How much to tip at a restaurant in Germany (2026 Guide)
Round up + 5–10% — state the total verbally before paying
5–10% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Trinkgeld of 5–10% is the standard at German sit-down restaurants — 10% if the service was good, 15% only for exceptional. The German way is to tell the server the total you want to pay (bill + tip) before they swipe the card or hand over change. If your bill is €43.50, say "fünfzig" (fifty) or "fünfundvierzig, bitte" (forty-five, please) — they enter that figure. Saying "Stimmt so" means "keep the change" when you hand over cash that is slightly more than the bill. Do not leave tips on the table after paying — give them at the moment of payment.
Common mistakes
Leaving the tip on the table after the server has taken the card away — Germans almost always include the tip in the transaction itself. Also: tipping US-style 20% is seen as showy, not generous.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tip when paying by card in Germany?
Tell the server the total including tip before they enter the amount on the terminal. "Fifty, please" if the bill is €43.50.
What does "Stimmt so" mean?
"Keep the change" — said when paying cash that is more than the bill.
Is "Bedienung" on the bill a tip?
No — it is a separate service line item and should not replace your Trinkgeld.
Tipping other services in Germany
- Counter / takeawayRound up to next euro
- CaféRound up to next euro — say "Stimmt so"
- BarRound up by 50¢–€1 per drink
- Housekeeping€2–5 per night
- Porter€1–2 per bag
- Concierge€5–20 for a real favour
- TaxiRound up + 5–10%
- RideshareRound up via app — €1–2 typical
- Food delivery€1–3 in cash or app
- Grocery delivery€1–2 if you tip at all
- Hairdresser5–10% — round up to the nearest €5
- Spa5–10%, €5–10 typical for a massage
- Tour guide€5 per person group, €10–20 per person for free walking tours, 10% private
- Tattoo artist5–20% optional; not expected
- Valet€1–2 on return
- Airport baggage€1–2 per bag if you use a porter
- Busker€1–3 if you stopped to listen
- Movers€5/hour per mover, or €10–20 each for a longer move
- Tradesperson€0 — not customary
Tipping at a restaurant in nearby countries
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom10–12.5% — check bill first; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge
- 🇫🇷France€0 required (service compris); €1–5 per person or 5–10% for good service
- 🇮🇹ItalyRound up or leave €1–2 per person; 5–10% at nicer restaurants
- 🇪🇸SpainRound up or leave €1–5; up to 5–10% at upscale restaurants
Last verified: · Sources: thelocal.de, frommers.com, simplegermany.com