zahlen vs bezahlen I've had a little trouble with discerning when to use either of these verbs. I listed some rules and would like to know if I have it figured out correctly. Also, I tried translating several example sentences to see if I could apply the rules. I appreciate the help and corrections! Rules: Bezahlen vs zahlen As I understand it currently (A) If a person is the object, then 1) Use bezahlen - (I paid HIM - ich bezahlte ihn). 2) But I can use either bezahlen or zahlen when the thing that is paid for is mentioned - and in this case I have to remember to put the person in the dative (ihm) and the thing paid for in the accusative. (ich habe ihm das Mittagessen 5 gezahlt / bezahlt) (B) If a person is not the object, then 1) zahlen is generally used when there is no object (I would like to pay now - ich möchte jetzt zahlen). 2) bezahlen is generally used when there is an object (I would like to pay the bill - ich möchte die Rechnung bezahlen). (C) When it's about handing over money for fees, taxes, fines, subscriptions, etc, then use zahlen 1) this means, use zahlen when the object is the fee, tax, subscription, etc (i had to pay taxes - ich musste Steuern zahlen) Translations attempts: I paid for the lunch - Ich habe das Mittagessen bezahlt I had to pay taxes this year - ich musste dieses Jahr Steuern zahlen I had to pay $5000 extra in taxes this year - ich musste dieses Jahr $5000 Steuer zusätzlich zahlen I paid for a magazine subscription - ich zahlte eine Zeitschriftenabonnement. He paid me for the ticket - Er bezahlte mir das Ticket - Er zahlte mir das Ticket I paid him yesterday. - Ich bezahlte ihn gestern When will I get paid? - Wann bezahltest du mich? I bought a old bicycle and only had to pay $50 for it - Ich habe ein altes Fahrrad gekauft und musste das nur $50 bezahlen - Ich habe ein altes Fahrrad gekauft und musste das nur $50 zahlen