Tipping (Trinkgeld, literally "drink money") in Germany is genuine but modest — nothing like the 20% expectation in the US. It is a thank-you for good service, not a wage top-up. Here is how to do it naturally.
The Golden Rule
Round up or add roughly 5–10% for good service. For a €18 meal you might pay €20; for €46, round to €50. Tips are appreciated, never demanded, and service is included in menu prices by law.
How to Actually Tip in a Restaurant
The German quirk: you don't leave the tip on the table — you tell the server the total as you pay.
When paying, state the amount you want to give including the tip. If the bill is €46 and you want to pay €50, hand over the cash or card and say "fünfzig" (fifty), or "make it fifty." With card machines, you usually tell the server the total before they enter it.
Quick Reference
- Restaurants: round up / 5–10%.
- Cafés & bars: round up to the nearest euro or two.
- Taxis: round up the fare (e.g. €13.40 → €15).
- Hotels: €1–2 per bag for porters; a few euros for housekeeping is kind but optional.
- Tour guides: a few euros if you enjoyed it.
Cards vs Cash
Germany still loves cash, and tipping in cash is easiest and always welcome — keep a few coins and small notes. Card tipping is increasingly possible but not universal, so cash for tips is a safe habit.
Tipping a Private Driver or Chauffeur
With a pre-booked transfer like FrankfurtRide, the price you agree is the price you pay — gratuity is not expected because the service is built into the fixed fare. If a driver goes the extra mile (helps with heavy luggage, waits cheerfully through a long delay), a small tip is a kind gesture, never an obligation.
The Bottom Line
Keep it simple: round up, tell the amount as you pay, use cash, and don't stress about percentages. For more local know-how, see our first-time Frankfurt guide.
