The common perception that tap water is "not free" in Germany stems from a cultural and business tradition in German restaurants rather than a lack of water quality. In 2026, German tap water (Leitungswasser) is among the cleanest and most strictly regulated in the world, but restaurants historically discourage ordering it because they rely heavily on beverage sales margins to stay profitable. Unlike in the US or UK, where a carafe of water is standard, German waiters may tell you it’s unavailable or even charge a "service fee" for the glass and washing. Culturally, Germans also prefer carbonated mineral water (Sprudel), so offering flat tap water is often seen as a "cheap" or low-quality gesture. However, EU regulations passed in recent years have begun to encourage restaurants to provide free or low-cost water to customers, so while you are seeing more "free water" initiatives in modern cafes, the traditional expectation in mid-to-high-end German dining is still that you will pay for bottled water, whether "still" or "sparkling."