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• Compared to neighboring countries, Germany is the most generous when it comes to tipping.
• Almost one in two people tip 5-10%, 15% of respondents would rather pay higher prices than tip.
• German guests are the least likely to feel obliged to tip – but the pressure from card terminals is growing.

Berlin, August 21, 2025 – “How much should I give? What is the usual amount?” Restaurant guests in Germany have always asked themselves these questions when the bill arrives at the table. The latest study by Lightspeed, the leading provider of cloud-based POS systems and payment platforms, shows that Tipping behavior in Germany is changing. Although the willingness to tip remains high, inflation, technological developments and new expectations are shaking up the established system and raising a new question: “Do I even have to?”

The most generous tippers in Europe are once again the Germans

The good news first: people in Germany are still relatively happy to tip: 49% of respondents tip between 5 and 10% for good service, and only 4% do not tip at all – in the survey, this was the lowest figure in Europe, ahead of France (31%), Belgium (30%) and the UK (13%). Only 18% of respondents tip between 10 and 15%, which is 37% less than in the previous year. Around 2% consider a tip of more than 20% to be appropriate.

The tipping system is still on the rise

It is also interesting to note that more and more guests are in favor of retaining the tip and consider it important: While 58% were still in favor of abolishing it in 2024, only 18% are still in favor of doing so in 2025. Slightly fewer (15%) would prefer to pay a higher price instead of giving an additional tip. In a European comparison, the UK is the country most in favor of abolishing tipping: 41% no longer want to pay for service.

Inflation and preset tipping options can be hurdles

Tipping has long been taken for granted in the hospitality industry, but the study also shows a growing unease with customary practices: 40% state that inflation has influenced their tipping behavior, which is a decrease of 7% compared to the previous year (2024: 47%). The pre-set options on card terminals also lead to uncertainty: 25% of respondents feel pressured by pre-set tipping options.

Split the bill, forgot to tip?

In Germany, 42% of diners choose to pay separately when eating out together – everyone pays for what they have ordered. But this principle has consequences: One in three people (37%) have not tipped or tipped less because splitting the bill was far too complicated.

Tipping most frequently with food delivery and in the café

The majority of respondents take tipping for food deliveries (57%) and café visits (32%) for granted. This means that the figures have risen slightly compared to the previous year: in 2024, it was still 42% for food deliveries and 25% in cafés. Germans’ expectations are different for other forms of service: Only 18% of all respondents tip when ordering at the counter and 9% for self-service. Absurd, but true: even automated systems or robots receive a tip! 5% of respondents stated that they give a tip for these services.

Technology as an opportunity for the food service industry – not as a means of exerting pressure

For digital POS system provider Lightspeed, one thing is clear: the role of technology needs to be rethought. With flexible digital solutions, tipping options can be personalized, menus can be calculated fairly and the guest experience can be improved without automatisms and the pressure of expectations.

“What surprised us about the study is the uncertainty that preset options can cause among guests. They should provide guidance and not lead to even more question marks. We often advise our restaurants and cafés to start lower here, e.g. to start at a lower percentage such as 5% in the default settings,” says Sinahn Fabian Sehk, Regional Senior Director DACH Hospitality at Lightspeed. “Restaurant operators can flexibly adjust the tipping options in the systems – not just 5%, 10% or 20%. Guests feel less pressure and can decide for themselves what they feel is appropriate. The Latin restaurant Tigre in Hamburg, for example, reports a 40% increase in tips. Another example is the café OOH! Cookies from Berlin. Here, smaller tips can make a huge difference, even if there is ‘limited service’ with self-service. This of course raises the question of what guests still like to tip for in these cases. In our experience, it stands and falls with the staff: particularly friendly service and competent advice, a good mood and a positive charisma make a difference.”

Methodology

In May 2025 and May 2024, Lightspeed conducted a consumer survey together with the market research provider Medallia. The report for Germany is based on around 1,000 respondents each year.

Participants had to be over 18 years old and have visited a restaurant in the past six months. All responses were collected anonymously and underwent a quality check to ensure an appropriate margin of error.

About Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a POS system and payment platform. The company supports the restaurants next door that are central to life in our cities and communities in more than 100 countries. As a trusted partner for ambitious restaurateurs, Lightspeed helps companies to boost their growth, create special experiences for their guests and work smarter across all sales channels and locations.

With fast, flexible omnichannel technology, Lightspeed combines POS, integrated payments, inventory management, reporting, labor and supplier management, and financial services. Lightspeed enables restaurateurs to work more efficiently and focus on what they do best: With insights and expert support.

Lightspeed was founded in Montréal, Canada, in 2005 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD). The company has teams in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

You can find more information at lightspeedhq.de

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