die  Zahlung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsaːlʊŋ/

💰 What does "die Zahlung" mean?

Die Zahlung (noun, feminine) refers to the act of paying or the amount of money paid. It's the process where money is transferred from one person or entity to another to settle a debt, purchase goods, or compensate for a service.

The word is directly derived from the verb zahlen (to pay). Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine (taking the article die), which is the case for die Zahlung.

There are no different meanings based on the article, as "Zahlung" is exclusively feminine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Zahlung" in Detail

"Zahlung" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences 📝

• Die Zahlung ist gestern eingegangen. (The payment arrived yesterday.)
• Wir bitten um pünktliche Zahlung der Rechnung. (We request punctual payment of the invoice.)
• Nach Eingang der Zahlung versenden wir die Ware. (After receipt of the payment, we will dispatch the goods.)
• Es gab Probleme bei der Verarbeitung der Zahlungen. (There were problems processing the payments.)

💡 How to use "die Zahlung"?

"Die Zahlung" is frequently used in economic, financial, and everyday contexts when discussing money transfers.

• Eine Zahlung leisten/tätigen: to make/effect a payment (actively paying money). (Example: Der Kunde hat die Zahlung pünktlich geleistet. - The customer made the payment on time.)
• Eine Zahlung erhalten/empfangen: to receive a payment (getting money). (Example: Der Verkäufer bestätigt den Eingang der Zahlung. - The seller confirms receipt of the payment.)
• Zahlungsfrist: payment deadline (the period within which a payment must be made). (Example: Die Zahlungsfrist beträgt 14 Tage. - The payment deadline is 14 days.)
• Zahlungsarten: payment methods (various methods like *Barzahlung* (cash payment), *Kartenzahlung* (card payment), *Überweisung* (bank transfer), *Online-Zahlung* (online payment)). (Example: Welche Zahlungsarten akzeptieren Sie? - Which payment methods do you accept?)
• Zahlung auf Rechnung: payment on account/invoice (receive goods first, pay later).

Difference to "die Bezahlung": "Zahlung" and "Bezahlung" are often synonymous, but "Zahlung" can also refer to the specific amount of money or have a more formal tone (e.g., in business correspondence). "Bezahlung" often emphasizes the act of paying for a specific item or service.

⚠️ Avoid confusion with "die Zählung" (the count, e.g., of votes or items).

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Zahlung"

For the article (die): The ending "-ung" is a superheroine – she makes almost all nouns feminine! Think of: *die Rechnung* (the invoice), *die Bestellung* (the order), *die Lieferung* (the delivery)... and of course, die Zahlung. 🦸‍♀️

For the meaning (Payment): Imagine you have to zahlen (verb: to pay), so you make a Zahlung (noun: payment) to get rid of your debts. The act of *zahlen* is the *Zahlung*. 💸

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Beware of potential confusion:

• Die Zählung: The count or tally (unrelated to money).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kellner den Gast: "War die Zahlung schwierig?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Nein, aber das Geld zu verdienen war es!" 😄

Waiter asks guest: "Was the payment difficult?"
Guest replies: "No, but earning the money was!" 😄

📜 Poem about Payment

Die Rechnung liegt auf dem Tisch,
Die Summe leuchtet frisch.
Die Finger tippen schnell und klar,
Die Zahlung ist nun endlich da.
Ein Klick, das Konto wird befreit,
Schulden weg, für alle Zeit!

The bill lies on the table,
The sum shines bright and able.
\Fingers type quickly, clear,
The payment is finally here.
\One click, the account is set free,
\Debts gone, for eternity!

❓ Riddle

Ich fließe oft, doch bin kein Fluss,
Beende manchen Kaufgenuss.
Man leistet mich für Waren fein,
Mal groß, mal klein, mal bar, mal Schein.
Was bin ich, digital, per Scheck gesandt?

I often flow, but am no river,
End many a shopping shiver.
I'm rendered for goods so fine,
Sometimes large, sometimes small, sometimes cash, sometimes sign.
What am I, sent digitally or by cheque?

Solution: die Zahlung (the payment)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Zahlung" is a derived noun. It consists of:

• The verb stem of "zahlen" (to pay) -> zahl-
• The suffix "-ung", which denotes an action, process, or result.

Common Compound Words (Komposita):

• Anzahlung (down payment)
• Restzahlung (final payment)
• Ratenzahlung (installment payment)
• Barzahlung (cash payment)
• Kartenzahlung (card payment)
• Vorauszahlung (advance payment)
• Zahlungsaufforderung (payment request/demand)
• Zahlungseingang (receipt of payment)
• Zahlungsziel / Zahlungsfrist (payment deadline/term)