German Tipping Culture: Who Should You Tip and How Much?

In Germany, tipping is customary but not obligatory. It's a way to show appreciation for good service and is generally not as formalized as in some other countries. Here's a breakdown of who to tip and how much:

Who to Tip in Germany

Restaurants and Cafés

Tipping your server is common in Germany. While it's not mandatory, it's expected as a sign of appreciation for good service. As a general rule:

Rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% is standard. For example, if your bill is €27, you might leave €30.

Bars

Bar staff, such as bartenders, would appreciate a tip for good service. A small addition to the bill is usually enough:

Tip bartenders for good service.

Taxis

Tipping is customary in the taxi industry in Germany:

Round up the fare to the nearest euro or add about 10% for good service.

Hotels

Hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeepers, are typically tipped for a job well done:

Tip bellhops around €1 per bag. Tip housekeeping a few euros.

Hairdressers and Beauticians

Tipping is appreciated, but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip is usually considered appropriate:

A typical tip of 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

How Much to Tip in Germany

The amount you tip can vary based on your satisfaction with the service. Here are some guidelines for various situations:

Restaurants

Tipping between 5-10% is generally customary, though rounding up the bill is also common:

For a bill of €27, rounding up to €30 is a good practice.

Taxis

Tipping in taxis involves rounding to the nearest euro or adding a little extra if the service was particularly good:

Add a small amount to the fare, such as rounding up to the nearest euro.

Other Services

For other services, such as hairdressers, a 5-10% tip is also a good guideline:

Similarly, a 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service.

Summary of German Tipping Practices

Tipping in Germany is a way to show appreciation for good service. While it's not as formally required as in many other countries, rounding up the bill or adding a small percentage is customary. Here's a quick summary:

In restaurants and cafes, rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% is appropriate. In taxis, round up to the nearest euro or add a little extra if the service was particularly good. In other services, a 5-10% tip is a good guideline.

My Experiences with Tipping in Germany

Based on my personal experiences, the norms can vary:

Tipping anything from 0 to 10% is common. I usually tip 10%, which is considered above average in German standards. Five percent is considered a safe lower limit in most situations.

If you are particularly happy with the service, adding a small amount (5-10%) can genuinely uplift the staff. If the service is unsatisfactory, you can skip the tip, but it should be a signal to the service provider to address the issue.

Some Additional Tips

Payment Methods

Keep in mind that restaurants in Germany often do not accept credit cards unless they cater to a tourist clientele:

For cash payments, rounding up to the nearest euro is customary. If you're paying for a large group, adding a small amount (5-10%) can be appreciated if you are happy with the service.

Tipping Systems

Here's a practical breakdown of the tipping system in different scenarios:

Restaurants

The person tells you what the total is, and you hand them the money, saying “Stimmt so,” meaning, “Okay, just like this.” Alternatively, they might say the total and you could hand over a little more, such as going from 11.50 to 13.00:

Leave money directly in the service staff's hands. Avoid leaving money on the table at the end of the meal.

Taxis

When paying a taxi driver, you can use the following tips:

Say “Machen Sie…” followed by a number, to indicate the total cost. Ask for the amount on the meter or before, if available.

Be mindful that in some establishments, tips are shared among service staff and others, so adjust accordingly:

Ask the staff how tips are usually handled to ensure you're tipping appropriately.

By understanding and following these tipping practices, you'll ensure that you're showing appreciation for the service and helping to make your experience in Germany more positive and enjoyable.