Tipping in Germany
In Germany, tipping is expected for 2 of the 20 services we track. At a sit-down restaurant, round up + 5–10% — state the total verbally before paying. Tipping is unusual for 1 service.
Germans typically round up the bill or add a small percentage. Tips are handed to the server directly and stated aloud, rather than left on the table.
Tipping in Germany at a glance
- Sit-down restaurant
- Round up + 5–10% — state the total verbally before paying
- Taxi
- Round up + 5–10%
- Bar
- Round up by 50¢–€1 per drink
- Housekeeping
- €2–5 per night
- Concierge
- €5–20 for a real favour
- Tour guide
- €5 per person group, €10–20 per person for free walking tours, 10% private
- Café
- Round up to next euro — say "Stimmt so"
- Tattoo artist
- 5–20% optional; not expected
Tipping by service in Germany
| Service | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Expected | Round up + 5–10% — state the total verbally before paying |
| Counter / takeaway | Optional | Round up to next euro |
| Café | Appreciated | Round up to next euro — say "Stimmt so" |
| Bar | Appreciated | Round up by 50¢–€1 per drink |
| Housekeeping | Appreciated | €2–5 per night |
| Porter | Appreciated | €1–2 per bag |
| Concierge | Appreciated | €5–20 for a real favour |
| Taxi | Appreciated | Round up + 5–10% |
| Rideshare | Optional | Round up via app — €1–2 typical |
| Food delivery | Appreciated | €1–3 in cash or app |
| Grocery delivery | Optional | €1–2 if you tip at all |
| Hairdresser | Appreciated | 5–10% — round up to the nearest €5 |
| Spa | Appreciated | 5–10%, €5–10 typical for a massage |
| Tour guide | Expected | €5 per person group, €10–20 per person for free walking tours, 10% private |
| Tattoo artist | Optional | 5–20% optional; not expected |
| Valet | Appreciated | €1–2 on return |
| Airport baggage | Appreciated | €1–2 per bag if you use a porter |
| Busker | Appreciated | €1–3 if you stopped to listen |
| Movers | Appreciated | €5/hour per mover, or €10–20 each for a longer move |
| Tradesperson | Unusual | €0 — not customary |
Compare one service across every country
Compare Germany to other countries
Tipping in Germany: common questions
Do you tip in Germany?
Yes, for some services. Of the 20 services we track in Germany, tipping is expected for 2 and appreciated for 13. Germans typically round up the bill or add a small percentage. Tips are handed to the server directly and stated aloud, rather than left on the table.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in Germany?
Round up + 5–10% — state the total verbally before paying. That works out to 5–10% of the bill. Trinkgeld of 5–10% is the standard at German sit-down restaurants — 10% if the service was good, 15% only for exceptional.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in Germany?
Round up + 5–10%. That works out to 5–10% of the bill. Round the meter up by a euro or two — a €14.50 fare becomes €16 — or add roughly 5–10%.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping in Germany?
€2–5 per night. Tip housekeeping €2–5 per night at mid-range and luxury German hotels — leave it on the pillow or with a small note ("Danke / fürs Zimmermädchen") to make the intent clear.
Which services should you tip in Germany?
A tip is genuinely expected for 2 services: sit-down restaurant and tour guide. For everything else it is optional or unusual.
Where is tipping not expected in Germany?
Tipping is unusual for 1 service: tradesperson. Leaving nothing is completely normal in these situations.
Should you tip in cash or by card in Germany?
Cash is preferred for 18 of the 20 services we track in Germany, because card tips do not always reach staff. Carrying small notes is worth it.