Tipping in Germany
Tip 5–10% in Germany, usually by rounding up to a convenient figure. Service is included in prices and staff earn at least the statutory minimum wage, so tips are modest — but leaving nothing at a restaurant is noticed unless service was poor. The big difference from most countries is how you tip: you say the total you want to pay when the server brings the bill.
Usual: 5–10%
Short answer
In Germany, tip about 5–10% at restaurants by rounding up — and tell the server the total you want to pay instead of leaving money on the table. Round up taxi fares and drinks to the next euro.
Open the tip calculator for this countryRestaurants
When the server comes to take payment (often at the table), say the total including your tip. If the bill is €34 and you want to tip about €3, say "37, bitte" or hand over €40 and say "Auf 37, bitte" to get €3 back. If you want them to keep all the change, say "Stimmt so" ("that's right"). 5–10% is standard; 10% is good service. Card terminals increasingly offer a tip option, but telling the server the amount works too. Some smaller restaurants and beer gardens are still cash-only, so carry some euros. Leaving coins on the table after you've paid is less common.
Hotels
Hotel tipping in Germany is modest. Give a porter €1–2 per bag and leave €1–2 per night for housekeeping, especially on longer stays. A concierge who provides real help — booking tickets or a special dinner — might get €5–10. Breakfast buffets don't need a tip.
Taxis & Transport
Tell the taxi driver the total you want to pay, rounded up to the next euro or few euros — about 5–10%. A fare of €22.40 might become €24 or €25. For help with heavy luggage or an airport run, a little more is appreciated. Uber and Bolt operate in larger cities; in-app tips are optional.
Tours, spas, cafés & more
Bars and beer gardens: round up to the next euro per round. Cafés and bakeries: no tip at the counter; at table service, round up. Hairdressers: 5–10% or round up. Food delivery: €1–3. Toilet attendants (e.g. at motorway service stations or in bars): €0.50–1 — at motorway rest stops a voucher system often applies. City tour guides: €2–5 per person; free walking tours expect €10–15. Supermarket deliveries and movers: €5–10 per person.
Common practice
Rounding up to a convenient figure — about 5–10% — is the most common approach. The tip is stated to the server or driver, not left on the table.
Typical examples
A €28 restaurant bill: say "30, bitte". A €54 dinner for two: pay €58–60 (about $65–70 or £50 — exchange rates fluctuate). Two beers for €9.20: round to €10. A €22.40 taxi fare: pay €24–25.
Helpful note
"Trinkgeld" is the German word for tip. "Stimmt so" means "keep the change" — say it when you hand over the money.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you tip in Germany?
About 5–10% at restaurants, typically by rounding up to a convenient figure. Round up taxi fares and bar tabs to the next euro.
How do you tip in a German restaurant?
Tell the server the total you want to pay (e.g. "37, bitte" for a €34 bill), or say "Stimmt so" to let them keep the change.
Can you tip by card in Germany?
Often yes — many terminals offer a tip option, or tell the server the total before they enter the amount. Some places are still cash-only.
Is service included in Germany?
Yes. Prices include service and VAT, so tipping is a thank-you, but a 5–10% tip is customary for good service.