to shell out / to pay
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to shell out
Colloquial for to pay, often with the connotation that you are spending the money reluctantly or on something unpleasant.
Für das Falschparken musste ich ordentlich löhnen.
I had to shell out quite a bit for parking illegally.
The verb 'löhnen' is closely related to the noun 'der Lohn' (wage, reward). It describes the action of paying a wage or—colloquially—having to pay for something.
Früher löhnte der Bauer seine Arbeiter mit Naturalien.
In the past, the farmer remunerated his workers with goods in kind.
In this meaning, 'löhnen' (to shell out) is used colloquially and has a negative connotation. It is often used when you reluctantly have to pay for a mistake, a fine, or something expensive.
Wer zu schnell fährt und geblitzt wird, muss dafür ordentlich löhnen.
Anyone who drives too fast and gets caught by a speed camera has to shell out quite a bit for it.
Typically, 'löhnen' is used with the preposition 'für' (for) and an accusative object that names the reason for the payment. It also often appears with the adverb 'ordentlich' (quite a bit/properly) to emphasize a large sum.
Für die Reparatur meines alten Autos musste ich fast 500 Euro löhnen.
I had to shell out almost 500 euros for the repair of my old car.
This meaning of 'löhnen' as a neutral word for 'entlohnen' (to remunerate/pay) is outdated. Today it is found almost only in historical or literary texts.
In dem alten Roman stand, dass der König seine treuen Soldaten gut löhnte.
In the old novel, it said that the king remunerated his loyal soldiers well.
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'löhnen' both mean that you give money for something. 'bezahlen' is the normal, neutral word and fits almost all situations: in a store, in a restaurant, or with a bill. 'löhnen' is colloquial and often sounds as if you are not happy about spending the money. It is more suitable in casual conversations, especially with high prices, fines, or unpleasant costs. In formal situations, it is better to use 'bezahlen'.
Für den kaputten Spiegel musste Max am Ende selbst löhnen.
In the end, Max had to shell out for the broken mirror himself.
Nach dem Essen bezahlt Anna die Rechnung mit Karte.
After the meal, Anna pays the bill by card.