Tipping in Germany: A Practical Guide
Quick Answer
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up the bill or add 5–10% at restaurants. Service charge is usually not included.
Germany has a moderate tipping culture. Unlike the US, service workers in Germany earn a fair minimum wage (€12.41/hour as of 2024), so tips are a genuine bonus rather than a necessity. However, tipping is a well-established social custom and considered a sign of satisfaction with the service.
The German approach to tipping is practical and understated. Rather than calculating exact percentages, most Germans simply round up the bill or add a few euros. The key phrase is 'Stimmt so' (keep the change) — you’ll use it constantly during your visit.
Restaurants: 5–10% (Round Up)
At sit-down restaurants, tipping 5–10% is standard. For a €47 meal, you might round up to €52 or €55 (roughly $55–$60 USD). For fine dining, 10% is the norm. Unlike in the US, tips are typically given directly to the server when paying, not left on the table.
When paying, tell the server the total amount you want to pay (including tip). For example, if your bill is €37 and you want to leave €40, say 'Vierzig, bitte' (Forty, please) or 'Stimmt so' (Keep the change) when handing over €40. At casual restaurants, fast food, and self-service places, tipping is not expected.
Hotels
Hotel tipping is modest in Germany. For housekeeping, €1–2 per night is appreciated but not required. Bellhops can be tipped €1–2 per bag. Concierge tips of €5–10 are appropriate for special requests like securing restaurant reservations or theater tickets.
Taxis
Round up the fare or add 5–10%. For a €12.50 fare, paying €14 (∼$15 USD) is typical. For longer rides or airport transfers, rounding up generously is appreciated. Simply tell the driver the amount you want to pay.
Bars and Coffee Shops
At bars, round up your tab or leave 5–10%. For a €4.50 beer, paying €5 is standard. At coffee shops and bakeries, rounding up to the nearest euro or dropping coins into the tip jar is common but not expected.
Delivery Services
For food delivery, rounding up by €1–2 or tipping 5–10% is a nice gesture. Delivery drivers for services like Lieferando appreciate small tips, especially during bad weather. For grocery delivery, €2–3 is generous.
Personal Services
Hairdressers and barbers: €2–5 or 5–10% of the bill. Tour guides: €3–5 per person for group tours, €10–20 for private tours. Spa therapists: €2–5. Movers: €10–20 per person.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Round up the bill rather than calculating exact percentages.
- Tell the server the total you want to pay, including the tip.
- Say 'Stimmt so' (keep the change) when the tip is included in what you hand over.
- Tip in cash when possible — it goes directly to your server.
- Tip modestly but consistently for good service.
Don't
- Leave money on the table — hand it to the server directly.
- Tip 20% as you would in the US — it would be seen as excessive.
- Forget to carry small bills and coins in euros.
- Tip at self-service or counter-service restaurants.
- Feel guilty about small tips — German workers earn fair wages.
Useful Phrases
Practical Tips
- Germany is still more cash-dependent than you might expect. Many restaurants and smaller shops don’t accept cards. Always carry cash.
- When splitting the bill (very common in Germany), each person tips individually.
- Tips go directly to the server — say the total amount you want to pay when they come to collect.
- 'Trinkgeld' means tip money (literally 'drink money') in German.
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