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Do People Leave Tips in Germany? How people in the country think about tipping

Tips in germany

Tipping can be hard for travelers to figure out, especially when they go to a country with different customs and traditions. Tipping is expected for good service in Germany, but the rules and customs can change depending on the situation. In this article, we'll look more closely at how people tip in Germany, including when and how much to tip and what to expect in different situations.

Tipping in Restaurants and Bars

Tipping is common in restaurants and bars in Germany, but the amount is usually less than in the United States. People usually round up the bill to the next euro or add a tip of 5–10% of the total. For example, if the bill is 17 euros, it is common to round up to 20 euros or leave a 2 euro tip. In many German restaurants, the service charge is already built into the bill, so you don’t need to add a tip on top of that. This is often written as “Bedienung” or “Service” on the menu or bill.

Tipping for Services

Tipping is also common in Germany, but the amount varies from situation to situation. For example, it is common to tip hairdressers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff, but the amount can range from 5–10% of the total to a few euros, depending on the quality of the service and the amount of time spent. Tipping is not always expected for other services, like housekeeping or delivery, but it is always appreciated. In general, it’s polite to round up to the next euro or leave a few euros as a tip.

Tipping in Other Situations:

Tipping is less common in other places in Germany, like the spa or the theater. Tipping in these situations is usually only done if the service was great or if the person went above and beyond what was expected. Most of the time, a small tip of a few euros is fine.

When not to leave a tip

Tipping is common in Germany, but there are times when it is not expected or is even seen as rude. For example, it’s not usual to leave a tip at fast-food restaurants or cafes, where most of the time you serve yourself. Also, tipping is usually not expected or allowed in government offices or other public places.

Conclusion

Tipping is common in Germany, but the rules and customs can change depending on the situation. When you’re not sure, it’s safest to round up to the next euro or leave a small tip of a few euros. It’s important to remember that tipping is appreciated, but not always expected. It’s up to each person to decide whether or not to tip based on the quality of the service and their own preferences. By knowing the rules and customs of tipping in Germany, travelers can make sure that their time eating out or getting services in the country goes smoothly and is a good time.