Tipping in Germany
Tipping expectedService Breakdown
Notes by Service
Round up or add 5–10%; tell the server the total when paying (Trinkgeld).
€1–2 per night for housekeeping is appreciated.
Round up to the nearest euro or add 10%.
10% is a good benchmark for spa services.
Round up the bill; not strongly expected.
€2–5 is a polite tip.
€5–10 per person is standard.
€1–2 is appreciated but not required.
About Tipping in Germany
Overview
German tipping culture is low-key and practical — it's about rounding up, not calculating percentages. A relaxed 5–10% at a restaurant is standard, and simply rounding up to a convenient number (say €22 on a €19.50 bill) is completely normal and well-received.
When to Tip
Tip at sit-down restaurants, taxis, and hairdressers. Hotel housekeeping tips are a kind gesture but not routine. Bars and cafés don't strongly expect tips but rounding up is always welcome.
How to Tip
The key German custom is telling the server the total you want to pay, not leaving money on the table after you go. When paying, say "zwanzig bitte" (twenty, please) and they'll calculate the change. Leaving cash on the table is less common and can feel a bit foreign to locals.
Cultural Context
Germany has a minimum wage and workers aren't dependent on tips the way American service staff are, so there's no social obligation. Tipping is appreciated as a sign that you enjoyed the service, not as a wage subsidy. Refusing to tip after bad service is entirely acceptable.