It's been a long time since I worked in Germany (38 years), and I no longer know what is currently acceptable concerning tipping, such as for meals or hotel services.
When I lived there, the rule of thumb was that you didn't actually tip your waiter, but instead left any small change from the bill on the table. Is this still the case?
Same question regarding tipping in Switzerland.

It's nicer rather than leaving money on the table, to round up to the nearest amount (say this is 20 Euros), and say "zu zwanzig Euro" or, if they try to give you change, say "das stimmt so". (In other words, keep the change). Germany is still not big on tipping but any rounding is gratefully received.

Lavandula

lavandula, thanks for your reply. I agree, rounding up seems like a better option.

Is the same advice valid for Switzerland?

Hi Les, it's been a while since I've been so I will leave that up to someone else to answer. Enjoy your trip!

Lavandula

just round up

It has never been common in Germany to leave the tip openly on the table. Far too risky that someone else might grab it.

In posher restaurants, the bill will come in a box or folder. In that case, you put the money (cash or plastic) in, the waiter/waitress will take the folder away and return it with either the card od the exact amount of change in it. You then leave your tip in the folder.

In not-so-posh restaurants you pay directly with the waiter/waitress. S/he will say the amount you have to pay, and you then tell him/her the rounded-up amount you intend to pay including tip or hand over the money saying something like, "it's okay."

It's the same in Switzerland. Officially, the service charge of 10 or 15 per cent is included in the price. But it's usual to round up up to about 5 per cent, unless the service was incredibly bad.

This is very helpful, thank you all for the advice.