German word

Trinkgeld

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʁɪŋkˌgɛlt/

Meaning

  • neuter nountip

Example

Ich gebe dem Kellner oft kleine Trinkgelder.

I often give the waiter small tips.

Illustration for Trinkgeld (tip)

More examples

In Deutschland ist es üblich, Trinkgeld direkt an den Kellner zu geben.

In Germany, it is customary to give a tip directly to the waiter.

Core concept

Money added to a service payment as a personal thank-you rather than as part of the listed price.

Common phrases

  • Trinkgeld geben

    give a tip

  • ein Trinkgeld dalassen

    leave a tip

  • auf Trinkgeld verzichten

    forgo a tip

Similar words

Serviceentgelt: A fee added to a bill as payment for a service provided by a business or provider.
Bedienungszuschlag: An extra charge added to a restaurant bill for staff costs or service.
Spende: Money given voluntarily to help a person or organization in need.

Definition in German

Freiwillige Geldgabe als Dank für eine erbrachte Dienstleistung.

Word origin

The compound Trinkgeld joins trink-, from trinken, with Geld and developed from the idea of money given for a drink into a general service gratuity.

Usage tips

  • The usual verb pattern is jemandem Trinkgeld geben, with the recipient in the dative and Trinkgeld as the thing given.

Other meanings

  • gratuitynoun

Related words

  • Trinkgeldgebertip givernoun
  • Trinkgeldzahlungtip paymentnoun
  • Trinkgeldkulturtipping culturenoun

Word lists with this word