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How to Say ‘We'd like to pay, please.’ in German

Wir möchten bitte zahlen.

veer MERKH-ten BIT-teh TSAH-len

[veer MERKH-ten BIT-teh TSAH-len]

🇩🇪 In Germany: The bill won't come until you ask. Lingering is fine and rushing guests is considered rude, so flag the server when you're ready.

Phrase Breakdown

Wir möchten

veer MERKH-ten

We would like

'W' sounds like English 'v', so say 'veer'. For 'ö' in 'möchten', round your lips as for 'o' and say 'e'. The 'ch' is soft.

Example

Wir möchten bestellen.

We would like to order.

Words in this phrase

Wir

[veer]

Pronoun for a group including the speaker.

Example

Wir arbeiten gern zusammen.

We like working together.

möchten

[MERKH-ten]

would like

Polite form used to ask what someone wants or prefers.

Example

Wann möchten Sie ankommen?

When would you like to arrive?

bitte zahlen.

BIT-teh TSAH-len

to pay, please

'Z' is pronounced 'ts', so say 'TSAH-len'. The 'h' is silent and makes the 'a' long.

Example

Ich möchte bitte zahlen.

I would like to pay, please.

Words in this phrase

bitte

[BIT-teh]

please

Polite word used in requests and answers.

Example

Für vier Personen, bitte, wenn möglich.

For four people, please, if possible.

zahlen

[TSAH-len]

to pay

Verb used for paying money, e.g. in shops or restaurants.

Example

Wir möchten bitte zahlen.

We would like to pay, please.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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