How to Say “Keep the Change” in German
The Most Common Phrase
“Stimmt so.”
This is the most widely used and natural way to tell someone to keep the change in German. The phrase literally translates to “It’s correct like that” or “That’s right,” but in the context of paying, it means “keep the change.”
For example, if your bill is €8 and you hand over a €10 note, you can say “Stimmt so” to let the cashier or waiter know they can keep the €2 as a tip.
Alternative Expressions
There are a few other ways to express this idea, though “Stimmt so” is by far the most common. Alternatives include:
- “Es passt so.” – This means “It’s fine like that,” and can be used similarly, though it’s less common.
- “Der Rest ist für Sie.” – This translates to “The rest is for you.” This is a bit more formal and explicit, useful if you want to make sure your intention is clear.
When and How to Use These Phrases
In Restaurants and Cafés
When paying your bill, it’s customary in Germany to round up the amount or leave a small tip (Trinkgeld). Simply hand the server your payment and, when they return with change, say “Stimmt so” to indicate you do not expect any change back.
In Taxis
The same phrase works perfectly in taxis. After arriving at your destination and paying, say “Stimmt so” to the driver if you want them to keep the change.
At Shops
In retail shops, tipping is not expected, but if you find yourself wanting to let a cashier keep a small amount of change, “Stimmt so” is again appropriate.
Cultural Tips: Tipping and Politeness in Germany
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants and taxis, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is standard.
- Hand the tip directly to the person (server or driver) and accompany it with the phrase “Stimmt so” for clarity and politeness.
- Tipping in cash is preferred. While card payments are increasingly common, it’s still more usual to tip in cash.
Related Vocabulary for Handling Payments
- Die Rechnung, bitte. – The bill, please.
- Trinkgeld – Tip (literally “drink money”).
- Könnten Sie das wechseln? – Could you change this?
- Bar oder mit Karte? – Cash or by card?
Practice Makes Perfect with Talkpal
Learning key phrases like “keep the change” is just the beginning. To speak German confidently in a variety of real-world situations, consistent practice is essential. Tools such as Talkpal’s AI language learning platform can help you reinforce your vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and master conversational German with ease.
Conclusion
Saying “keep the change” in German is simple: just remember “Stimmt so.” This phrase is polite, commonly understood, and perfect for most situations involving tipping or small change. By mastering this and other essential expressions, you’ll feel more at home in German-speaking environments. For more tips and resources on learning German, be sure to explore the Talkpal AI language learning blog. Viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen! (Good luck learning German!)
