Learn Hardcore Greek: Η σερβιτόρα μας δίνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε. - The waitress gives us the bill when we finish.

μας is an unstressed (clitic) pronoun meaning “to us/us,” functioning here as an indirect object.
In Greek, weak object pronouns normally go immediately before a finite verb: μας δίνει.
With particles, the clitic still stays before the verb: θα μας δώσει, να μας δώσει.
With affirmative imperatives, it goes after the verb: δώσ’ μας (τον λογαριασμό).

Which parts are the direct and the indirect object, and which cases are they in?

Direct object: τον λογαριασμό (accusative).
Indirect object: μας (genitive clitic used for the “to us/for us” function). Greek uses accusative for direct objects and genitive weak pronouns for indirect objects.

Why is it τον λογαριασμό and not ο λογαριασμός?

Because it’s a direct object. The article ο is nominative (subject). For a masculine singular direct object you use accusative τον: τον λογαριασμό.
If you wanted “a bill,” you’d say έναν λογαριασμό (indefinite, accusative).

Can I write το λογαριασμό (dropping the final -ν of τον)?

Modern spelling allows the final -ν of τον/την to drop before many consonants (notably not before κ, π, τ, ξ, ψ, μπ, ντ, γκ, τσ, τζ). Before λ it can drop, so you may see το λογαριασμό.
However, many speakers keep the -ν everywhere to avoid confusion with the neuter article το. As a learner, it’s safest to write and say τον λογαριασμό.

Is δίνει the most idiomatic verb here, or should I use something else?

δίνω (give) is correct, but in restaurants Greeks very often say φέρνω (bring). So the most natural version is often:

Η σερβιτόρα μας φέρνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε.

Why is it όταν τελειώνουμε and not όταν τελειώσουμε?

όταν + present (imperfective) describes habits/general truths: όταν τελειώνουμε = “when(ever) we finish (as a habit).”
όταν + aorist subjunctive is used for a single future event: Όταν τελειώσουμε, η σερβιτόρα θα μας φέρει τον λογαριασμό = “When we finish (this time), the waitress will bring us the bill.” Avoid όταν θα τελειώσουμε in standard Greek.

Can I use όποτε instead of όταν?

Yes, but the nuance changes.

όταν = when (at the time that), also used generically.
όποτε = whenever/any time that, emphasizing indefiniteness/repeatability.
Example: Όποτε τελειώνουμε, μας φέρνει τον λογαριασμό.

Does the Greek present here mean both “gives” and “is giving”?

Yes. The Greek present (μας δίνει) covers both English simple and progressive: “gives” and “is giving.” Context decides which is meant.

What other word orders are possible?

Greek allows flexible word order for focus/emphasis, but the clitic stays with the verb:

Όταν τελειώνουμε, η σερβιτόρα μας δίνει τον λογαριασμό.
Η σερβιτόρα τον λογαριασμό μας δίνει όταν τελειώνουμε (focus on “the bill”).
You can drop the subject if understood: Μας δίνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε.
Avoid placing the clitic away from the verb (e.g., ✗ δίνει μας in neutral statements).

Why do we need the article Η before σερβιτόρα?

Greek uses the definite article more than English to refer to known/specific people: Η σερβιτόρα = “the waitress (we’re dealing with).”
Without an article, σερβιτόρα is typically a predicate noun: Είναι σερβιτόρα = “She is a waitress.”

Does σερβιτόρα specifically mean a female server? How do I be gender‑neutral?

η σερβιτόρα = female server; ο σερβιτόρος = male server.
For inclusive reference, you’ll often see ο/η σερβιτόρος/σερβιτόρα, or a descriptive phrase like το άτομο που μας εξυπηρετεί (“the person serving us”).

What forms of τελειώνω are relevant here?

Present (habitual/ongoing): τελειώνω, τελειώνεις, τελειώνει, τελειώνουμε, τελειώνετε, τελειώνουν(ε).
Aorist (single, completed past): τέλειωσα, τελείωσες, τελείωσε, τελειώσαμε, τελειώσατε, τελείωσαν.
Aorist subjunctive (for “when/if/that we finish”): να τελειώσω/τελειώσουμε.
Compare: όταν τελειώνουμε (habit) vs όταν τελειώσουμε (one specific future time).

How do I say “She gives it to us” with pronouns only?

Use a double clitic: indirect before direct. For a masculine object like λογαριασμός, use τον:

Μας τον δίνει = “She gives it (the bill) to us.”
With φέρνω: Μας τον φέρνει.
For a neuter object (e.g., το μενού), you’d say μας το δίνει.

How do I negate this idea, and how would I say “until we finish”?

Negation: Η σερβιτόρα δεν μας φέρνει/δίνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε.
“Until we finish”: Η σερβιτόρα δεν μας φέρνει τον λογαριασμό μέχρι να τελειώσουμε.
Note μέχρι να takes the subjunctive (τελειώσουμε).

Do I need a comma with όταν?

If the όταν-clause comes first, use a comma after it: Όταν τελειώνουμε, η σερβιτόρα…
If it comes after the main clause, no comma: Η σερβιτόρα … όταν τελειώνουμε.
The given sentence is correctly punctuated without a comma.

Any tips on pronouncing tricky bits like λογαριασμό and τελειώνουμε?

λογαριασμό: lo-gha-ria-SMO. The γ is a soft voiced fricative (like a soft “gh”), and ρια sounds like “rya.” Stress the last syllable.
τελειώνουμε: te-li-Ó-nou-me. ει sounds like “ee,” and ιω here gives a “yó” glide; stress the Ó.
δίνει: THEE-nee (δ = “th” in “this”).
Η is pronounced “ee.”

How can I politely ask for the bill in Greek?

Common, polite options:

Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
Μας φέρνετε τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ;
Μπορούμε να έχουμε τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ;
All are natural in a restaurant.