When you arrive in an unfamiliar country, you don't always immediately know the rules and etiquette around using public restrooms. For example: are all public toilets in Germany free? And how do you ask to use the toilet?
Don't fear, we've got you covered.
Do I have to pay to use a public toilet in Germany?
Yes, you might have to. Public toilets are generally not free to use in Germany. Restrooms at places like train stations often cost €1-€2 to use -- and this often needs to be paid in cash, or coins rather.
Other public toilets – such as those in shopping centres, malls or beer gardens – may require that you give a cash tip to the toilet attendant. This is typically 50-75 cents. In this case the attendants often have change if you don't have to have the exact amount, and also the price paid can be somewhat flexible.
In fact it isn't mandatory to pay this tip, but most people do as a token to the workers who keep toilets clean and tidy.
READ ALSO: Deutsche Bahn rejects demands to make toilets in stations free
At German Autobahn rest stops, toilet facilities are usually run by companies like Sanifair and require a mandatory fee – usually €1 – to enter.
In return, in addition to using the toilet, you'll receive a voucher (typically worth 50 cents) that can be used in the rest-stop shop or café.
Free public toilets are available in some larger cities like Berlin, but in many places these also require a payment of around 50 cents to use.
Can I use the toilet at a business in Germany?
Of course if you are dining in or getting a drink at a café, restaurant or bar, it's no problem to use the facilities.
If you're not a customer, it's usually frowned upon to use the restroom. Some venues charge a small amount for non-paying customers. Others might ask you to buy a drink or something small.
Although if it's an emergency, the staff may allow you to use their facilities.
Shops do not typically offer customer toilets but some supermarkets do (although they are often not the cleanest facilities).
What else should I know about restrooms in Germany?
Unlike some restrooms in the US, German toilet cubicles offer privacy with the doors fully closing.
'Damen' is for those who identify as women, and 'Herren' is the sign for the men's toilet.
In Germany, public toilet etiquette is taken quite seriously. You'll often find a toilet brush in the cubicle, and you're expected to use it if necessary to keep the toilet as clean as possible for the next guest. Don't be surprised to see diagrams in some public restrooms showing you how to use it!
It's also not uncommon to find signs in some public restroom facilities, such as cafes, urging men to sit down and pee when using a toilet (not a urinal of course).
That's because German men are generally encouraged to have a wee sitting down because it's viewed as being more hygienic for everyone.
READ ALSO: Are Germany’s hygiene obsessions really backed by science?
Words and phrases to know:
die Toilette - toilet (formal)
Entschuldigung, darf ich auf die Toilette gehen? / Entschuldigung, gibt es hier eine Toilette?
Excuse me, may I go to the toilet? / Excuse me, is there a toilet here?
Muss man hier bezahlen?
Do I have to pay here?
READ ALSO: German word of the day - Sitzpinkler
das Klo - toilet (casual)
Ich muss mal aufs Klo
I just have to go to the loo
Ich muss mal pinkeln (very casual, use with good friends)
I need to pee
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