Trinkgeld, literally translated as “drinking money” in English, is a tip given for services rendered.
What is “Trinkgeld”?
In Germany, Trinkgeld is a voluntary amount of money given to service workers in appreciation of their service. It is customary to tip between 5 to 10 percent of the total bill in various service industries, such as restaurants, taxis, and hair salons. Trinkgeld is not included in the bill and is seen as a gesture of satisfaction with the service provided[1][2][3].
More information about “Trinkgeld”
Trinkgeld is not considered part of the regular wage and is therefore tax-free in Germany, provided it is given voluntarily and not charged as a service fee on the bill. The amount of Trinkgeld can vary depending on the total bill, with higher bills often attracting a tip closer to the lower end of the 5 to 10 percent range[3][4]. In some cases, such as with self-employed individuals, tips are considered regular business income and are subject to taxation[2].
Related to “Trinkgeld”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Trinkgeld:
- Servicegebühr: A service charge that is sometimes included in the bill, especially in other countries.
- Bedienungszuschlag: Another term for a service charge or tip, often used interchangeably with Trinkgeld.
- Steuerfrei: Describes the tax-free nature of voluntary Trinkgeld in Germany.
- Gastgewerbe: The hospitality industry where Trinkgeld is a common practice.
Trinkgeld reflects the cultural practice of acknowledging good service and is an integral part of the service industry in Germany[1][2][3][4].