01
begleichen
to settle
To pay an outstanding debt, such as a bill or a claim, and thereby take care of it.
example
Ich muss noch die Rechnung für die Autoreparatur begleichen.
I still have to settle the bill for the car repair.
begleichen
to settle
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'begleichen' (to settle) has the prefix 'be-' and is therefore inseparable. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er beglich die offene Summe sofort.
He settled the outstanding amount immediately.
Word structure
The word 'begleichen' (to settle) contains the adjective 'gleich' (equal). To settle a debt means to make the situation 'gleich' (equal) or balanced again by paying what you owe.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem ich die Schulden beglichen hatte, war alles wieder in Ordnung.
After I had settled the debts, everything was all right again.
Typical collocations
'Begleichen' (to settle) is almost always used with financial obligations. Typical objects are: 'eine Rechnung begleichen' (to settle a bill), 'Schulden begleichen' (to settle debts), 'eine Forderung begleichen' (to settle a claim), or 'einen Betrag begleichen' (to settle an amount).
EXAMPLE
Bitte begleichen Sie den fälligen Betrag innerhalb von 14 Tagen.
Please settle the due amount within 14 days.
Register and style
This word belongs to formal or business language. You often find it in invoices, contracts, or official correspondence.
EXAMPLE
Der Kunde wurde aufgefordert, die ausstehende Summe umgehend zu begleichen.
The customer was asked to settle the outstanding amount immediately.
Compare with
begleichen vs bezahlen
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'begleichen' can both mean giving money so that a bill or debt is taken care of. 'bezahlen' is the normal everyday word and fits many situations: in a store, in a restaurant, or with a bill. 'begleichen' sounds more formal and more precise when it is about outstanding bills, debts, or claims. So you would be more likely to say 'den Kaffee bezahlen' (to pay for the coffee), but 'eine Rechnung begleichen' (to settle a bill) sounds especially appropriate.
begleichen
Vor dem Termin will ihr die offene Rechnung begleichen.
Before the appointment, she wants to settle the outstanding bill.
bezahlen
Sie bezahlt am Morgen schnell das Brot und den Kaffee.
In the morning, she quickly pays for the bread and coffee.
In real life
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