Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word zahlen. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word zahlen, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say zahlen in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word zahlen you have here. The definition of the word zahlen will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofzahlen, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Ich will keinen Fehler machen, für den ich später zahlen muss.
I don't want to make a mistake that I'll have to pay for later.
Usage notes
In many circumstances, zahlen and bezahlen are more or less interchangeable. However, there are some cases where only one choice can be used. When the purpose of the payment is mentioned, for example reparations, hush money, tribute, etc., then zahlen is used. When the person being paid, or the items or services that are being paid for, are mentioned, then bezahlen is used.
Die Aktien zahlten eine Dividende von 7%. ― The stocks paid a dividend of 7%.
Wer bezahlt die Reparaturen? ― Who pays for the repairs?
Oftmals werden die Lehrer nicht genug bezahlt. ― Often the teachers aren't paid enough.