German Phrase
Stimmt die Rechnung?
Meaning
Literally, “Does the bill/check add up?” It is the standard way to ask a waiter, shop clerk, or accountant whether the amount shown on a receipt or invoice is correct.
When to use
Use this phrase when you receive a bill at a restaurant, café, hotel, or when you are reviewing an invoice in a shop or office. It is polite yet direct, fitting everyday transactional situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
StimmtdieRechnung?
Verb‑first question
In German yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.
stimmen (to be correct)
Stimmen is used when you want to ask if something matches or is correct; it is conjugated as 'stimmt' for third‑person singular.
Nominative subject
‘die Rechnung’ is the subject of the sentence, so it stays in the nominative case.
🗨In Conversation
Stimmt die Rechnung?
Is the bill correct?
Ja, sie ist korrekt. Möchten Sie noch etwas bestellen?
Yes, it’s correct. Would you like to order anything else?
✕Common Mistakes
Ist die Rechnung?
‘Ist die Rechnung?’ is ungrammatical because ‘sein’ does not convey the idea of ‘being correct’; use ‘stimmt’ instead.
Stimmt das Rechnung?
The article must match the gender of ‘Rechnung’ (feminine), so ‘die’ is required, not ‘das’.
↔Alternatives
Ist die Rechnung korrekt?
Is the invoice correct?
Passt die Rechnung?
Does the bill add up?
Stimmt die Summe?
Is the total correct?
Cultural Tip
German speakers appreciate clarity in financial matters. While the phrase is perfectly polite, you can soften it with ‘Entschuldigung’ or ‘Entschuldigen Sie bitte’ if you want to be extra courteous, especially in more formal settings like hotels or business meetings.