VAT and service are included in German prices. Tipping remains voluntary, but around 5-10% is common when service has been good.
The quick answer For a EUR 46 restaurant bill, you might say fifty before the server enters the card amount. With cash, say stimmt so when the change should become the tip.
The payment happens in one sentence
Bill: EUR 46Say "fifty, please" before tapping or handing over cash.
Stimmt so"That is right" tells the server to keep the change.
Match the extra to the moment
| Situation | A comfortable move |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Round up or add about 5-10% for good service |
| Cafe or bar | Round the total modestly |
| Taxi | Round up or add around 5-10% |
| Hotel | EUR 2-3 for luggage or each day of helpful room service |
| Guide | A voluntary amount based on time and quality |
Tell the server before the terminal closes
In many German restaurants, the server enters the final amount. State the total including tip before the card is processed. If you tap the exact bill first, adding a card tip afterwards may not be simple.
No imported percentage is required
The tip is customary, not a second service charge. Ten percent is a useful upper everyday reference, not a compulsory floor. Poor or minimal service does not create a debt beyond the bill.