noun
tip
B1
Trinkgeld: a tip or gratuity given for service. Neuter noun (das Trinkgeld), plural Trinkgelder, though often used as an uncountable mass noun. No irregular plural. Common collocations: Trinkgeld geben (to give a tip). Declension follows regular weak patterns in plural.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Im Restaurant haben wir dem Kellner ein großes Trinkgeld gegeben.
At the restaurant we gave the waiter a big tip.
Die Gäste ließen großzügiges Trinkgeld, weil der Service sehr freundlich war.
The guests left generous tips because the service was very friendly.
In Deutschland gibt man in der Regel ein Trinkgeld von 5-10%.
In Germany, people usually give a tip of 5–10%.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Imagine leaving a small coin next to your empty glass as a 'trink' (drink) + 'geld' (money) tip.
Think 'drink' + 'gold' -> money you give after drinks/service.
das Trinkgeld — neutral like 'das Geld' (money).
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Often uncountable in German when referring to tips in general, but plural 'Trinkgelder' is possible when counting. Typically takes the neutral article 'das'.