German Phrase
Ist das Trinkgeld dabei?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the tip (Trinkgeld) is already included in the amount you are about to pay. It is a polite way to clarify the total cost before you hand over the money.
When to use
Use this question in restaurants, cafés, taxis, or hotels when you receive a bill and want to know if the service charge has already been added. It’s also handy when ordering take‑away food that might include a tip in the price.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstdasTrinkgelddabei?
Verb 'sein' (Ist)
‘Ist’ is the 3rd person singular present of ‘sein’ (to be) and is used for statements and questions about existence or state.
Definite article 'das'
‘das’ is the neuter nominative article matching the noun ‘Trinkgeld’, which is neuter.
Noun 'Trinkgeld'
‘Trinkgeld’ (tip) is a neuter noun; its nominative singular form is used here because it is the subject of the sentence.
Adverb 'dabei'
‘dabei’ means ‘included/with it’. In the construction ‘Ist … dabei?’, it asks whether something is part of the total.
Word order in yes‑no questions
German yes‑no questions place the finite verb first, followed by the subject and then any adverbial elements.
🗨In Conversation
Ist das Trinkgeld dabei?
Is the tip included?
Ja, das Trinkgeld ist bereits im Betrag enthalten.
Yes, the tip is already included in the amount.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist der Trinkgeld dabei?
‘Trinkgeld’ is neuter, so the correct article is ‘das’, not ‘der’.
Ist das Trinkgeld mit?
‘mit’ cannot replace ‘dabei’ in this construction; ‘Ist das Trinkgeld mit?’ is ungrammatical.
Ist das Trinkgeldes dabei?
The noun stays in nominative case here; the genitive ‘Trinkgeldes’ would be wrong.
↔Alternatives
Ist das Trinkgeld schon im Preis enthalten?
Is the tip already included in the price?
Wird das Trinkgeld mitberechnet?
Is the tip being calculated with the bill?
Muss ich noch Trinkgeld geben?
Do I still need to give a tip?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, tipping is customary but not mandatory. Most restaurants expect a 5‑10 % tip that you add yourself after the service. If a service charge is already included, the staff will usually note it on the receipt. Asking ‘Ist das Trinkgeld dabei?’ shows you’re aware of the custom and want to avoid double‑tipping. In more casual places (e.g., fast‑food or self‑service cafés) a tip is rarely included, so the question is less common there.