German Phrase
Können wir getrennt zahlen?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Can we pay separately?’. The speaker is asking whether the bill can be split so that each person pays his or her own share. It is a polite request, often used in restaurants, cafés or when sharing a taxi.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are at a restaurant, bar, café, or any situation where a single bill is presented but you would like each person to settle their own portion. It works both in casual and semi‑formal settings, but keep a friendly tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Könnenwirgetrenntzahlen?
Können (Modalverb)
‘Können’ is a modal verb used to ask for permission or ability. In questions it triggers verb‑first word order.
wir (Personalpronomen)
‘wir’ means ‘we’ and is the subject of the sentence.
getrennt (Adverb)
‘getrennt’ means ‘separately’ or ‘apart’; it modifies the verb ‘zahlen’.
zahlen (Infinitiv)
The main verb in the infinitive follows the modal verb; it means ‘to pay’.
Frage‑Inversion
In yes‑no questions the modal verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.
🗨In Conversation
Können wir getrennt zahlen?
Can we pay separately?
Natürlich, ich bringe Ihnen zwei Rechnungen.
Of course, I’ll bring you two checks.
✕Common Mistakes
Wir können getrennt zahlen?
In a yes‑no question the verb must come first; ‘Können wir…’ is the correct order.
Können wir getrennt zahlen
Never omit the question mark in written German; it signals the interrogative mood.
Können wir zahlen bezahlen?
‘Bezahlen’ is also correct, but learners sometimes mix the two verbs in the same sentence, e.g., ‘Können wir zahlen bezahlen?’, which is ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Können wir getrennt bezahlen?
Can we pay separately?
Können wir die Rechnung aufteilen?
Can we split the bill?
Möchten Sie getrennt zahlen?
Would you like to pay separately?
Cultural Tip
In Germany it is common for the whole table to pay together, especially in family settings. However, in larger groups or business lunches, asking to split the bill is perfectly acceptable. Wait for the server’s confirmation – some smaller establishments may prefer a single payment to simplify bookkeeping.