Tipping Guide for Dining in Germany: How Much to Tip

Tipping in Germany can be a nuanced subject, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with local customs. However, understanding the tipping practices in this country can greatly enhance your dining and travel experiences.

Tipping in German Restaurants

Initially, discussing tipping norms with friends in Germany provided little clarity. Even those considered quite generous sometimes leave no tip if they are short on funds, often citing reasons such as being a student. From an American perspective, this can seem perplexing.

However, tipping is expected in Germany, similar to other parts of Europe, albeit at a lower rate than in North America. This cultural approach may contribute to the sometimes less enthusiastic service compared to American dining standards. Forgotten orders and indifferent service can permeate the dining experience, particularly in cities like Berlin, where service may leave much to be desired.

It’s important to note that service charges may be included in your bill, indicated by the term bedienung. The German word for tip, Trinkgeld, translates to “drinking money” and suggests that tips are usually modest amounts. Consider familiarizing yourself with some essential dining vocabulary to enhance your experience in German restaurants.

In summary, it is standard practice to leave between 5 and 10 percent at a sit-down restaurant, while rounding up to the nearest euro or two at a café is common. Offering a tip of 15 percent is considered quite generous and excessive for local expectations.

How to Tip in a German Restaurant

The tipping process in Germany differs from North American customs. When you’re ready to settle the bill, inform the waiter by requesting the bill with the phrase, “Die Rechnung bitte.” The server will usually expect payment right away, which may feel rushed but is customary.

For instance, if your total bill is 14.50 euros, you can simply say “16 euros,” and the waiter will provide your change. If you’d prefer to leave the change as a tip, stating “Stimmt so” indicates that you wish for them to keep the change. Paying in cash is preferred for tipping, even if you settle the overall bill with a card, to ensure the tip reaches your server.

Tipping in German Hotels

In contrast to tipping in the USA, it is less common to tip hotel staff in Germany. If you receive good service in a starred hotel, consider tipping the porter around one euro per bag and leaving housekeeping 3 to 5 euros per night. For concierge services, like securing a reservation at a fine dining establishment, tips can go up to 20 euros.

For smaller accommodations, such as a Pension, akin to a B&B, gratuities are generally not expected.

Tipping Taxis in Germany

While tipping is not obligatory in taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is a common practice. If you receive excellent service, such as an English-speaking driver, assistance with luggage, or the provision of a child seat, you might consider leaving up to a 10% tip.

Tipping Tour Guides in Germany

For a quality tour guide experience in Germany, a tip of up to 10% is appreciated, especially for private or multi-day tours. Even for free walking tours, it is advisable to tip at least 5 euros, as tour guides often incur costs to the company for each participant regardless of tips received.

Overall, the best advice is to tip what feels comfortable for you, balancing local customs with your experience.