Eating out in Germany: menu selection, tipping and unwritten rules
German food culture is characterized by a very diverse cuisine and has more to offer than just bratwurst and sauerkraut. Eating out in Germany is a social event that is associated with certain customs and traditions. We take a look at the most important aspects you should bear in mind when eating out in Germany – from menu selection and tipping to the unwritten rules.
Menu selection in Germany: diversity and regionality
German cuisine is as diverse as the country's regions themselves. In addition to classics such as sauerbraten and dumplings, there are regional specialties such as "Weißwurst" in Bavaria or "Labskaus" in Hamburg – the choice is huge. Many restaurants offer seasonal menus that use fresh ingredients from the region. Similarly, international cuisine has long been firmly established in German gastronomy, and vegetarian and vegan options are also finding a place on more and more German menus. To discover the best dishes in the house, you can simply ask the service staff for recommendations when ordering.
In contrast to many other countries, it is not customary in Germany for water to be automatically placed on the table, as there are no free drinks – unless you explicitly ask for a glass of tap water.
Tipping when eating out: A sign of appreciation
Although tipping is not obligatory in Germany – as it is in the USA, for example – it is considered a sign of appreciation for the service. In general, tipping is between 5 and 10 percent of the bill. It is polite to tip directly when paying by rounding up the amount or adding a small amount to the bill.
Many Germans simply round up the amount to be paid instead of calculating a certain percentage. For example, if the bill is 27 euros, you could give 30 euros and tell the waitress to keep the rest.
Etiquette rules in restaurants
In Germany, politeness is very important. It is important to greet people in a friendly manner when entering a restaurant and to thank them when leaving. If you are eating out with a group, it is customary for the host to pick up the bill or to split the costs equally.
During the meal, you should make sure to place your hands on the table, but not your elbows. With the first drink, it is customary to toast and look each other in the eye. After the meal, you can place the cutlery next to each other on the plate to signal that you have finished.
Tips for a relaxed restaurant visit
In many restaurants, you should book in advance to guarantee a seat. This is particularly recommended in larger cities, at weekends or on public holidays. Unlike in some other countries, in Germany you usually wait at the restaurant entrance until you are allocated a seat.
To avoid disturbing your meal, the service staff do not always ask if you need anything else. If you would like to order something else, you can draw attention to yourself by making eye contact and waving discreetly, for example.
Eating out in Germany is more than just a meal – it becomes a social and culturally enriching experience thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and varied menu selection. If you follow the tips and rules described above, nothing will stand in the way of a relaxed restaurant visit with your German friends or work colleagues.
You can find more articles about living in Germany on our blog.
