01
blechen
to fork out
Colloquial expression for paying, usually reluctantly or for a fine.
example
Für das Falschparken musste ich ordentlich blechen.
I had to fork out quite a bit for parking illegally.
blechen
to fork out
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register: colloquial
'Blechen' (to fork out) is a colloquial word. It is used in informal conversations, but not in formal texts or situations, as it can sound slightly negative.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du ohne Ticket erwischt wirst, musst du richtig blechen.
If you get caught without a ticket, you'll really have to fork out.
Negative context
The word almost always has a negative connotation. It means that you have to pay for something you don't actually want, for example a fine or an unexpectedly high bill.
EXAMPLE
Für die kleine Reparatur am Auto musste ich 200 Euro blechen.
I had to fork out 200 euros for the small repair on the car.
Typical collocations
'Blechen' (to fork out) is often intensified with adverbs like 'ordentlich' (quite a bit), 'kräftig' (heavily), or 'tüchtig' (a lot) to emphasize that it is a large sum.
EXAMPLE
Wer zu schnell fährt und geblitzt wird, muss kräftig blechen.
Anyone who drives too fast and gets caught by a speed camera has to fork out heavily.
Compare with
blechen vs bezahlen
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'blechen' both mean that you give money. 'bezahlen' is neutral and fits almost any situation, for example in a shop, in a restaurant, or when paying a bill. 'blechen' is colloquial and often sounds negative. It is used when someone pays reluctantly, especially for high prices, fines, or unexpected costs. In official or polite situations, 'bezahlen' is better. 'blechen' is more suitable in conversations among friends when you are annoyed about costs.
blechen
Für das falsche Parken musste ihr am Wochenende ordentlich blechen.
She had to fork out quite a bit over the weekend for parking illegally.
bezahlen
Eva bezahlt morgen die Miete für ihre neue Wohnung.
Eva is paying the rent for her new apartment tomorrow.
In real life
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