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

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.

Answer 2

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 3

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.