das  Trinkgeld

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtʁɪŋkˌɡɛlt/

💰 What exactly is "das Trinkgeld"?

Das Trinkgeld (noun, neuter) refers to a sum of money given in addition to the bill for a service, in order to express satisfaction or reward the service. It is a *voluntary* payment, often given in areas like restaurants (*Gastronomie*), taxi rides (*Taxifahrten*), or hairdressing services (*Friseurdienste*).

It derives from "trinken" (*to drink*) and "Geld" (*money*), historically often intended as a small amount "to go have a drink".

🚨 *Attention:* Although voluntary, it is common in many service sectors in Germany and is often expected.

🧐 Grammar of "das Trinkgeld" in Detail

"Trinkgeld" is a noun of the neuter gender. The article is "das". It is mostly used in the singular.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Kellner freute sich über das großzügige Trinkgeld.
   The waiter was happy about the generous tip.
2. Vergiss nicht, dem Taxifahrer ein kleines Trinkgeld zu geben.
   Don't forget to give the taxi driver a small tip.
3. Die Summe der Trinkgelder am Ende des Monats war beachtlich.
   The sum of the tips at the end of the month was considerable.
4. Ist das Trinkgeld in Deutschland Pflicht? Nein, aber es ist üblich.
   Is the tip mandatory in Germany? No, but it is customary.

💡 How to Use "das Trinkgeld" Correctly?

"Das Trinkgeld" is a key term in the service industry. Here are some usage notes:

• Context: Mainly in gastronomy (restaurants, cafés, bars), for taxi rides, at the hairdresser, for hotel staff (maids, porters), and sometimes for delivery services.
• Amount: In Germany, about 5-10% of the bill amount is common. You can round up the amount or give a separate sum. When paying by card, you often ask if you can add the tip (*Trinkgeld*) to the card payment, or you give it in cash (*bar*).
• Phrasing: People often say "Stimmt so!" (*Keep the change!* or *It's okay like that!*) if they want to give the remaining amount as a tip. Or you state the total amount you want to pay including the tip (e.g., bill is €18, you say "Machen Sie 20 draus." - *Make it 20.*).
• Difference from "Servicepauschale" (Service Charge): Sometimes the service is already included in the price ("Bedienungsgeld inklusive"). An additional *Trinkgeld* is still possible and often appreciated, but less strongly expected.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Trinkgeld"

For the article "das": Think of das Geld (*the money*). *Geld* is neuter, so *das Trinkgeld* (tip money) is also neuter.

For the meaning: Imagine giving someone extra Geld (*money*) so they can have a trinken (*drink*) – a small thank you. That's *das Trinkgeld*.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ *Don't confuse it with* Spende (*donation - voluntary gift for charitable purposes*) or Bestechungsgeld (*bribe - illegal payment to influence someone*).

😂 A Little Joke

Gast zum Kellner: "Ist das Trinkgeld hier üblich?"
Kellner: "Ja, mein Herr, aber sehr selten!"

Guest to the waiter: "Is tipping customary here?"
Waiter: "Yes, sir, but very rare!"

📜 Poem about the Tip (Trinkgeld)

Der Service gut, das Essen fein,
die Rechnung kommt, es muss so sein.
Doch für den Fleiß, das nette Wort,
gibt man gern noch etwas fort.
Ein Schein, 'ne Münze, klein und rund,
das Trinkgeld macht die Freude kund.
Ein Dankeschön, ganz ohne Zwang,
für guten Dienst, den ganzen Gang.

The service good, the food is fine,
The bill arrives, it must be time.
But for the effort, the nice word spoken,
One gladly gives an extra token.
A note, a coin, both small and round,
The tip (das Trinkgeld) makes the joy abound.
A thank you given, without constraint,
For good service, without complaint.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin nicht der Lohn, doch oft begehrt,
nach gutem Service gern gewährt.
Man gibt mich bar, manchmal auch mehr,
ein kleines Extra – bitte sehr!

Was bin ich? (... Das Trinkgeld)

I am not the wage, but often desired,
After good service, gladly acquired.
Given in cash, sometimes more, you see,
A little extra – here you go, from me!

What am I?
(... The tip / das Trinkgeld)

Food for Thought: More on Trinkgeld 🤓

Word Composition

The word "Trinkgeld" is a compound noun, composed of:

• trinken (verb, meaning 'to drink', used here in its stem form)
• das Geld (noun, meaning 'money')

The original meaning was therefore "money to (go) drink", as a token of appreciation for a service rendered.

Cultural Aspects

Tipping customs vary greatly from country to country. While it is common in Germany and Austria (approx. 5-10%), it is unusual or even considered rude in countries like Japan. In the USA, however, a much higher tip is expected (often 15-20% or more), as it forms a significant part of the service staff's income.