German Phrase
Zahlen, bitte.
Meaning
A short, polite way to ask for the bill or check after a meal or service. It literally translates to “Pay, please,” but is understood as “The bill, please.”
When to use
Use this phrase in restaurants, cafés, bars, or any situation where you need to settle a tab. It works both in casual eateries and more formal dining settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Zahlen,bitte.
Infinitive as request
In German, the infinitive verb can be used alone as a polite request, similar to saying “Bill, please.”
Bitte as a polite particle
‘Bitte’ placed after the request softens the command and makes it courteous.
Comma usage
A comma separates the infinitive request from ‘bitte’; it is optional in spoken language but common in writing.
🗨In Conversation
Zahlen, bitte.
The bill, please.
Natürlich, einen Moment.
Of course, one moment.
✕Common Mistakes
Bitte zahlen.
This sounds like a direct command (“Please pay!”) rather than a polite request for the bill.
Zahl bitte.
The verb should stay in its infinitive form; ‘Zahl’ is the imperative singular and is not used in this context.
Zahlen bitte.
Missing the comma makes the phrase look like a single word; while understandable, the standard written form includes the comma.
↔Alternatives
Die Rechnung, bitte.
The check, please.
Könnte ich bitte zahlen?
Could I pay, please?
Ich möchte bitte zahlen.
I would like to pay, please.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it’s common to signal for the check by raising your hand slightly or making eye contact with the server. Saying ‘Zahlen, bitte’ is perfectly polite, but adding a smile or a brief “Danke” after receiving the bill shows extra courtesy. In some regions (e.g., Austria) you’ll also hear ‘Die Rechnung, bitte’ more frequently.