möchten Sie zahlen?Would you like to pay?
- Ja, die Rechnung bitte.Yes, the check please.
- Ja, kein Problem! Ich bezahle meine Hälfte.Yes, no problem! I'll pay my share.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- JuliaSoll ich die Rechnung bezahlen?Should I pay the bill?
- FelixNein, heute werde ich die Rechnung bezahlen.No, I will pay the bill today.
- JuliaDas ist wirklich sehr nett von dir, Felix.That is really very kind of you, Felix.
- FelixGerne, es war mein Geschenk.You're welcome, it was my treat.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (die, Rechnung, bezahlen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rechnung, bezahlen, die, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
