Tipping guide

Tipping in Germany

German tipping is modest and has its own etiquette: you say the total you want to pay while handing over cash or the card, rather than leaving money on the table afterwards. Trinkgeld literally means 'drink money'.

This calculator needs JavaScript. The country guidance below works without it.

What are you paying for?
How was the service?
Split between
1 person
Enter a bill amount to see your tip

Tipping in Germany at a glance

Tipping is appreciated but modest

  • Restaurant (sit-down)
    5-10%
  • Cafe / Bar
    Round up
  • Taxi / Rideshare
    Round up
  • Food delivery
    Round up
  • Tour guide / Driver
    5-10%
  • Spa / Salon / Barber
    5-10%
  • Hotel housekeeping
    €2.00 per night
  • Hotel porter / Bellhop
    €1.00 per bag
  • Valet parking
    €2.00 per car
  • Hotel concierge
    €5.00 per request

Round up or add ~5-10%, telling the server the total as you pay rather than leaving cash on the table.

Rates shown are typical amounts, converted to local currency at approximately 27 Aug 2026. Tipping customs evolve and vary from region to region, so treat this as your best starting point rather than a hard rule. Where a bill already shows a service charge, that is usually the tip.

Common questions

How much do you tip in Germany?

Round up, or add 5-10% for table service. A 46-euro dinner becomes 50; an 18-euro lunch becomes 20.

How do I actually hand over a tip in Germany?

When the server tells you the amount, say the higher number you want to pay — 'fünfzig, bitte' for a 46-euro bill. They will bring the change from that figure. Saying 'stimmt so' means keep it all.

Do you tip at German bakeries and beer gardens?

There is often a Trinkgeld jar at a bakery counter for spare coins, which is entirely optional. At a self-service beer garden you order and pay at a hatch, and no tip is expected.

International tipping guides by country

Open the free online tipping calculator — or read the guidance for another destination.