German Restaurant Customs

German Restaurant Customs

When you go to Germany, be forewarned that their restaurant customs are much different from those in the United States.

Upon walking in, you are not escorted to your seat by waiter or waitress. You must seat yourself. Also, don't be surprised if a total stranger comes up next to you and asks if that seat is taken. Europeans don't like to waste space, especially in busy restaurants, by leaving open seats at tables. So strangers sit with strangers. Normally, they do not engage in conversation; you are not dining with them, just next to them.

Unlike in America, where the butter in the small square packages and the basket of rolls placed on the table is free, in Germany you must pay for it. Each pad of butter is counted and then the price is added to the bill.

Also, the waiter will not repeatedly check on your table nor will he bring you the bill. You must call him or her over if you need something else or would like to pay the bill. Also, in German restaurants, the tax and 15% tip is already added to the bill so don't add another 15%. Most people round up to the next whole Euro and then ask for no change in return.

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