Difference between "service" and "tip" in Berlin?

Question

I'm visiting Berlin and just had a lovely dinner out where our waiter explained that the bill included service but not the tip. This confused us and we had different opinions about whether and how much to tip for the excellent services. Before we dine out tonight, could someone help me understand the difference so we can avoid the confusion?

Answer 1

You have every right to be confused. As far as comments to the effect it is rude not to leave a tip, oh boy I will not step into that mess.
But your waiter's comments about service and a tip, I have heard before. I asked my German colleagues what they thought of this.before I answered. General 'tipping' rule is you round it up to the next Euro; 18,50 then make it 19. If the service was good then you can make it 20. Let us say you are hosting the dinner for 5 people or more, then you could tip 10 Euros if the server did anything extra to make your evening nice. I am almost always criticized by my German colleagues and Friends for tipping too much. I also have noted savvy waiters who know about the American art of tipping and will take advantage of that. I also had a memorable evening with a waitress that looked a lot like Barbra Streisand(No, it was not a man in drag), when I tried to give her a big tip she got all insulted saying she was not poor and did not need my charity. Is it confusing? Yes. So good luck, and tip however you like because ultimately it is your money to do with as you like. Enjoy Berlin, and try visiting the Schwatze Cafe near Savignyon(Sp?) Platz(not far from the bombed out church memorial). The cafe is open 24 hours a day.

Answer 2

I'm glad you're having a great time in Berlin!

I must say, it's confusing me, too, what the waiter meant with service (same word in German pretty much nowadays) and tip (tip="trinkgeld" in German).

In Germany, tax is already included in the bill (sometimes listed extra though, will say "Mehrwertsteuer" or sth similiar), and there is no "copierta" (the charge for table linen, water) like in Italy. So anything else that appears on the bill after the final sum (there should be nothing else) is the tip, which means service charge would equal = tip.

I assume your waiter meant that the service charge=tip was already included, but if you felt you wanted to give more you could always tip extra which may be appropriate if the service was superb.

It is not that common to have the service charge/tip billed up front in general, unless you have a large party (usually 10 or more), then there is a "mandatory tip"=service charge already on the bill (similiar to the US) or if you are in a very fancy restaurant.

Basically 10-15% is considered an appropriate tip (10% expected, 15% for good service ) With this you will NEVER go wrong! Tipping 20% is very unusual really, but it's up to you.

Several locals tip less than the above % even for good service if the bill is high for a party of two.
In general if you are in a restaurant with a party of one or two you often round up plus two (- three) Euros.
If you are a larger party you may want to round up plus 1 -2 Euro tip per person in a nice restaurant/or for a very nice waiter. (this is what happens when friends go out and split the bill) You don't tip for ordering drinks at a bar.

HAVE FUN IN BERLIN!!!

Answer 3

Service is already included in the price of the meal, so tipping is largely symbolic. In many cases, rounding up to the nearest Euro, sometimes adding another one if you feel generous, will suffice.

But brush up on your math, because tipping occurs when paying: that means after the waiter tells you the amount , you give him/her your money and tell the amount plus the tip. You will then be given the appropriate change and you are done.

Answer 4

In some restaurants the tip is included in what you paying ...though you still expected to tip if you don`t it will be considered rude........
does not make sense,but that's the way it is.
some people round it up to the nearest dollar but usually you tip 10till15 % of your bill just like in the states......i always tip depending on the waiter.
I left without a tip too because the service was horrible the waiter was so unfriendly and rude.
Then i left places where my family and i was treated like we own that place there i tipped 20%.
if you just have a coffee round it up like 1.80 make 2.
if you go out to a dinner and you enjoyed it food waiter etc. i would tip 10 till 15 5 of your bill.
Remember tip is not mandatory......if you feel the waiter don`t deserve the tip don`t give it to him if he gives you trouble ask for the manager.