der Zahltag
payday
The day of the month on which wages or salary are paid.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann es kaum erwarten, am Freitag ist endlich Zahltag.
I can hardly wait—Friday is finally payday.
der Zahltag
payday
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Zahltag
day of reckoning
In a figurative sense, the point at which one must face the consequences of earlier actions; the hour of reckoning.
EXAMPLE
Nach Jahren der Misswirtschaft kam für das Unternehmen mit der Insolvenz der unvermeidliche Zahltag.
After years of mismanagement, the inevitable day of reckoning came for the company with its insolvency.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Zahltag' (payday) is a compound noun made from the stem of the verb 'zahlen' (to pay) and the noun 'der Tag' (the day). So the meaning is literally: the day on which payment is made.
EXAMPLE
Am Zahltag gönne ich mir immer etwas Schönes.
On payday, I always treat myself to something nice.
Typical expressions
In its literal meaning, the word is often used in simple, everyday sentences. Typical are exclamations like 'Endlich Zahltag!' (Finally payday!) or the phrase 'auf den Zahltag warten' (to wait for payday).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann dir das Geld erst nach dem nächsten Zahltag zurückgeben.
I can only pay you back the money after the next payday.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the negative context. It describes the moment when someone has to face the bad consequences of earlier actions. It is often used with the verb 'kommen' (to come).
EXAMPLE
Nachdem er alle belogen hatte, kam für ihn irgendwann der Zahltag.
After he had lied to everyone, the day of reckoning eventually came for him.
Compare with
Zahltag vs Rechnung
bill / calculation
Rechnung and Zahltag can figuratively refer to the point at which earlier actions have consequences. Zahltag emphasizes the expected consequence or retribution, while Rechnung presents this consequence as something that must now be paid. In such established figurative expressions, the choice depends on the particular phrase.
Zahltag
Nach vielen unfairen Entscheidungen wusste der Chef, dass bald sein Zahltag kommen würde.
After making so many unfair decisions, the boss knew that his day of reckoning would soon come.
Rechnung
Nach seinem Betrug bekam er bald die Rechnung für seine früheren Taten.
After his fraud, he soon had to pay the price for his past actions.
In real life
Loading video examples...