die  Barzahlung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/baʁˈtsaːlʊŋ/

💰 What exactly does "die Barzahlung" mean?

Die Barzahlung refers to settling a debt or paying the purchase price for goods or services using physical cash, i.e., coins and banknotes. It's the direct handover of money from one person (or company) to another.

In contrast to other payment methods like Kartenzahlung (card payment) or Überweisung (bank transfer), Barzahlung occurs immediately and directly, without the involvement of a bank or payment service provider at the moment of the transaction.

There is only this one article (feminine): die Barzahlung.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Die Barzahlung in Detail

The noun "Barzahlung" is feminine. The article is "die". It is mainly used in the singular as it often describes a general process. The plural ("die Barzahlungen") is possible but less common and refers to multiple individual cash payment transactions.

Declension:

Example Sentences:

1. Bei kleinen Beträgen bevorzuge ich die Barzahlung.
   (For small amounts, I prefer cash payment.)
2. Ist Barzahlung hier möglich?
   (Is cash payment possible here?)
3. Der Händler gewährt bei Barzahlung einen kleinen Rabatt.
   (The merchant grants a small discount for cash payment.)
4. Die Dokumentation aller Barzahlungen ist für die Buchhaltung wichtig.
   (The documentation of all cash payments is important for accounting.)

💡 How is "die Barzahlung" used?

The term "die Barzahlung" is used when you want to explicitly state that payment is made or should be made with cash.

• In a shop: At the checkout, you might ask: "Ist Barzahlung möglich?" (Is cash payment possible?) or signs might indicate: "Nur Barzahlung" (Cash only).
• For services: Craftsmen or other service providers sometimes only accept Barzahlung, especially for smaller jobs.
• Privately: When buying or selling between private individuals, Barzahlung is often the standard method (e.g., at flea markets or for used cars).

Contrast with other payment types: The term clearly distinguishes itself from other payment methods:

• Kartenzahlung: Payment with debit or credit card.
• Überweisung: Transferring money from one bank account to another.
• Lastschrift: Direct debit authorization where money is debited from an account.
• Mobile Payment / Online-Zahlung: Payment via smartphone app or online services like PayPal.

Although digital payments are increasing, Barzahlung remains relevant in many situations, e.g., for smaller amounts, for data privacy reasons, or when technical systems fail. ⚠️ In some shops, there is a minimum amount for card payments, meaning only cash is accepted below that threshold.

🧠 Mnemonics for Barzahlung

Article Mnemonic: Think of the related word die Zahlung (the payment). What kind of payment? A bare (cash) payment. So: die Barzahlung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine holding bares Geld (cash) in your hand (coins, notes) and zahling (paying) with it directly. That's Bar-zahlung.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Note: "Bares Geld" refers to the physical cash itself, while "Barzahlung" is the act of paying with this cash.

😂 A Little Joke

Kellner: "Zahlen Sie zusammen oder getrennt?"
Gast: "Bar."

(Waiter: "Are you paying together or separately?"
Guest: "Cash.")

✍️ Poem about Barzahlung

Keine Karte, kein App-Geklick,
nur Scheine und Münzen, das alte Glück.
Der Händler nimmt's, zählt's in die Hand,
die Barzahlung, im ganzen Land
noch oft geseh'n, direkt und klar,
so einfach und sofort verfügbar!

(No card, no app-clicking sound,
just notes and coins, old luck profound.
The merchant takes it, counts it in hand,
cash payment, across the land
still often seen, direct and clear,
so simple and instantly here!)

❓ Riddle

Ich brauch' kein Plastik, kein Netz, kein Strom,
bin schnell erledigt, fast wie ein Phantom.
Mit Münzen und Scheinen werd' ich vollbracht,
was hab' ich für 'ne Zahlungsmethode gemacht?

(I need no plastic, no net, no power bright,
I'm done quickly, almost like a sprite.
With coins and banknotes, I am done,
what payment method have I begun?)

Solution: Die Barzahlung (Cash payment)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Barzahlung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• bar: Adjective/adverb, meaning "in cash", "immediately available".
• die Zahlung: Noun, the act of paying.

Cultural Context:

Germany is traditionally considered a country with a high affinity for cash payment (a popular saying is "Nur Bares ist Wahres" - only cash is real/true). Although digital payments are increasing significantly, cash still holds high importance, often linked to data privacy concerns or the desire for expenditure control.