A2German

Paying & Splitting the Bill

Use these essential German phrases to ask for the bill, split the cost, and pay smoothly at cafes and restaurants.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking for the bill · 3 ways to say it

Wir möchten bitte zahlen.

neutral

We would like to pay, please.

The most common and natural way to ask for the check.

Könnten wir bitte die Rechnung bekommen?

polite

Could we please get the check?

More formal; ideal for sit-down dinners or upscale places.

Zahlen, bitte!

casual

Check, please!

Short and direct; best for busy cafes, beer gardens, or bars.

Splitting the bill · 2 ways to say it

Wir möchten getrennt zahlen, bitte.

neutral

We would like to pay separately, please.

Standard phrase when each person pays for their own food.

Geht das getrennt?

casual

Can we split this?

A quick, everyday question to check if separate checks are fine.

Paying together

Alles zusammen, bitte.

neutral

All together, please.

Use when one person covers the entire table.

Asking the total

Wie viel macht das?

neutral

How much does that come to?

Paying by card

Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?

neutral

Can I pay by card?

Always good to check, as some smaller German venues prefer cash.

Paying with cash

Ich zahle bar.

neutral

I will pay in cash.

Tipping · 2 ways to say it

Machen Sie bitte zwanzig Euro.

neutral

Make it twenty euros, please.

State the rounded-up total directly when handing over money or card.

Stimmt so, danke.

casual

Keep the change, thanks.

Use when paying with cash and you do not want change back.

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Entschuldigung, wir möchten bitte zahlen.
Server
Gerne. Zusammen oder getrennt?
Customer
Getrennt, bitte. Ich hatte den Salat und das Wasser.
Server
Das macht dann vierzehn Euro.
Customer
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
Server
Ja, natürlich. Das Gerät ist hier.
Customer
Super. Machen Sie bitte sechzehn Euro.
Server
Vielen Dank. Einen schönen Tag noch!

More Eating & Drinking Out (A2)

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