Tipping in Germany: How Much to Leave at Restaurants, in Taxis, and for Delivery

Tipping in Germany, or Trinkgeld, is generally seen as a voluntary gesture of appreciation for good service, rather than a mandatory surcharge on the bill. In restaurants, people usually tip 5–10% of the total bill; in bars, taxis, and for delivery, they often simply round up the bill or add a few euros.

The main rule is simple: if the service was average or good, a tip is appropriate. If you didn’t like the service, you don’t have to leave anything. This isn’t considered rude, although if there was a clear problem, it’s better to calmly explain exactly what went wrong.

In short: how much to tip

Situation	Guideline
Restaurant with table service	usually 5–10%
Café or bar	round up to the nearest convenient amount
Taxi or ride-hailing app	round up or add 1–3 euros
Hairdresser	about 5%, if you’re satisfied with the result
Food or grocery delivery	1–2 euros, more for a large order or a complicated delivery
Movers	from a few euros for a quick hand to 10–20 euros for a complex move
Fast food and supermarket checkout	tips are not usually expected

These aren’t fixed rates, and tipping isn’t mandatory. In Germany, it’s customary to take into account the quality of service, the bill amount, the complexity of the service, and your own budget.

What Does “Trinkgeld” Mean?

The word Trinkgeld can literally be translated as “money for a drink.” Historically, it was a small amount given in addition to the bill as a token of appreciation for help or good service. Today, the meaning is almost the same: it’s a sign of gratitude, not a mandatory part of the price.

Is it necessary to tip in Germany?

In Germany, tipping isn’t as deeply ingrained in the service culture as it is, for example, in the U.S. Employees shouldn’t have to rely solely on tips, and guests aren’t obligated to tip automatically. Therefore, the German approach is usually pragmatic: good service—leave a little extra; bad service—don’t leave anything.

That said, expectations vary depending on the type of service. In a restaurant with table service, tipping is more common than at a self-service bakery or at a store checkout. In small, everyday situations, Germans often don’t calculate a percentage but simply name a convenient total amount.

Surveys on tipping quickly become outdated, but they provide a good indication of general trends. For example, in a 2019 YouGov/Statista survey, when the bill was 50 euros, most respondents chose to tip between 2 and 5 euros. This example is best viewed as a historical reference point rather than an exact standard for 2026.

Tipping in Restaurants

In a restaurant with a waiter, people usually leave about 5–10% of the bill. For a small bill, you can simply round up the amount: for example, if the bill is 18.40 euros, say that you’re paying 20 euros.

If the bill is large, you don’t have to automatically add exactly 10%. In Germany, it’s normal to leave a reasonable amount, especially if the service was average rather than exceptional. If the service was poor, you don’t have to leave a tip.

Tipping in Bars and Cafés

Tips at bars are usually more modest. If a drink costs 3.70 euros, you can pay 4 euros. If you order several rounds at the bar, people sometimes leave a little extra after the last order.

In self-service cafes and bakeries, tipping is not required. If there’s a jar for small change at the register, you can put your change in it, but this is entirely voluntary.

Tipping in Taxis and Rides Booked Through Apps

In taxis, people usually round up the fare or add a couple of euros. If the ride cost 33.20 euros, you can pay 35 euros. You can leave more for help with luggage, a long ride, or particularly attentive service.

If the ride is paid for through an app, you can often add a tip in the app after the ride is complete. You can also give a small amount in cash if that’s more convenient.

[[Taxis in Germany [How to Order, Prices & Regulations] | Taxis in Germany]]

Tipping Hairdressers

At the hair salon, it’s appropriate to leave about 5% if you’re satisfied with your haircut, color, or consultation. Some salons have separate boxes or envelopes labeled with the stylists’ names. If there’s no such system, you can simply hand the tip to the stylist when you pay.

Tipping Porters

For moving services, tips depend on the amount of work involved. A small amount is sufficient for brief help with a few boxes. For a difficult move, carrying items up stairs without an elevator, a long day, or careful handling of furniture, people usually give more.

A practical guideline: a few euros for a quick favor and about 10–20 euros per person for a complex move. If the job took many hours, the amount may be higher, but there’s no fixed standard.

Tipping Delivery Drivers

Food or grocery delivery drivers are often given 1–2 euros. A larger tip is appropriate if the order is heavy, the weather is bad, the building doesn’t have an elevator, or the delivery was particularly fast and careful.

If you’re paying for your order online, check to see if you can add a tip in the app. If that option isn’t available or you’re not sure the money will reach the delivery person, you can give cash.

How to Tip Properly

In Germany, tips are not usually left silently on the table after you’ve left. When the server or cashier takes your payment, you state the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip.

For example:

• Bill of 27.80 euros—you can say, “30 euros, please”;
• A bill of 46.50 euros—you can say, “50 euros”;
• If you’re paying by card, state the total amount before paying.

The German phrase Stimmt so roughly means “keep the change.” It’s handy to use when you’re paying in cash and want to leave the change as a tip.

Cash or Card

In many places, you can add a tip when paying by card, but not everywhere. If you want to be sure you’re leaving a small amount without having to explain yourself, it’s handy to have some cash on hand.

When paying by card, don’t expect the terminal to automatically suggest a tip. It’s better to state the total amount right away, before the staff member processes the payment.

Common Mistakes

• Consider tipping mandatory in every situation. In Germany, it’s a voluntary gesture of appreciation.
• Leaving money on the table after the server has already taken the payment. The amount is usually mentioned at the time of payment.
• Giving too much out of habit from another country. In most everyday situations, 5–10% or rounding up is sufficient.
• Don’t mention the problem, but leave a zero tip in a conflict situation. If the service is truly poor, a calm explanation is usually better than a silent gesture.

Conclusion

Tipping in Germany works best as a flexible gesture of gratitude. In restaurants, aim for 5–10%; in taxis, bars, and for delivery, round up the bill and add a few euros. If you didn’t like the service, you’re not obligated to leave a Trinkgeld—that’s perfectly normal here.