verb
to pay, to count
A1
Zahlen primarily means "to pay" and secondarily "to count". It is a regular weak verb that uses haben as auxiliary. Past participle: gezahlt. It’s non‑reflexive and not separable. Common constructions: für etwas zahlen (to pay for). Imperative forms are standard (zahl!/zahlt!/zahlen!). Perfekt: ich habe gezahlt; Präteritum: zahlte.
Examples
Kannst du bis zehn zählen?
Can you count to ten?
Er zahlte bar.
He paid in cash.
Ich zahle die Rechnung.
I'll pay the bill.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine handing over money and saying 'zahlen' at a shop.
Sounds like English 'tally' ~ counting/pay association.
Notes
'zahlen' commonly means to pay; in other contexts it can mean to count.