Greetings
from Germany! Before you begin exploring, there is a cultural custom to
understand: tipping. Understanding this custom will prevent a string of
unpleasant interactions while you are traveling.
Despite its
seeming simplicity, this technique may be complex and contentious. But don't
worry; we've made it simpler for you.
We discuss
the culture of tipping in Germany in this travel guide, including when it's
appropriate, how much to leave, and general tipping norms.
Knowing how
to tip properly can make it easier for you to engage with even the crankiest
old German bartenders, whether you're dining at a neighborhood eatery, hailing
a cab, or taking a tour.
Tipping is
called "Trinkgeld" in German, which translates as "drink
money." The original intention of tipping in German culture was for the
recipient to purchase a drink for themselves and celebrate the good health of
the kind tipper.
Germany
doesn't have a tipping culture. Instead, it is regarded as a sign of gratitude
for a positive encounter.
Although a
gratuity is always appreciated, it is often determined by the level of service
in Germany. You may express your satisfaction by leaving a tip if you're happy.
On the other side, it's usual to leave a tiny tip—or no money at all—if the
service is poor.
Although
cash tips are more typical, the majority of eateries, pubs, and cafés now
accept gratuities paid with credit or debit cards. Want more detailed
instructions? To learn more about Germany's tipping regulations, continue
reading.
If you plan
to travel outside of Germany, you may learn more about the many tipping
traditions in Europe by reading our guide on tipping in Germany.
Germany's general tipping
guidelines
In Germany,
leaving a tip is traditional at restaurants, hotels, taxis, cloakrooms, and
hair salons; the amount depends on the event and the overall amount of the
bill. Particularly at pubs and cafés, locals usually round up their bill to the
closest euro. You may round up your bill to €20 if it is €17.90, for instance.
In Germany,
gratuities are not required, although there are a few situations where they are
definitely anticipated. Let's examine a couple of instances where locals might
advise giving a gratuity.
f you are pleased with your haircut and color, you could choose to give the hairstylist a tip that ranges from 5 to 10% of the total cost.
German restaurants and
cafes accept tips
A tip in a
restaurant should be between 5 and 10% of the total cost, and 15% is seen to be
very generous. If you're using a card to pay, tip the server in cash to ensure
that they receive it. However, an increasing number of businesses have card
readers that allow customers to leave a tip for the personnel.
The dynamics
in Germany differ slightly from those in other nations, where it is customary
to leave a tip on the table.
The waitress
will deliver the bill, a wallet for cash, or a card reader to your table once
you ask for the bill. If you'd rather pay in cash and would want to add a tip,
just let the waitress know what you'd like the final amount to be or how much
change, if any, you'd like to get.
There may be
a tip jar on the counter at certain pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops where
you can place a few cents as a gratuity.
It is
uncommon to leave cash on the table for servers when you leave a restaurant.
Instead, give the waiter cash or a credit card and specify the complete cost of
your meal, including the tip.
Consider
this: If your total is €15.90, you may give the server a 20 euro bill and
instruct them to accept €18, which includes a €2.10 tip. After that, they will
give you two euros in change.
Gratuities in hotels
There's no
need to tip the staff if you're traveling on a tight budget and staying in
B&Bs, guesthouses, or hostels unless they provide you with additional
information or support.
For more
luxurious accommodations and extended stays, you may offer the hotel porter a
tip of €2–3 per bag, or more if you have a lot of luggage, and €4–6 per night
for the housekeeping crew if you're satisfied with their work.
German taxi drivers
receiving tips
In Germany,
giving tips to cab drivers is regarded as kind and kind. Depending on the
quality of the service, feel free to add 5–10%. As an alternative, you might
advise the driver to keep the change or round up your fare to the next euro.
Although
it's not required, we advise giving the drivers some Trinkgeld if they carry
your baggage, give you a particularly nice ride, steer clear of traffic, or
assist you in any other way throughout your travel.
Giving Gratuities at Coat
Check
The
individuals who check your coat at restaurants, clubs, pubs, or theaters will
be appreciative of a tip if there isn't a set charge. The common fee might be
anywhere from 50 cents to 2 euros, depending on the location and the quantity
of bags, coats, and jackets stored.
Gratuities at Hair and
Beauty Salons
Tipping is
particularly common at hair salons and nail salons since, like waiters,
hairdressers and manicurists typically earn just a modest base income. If you
are pleased with your haircut and color, you could choose to give the
hairstylist a tip that ranges from 5 to 10% of the total cost.
🔘 Related: How much is appropriate to tip at the nail salon?
Gratuities at the Tattoo
Shop
If you
intend to get a tattoo in Berlin, you should be aware that tipping is not
customary. But if you have a huge, intricate, or uniquely created tattoo, your
artist would really welcome a gratuity.
Think about
setting aside around 5% of the overall cost of your design. It's also a good
idea to leave a few euros in the tip jars that some tattoo parlors keep on the
front counter to be distributed among the workers.
Tipping for
additional services, such as hair treatments, cloakrooms, and tour guides
There are
other venues than taxis, hotels, and restaurants where the personnel could
anticipate a tip. In Germany, tipping hairdressers is usual. If you're pleased
with your new cut and color, give them between 5 and 10%. On the counter, there
is typically a jar where you can place a cash tip.
Include a
gratuity for the cloakroom attendant when you go to the theater, opera, or
concert. It should cost between €0.50 and €2, depending on how formal the
location is and how many jackets, coats, and bags you want them to store.
If you're
using a public bathroom, don't be shocked if a dish collecting pennies is
placed next to the entrance. Tipping is usual in many toilets, even if you're
at a place or event where tickets are required.
The
estimated sum, which is often between €0.50 and €1, will also be included in
the notification. To keep the bathrooms clean, you have to tip the staff.
Last but not
least, don't forget to give your tour guide a cash tip when you get home. This
might cost anything from €1 and €5 if you're traveling in a large group, or
closer to 5 to 10% if you booked a private trip.
If there is a service
charge, should I tip?
Tipping
becomes contentious when it exceeds a few of euros. German restaurants often
don't add a service charge to the bill, unlike much of Europe.
Although
it's not a requirement, look for the word "Bedienung" on the menu or
the bill to indicate that a service fee is included in the price.
Even while
there is currently a service fee on your statement, you're not definitely out
of the woods yet! This is so because the service fee, which is taxable revenue,
won't go to the personnel directly. If at all feasible, make sure to at least
round up the total and give your server some Trinkgeld.
Overall,
tipping is not required in Germany in any circumstance, although it is always
appreciated if you receive great service or simply wish to express your
gratitude.
How to tip
It's
customary to leave a gratuity on the table in many nations. In Germany, no.
When you ask for the bill, the server comes to your table with your bill, a
wallet, and, if you specify that you want to pay with a card, a card-swiping
device.
Tell the
waitress how much change, if any, you anticipate receiving if you paid with
cash and would like to leave a tip. Tell the waitress how much you want to tip
before the card is swiped if you're paying with a card. It's preferable to tip
in cash to guarantee that the server receives the whole amount.
What to Do with Your
Tipping in Germany Restaurants
Before
departing in the US, you would place your tip on the table. However, in
Germany, the server will stand there while you hand her the cash as soon as you
receive the bill. The tip is also
included in this.
Say the
whole amount you wish to pay (including the tip) if using a credit or debit
card at this time. Here's how you shout do it exactly:
Request the
bill. They will bring the card reader to the table at this point, so I let them
know early whether I want to pay with a card.
View the
invoice. Make a decision on my tip right now. I'll either round it up to the
nearest five or add a few more euros.
Share the
total with the server. Declare your desired fee in plain language. If my bill
is 26 Euros, for instance, I'll say "30 Euros" ("Dreißig Euro,
please") when I pass them my credit card. If you are paying with cash,
giving them the full amount, including the tip, and you may add something like
"Passt," which is literally translated as "Fitting," but
actually just means "All is well," so they will understand that they
shouldn't give you change back.
Alternatively,
if your bill is 50 Euros but you only have a 26 Euro bill on you and you want
to leave a 4 Euro tip, just offer them the 50 and say "Dreißig Euro,
please" (30 Euro). Additionally, they will give you €20 in exchange for
the €4, recognizing that you are tipping them.
Where Else in Germany
Should You Leave a Tip?
- The Bell Hotel
Hop: a few of € per bag
- Hotel maids
should receive a few euros each night.
- Travel agents:
5–10%
- Bathrooms:
People always gather in this one. There could be a woman sitting outside a
restroom. You do not have to pay if you are a client there, however, it is
customary to give her a 50-cent piece in public settings (like a festival).
- Cabbies: 5–10%
is OK.
Conclusion
Don't be
concerned if you regularly lack the means to pay respect to the waiter's hard
work.
For fast
cashless tipping and tip tracking, use our electronic tipping app for servers.
The convenience of a donation app will help you.
You may tip
using this app that accepts payment methods other than cash. The good news is
that you can utilize this electronic tip-sharing app on cell phones running
Android or iPhone operating systems.