Kari

What is the standard for tipping in Germany? I read that the tip is included in the check for meals. I also read that a small amount is expected. Any advice or somewhere that I could use for reference? I also read that you should pay the check immediately when the waitperson gives it to you...is it considered rude to wait? Any other info would be appreciated...Thanks.

Nancy

In Berlin I added a 5-10% tip to the restaurant bill, and everyone seemed pleased with that. I was never presented with the bill until I requested it.

Scott

Dear Kari, <BR> <BR>In Germany almost every bill that you receive where service was rendered a 16% charge will have been added at the bottom of the bill. This is not to be confused with a 16% sales tax on non-food items(7% on food and live goods) as sales tax is already included in the quote price(i.e. menu or price lable)With this said your waiter will still expect you to round up to the next D-mark (or 5 D-mark depending on how expensive i.e. over 75 DM ??). <BR>I don't know what nationality you are but if you are an American then you will likely finish your meal, and wait, and wait, and wait. Your waiter will not check on you as he doesn't want to disturbe you. when you do ask for the bill then he'll get it and you'll pay at the table. It works best if you round up to an even amount give the waiter your money and say thank you(danke) if you only have large bills then tell him how much you want back. <BR>This works best and no one must count much and do alot of math in their head. <BR>better yet use a credit card ( if they let you, many resturants don't) and leave no tip, they already receive 16% and they won't be offended. <BR> <BR>In closing I'd like to know if anyone disagrees, <BR>Tchuss,

Inge

Hi Kari,it is correct that the tip is pretty much included in the bill, but as Scott said, if you round up to the next highest DM-amount, it shows you were satisfied with the service. I usually round up to the next 5-DM step (or even more if the bill is higher). Not tipping at all pretty much tells the waiter you didn't like the service. And yes, you have to ask for the bill. Also a hint, because I have seen friends of mine do it wrong: When you're done with your meal do not cross the fork and knofe on the plate. This would mean you didn't like the food. Always place them side by side. Have a nice trip.

Mary Ann

I would concur with Scott. Our daughter spent a Summer in Germany in School. When we went to visit, she too said only to round up, and in fact they had been told that leaving much more would be insulting to the staff.

Hans

To (badly) cite Kishon, most people consider tipping to be insulting. Only the waiters disagree. <BR> <BR>But seriously, in Germany tipping isn't necessary but usual and rounding up the bill is okay for small amounts but not for larger ones. Tipping 5-10% is normal and if the amount gets large (i.e. anything above 50DM) one should rather go for the 5%. As examples, if the bill is 9.10, I would give 10 DM. If the bill is 61.10, I would give 65 DM. <BR>

stacey

I would agree with all of the above for meals. Can anyone be more specific for bar service. I tend to overtip (which is great for service, but...) Any suggestions?

greg

Good, looks like experts here. So tell me what do you do if the bill comes out to be exactly 40DM?

Lee

Stacey: Leave two Marks on the bar when you leave. <BR> <BR>Greg: Present only a one or two mark coin and only if the service was very good. <BR> <BR>Remember, they are not expecting anything besides payment for the bill.

nickie

Sorry to differ with you, but if you are eating at a fine restaurant, with excellent service, fifteen percent is not out of line, even if the menu indicates it is included. Believe me, no one is insulted! If it's a less formal type place, I think the advice given you is good.

Hans

In most pubs and bars in Germany you get a bill at the end of the evening instead of paying directly for the drinks. The tipping is the same as for a meal. Tips are given when paying, not left on the bar. <BR> <BR>For a bill of 40 DM, I would give something between 42-44 DM. There are no clear rules. <BR> <BR>And I think that Nickie is correct about the better restaurants. In a really good restaurant, a tip of 5% wouldn't be enough.

Brett

In regards to asking for the bill . . . all my language books said, say "Die Rechnung bitte." (The check, please). But we tended to eat in cafes and more informal places, and instead usually heard people say "Darf ich bezahlen?" (May I pay?) "Ich moechte bezahlen" (I would like to pay) or simply "Bezahlen?" So that was a surprise. <BR> <BR>When the bill was an even 5DM, we usually tipped DM2. Sometimes more since the exchange rate is so favorable right now. Great while it lasted!!