What does “Geheimtipp” mean in German?

Walking through Rome’s markets, the guide calls one place “ein absoluter Geheimtipp” — an absolute insider find. A Geheimtipp is something good that is not famous yet: a quiet market, a small restaurant, a beach the crowds have not found. It joins geheim (secret) and Tipp (tip, recommendation). When a German friend shares a Geheimtipp with you, it means something — they do not tell it to everyone.

“Ein absoluter Geheimtipp ist sicher der Bauernmarkt am Zirkusmaximus.” — “An absolute insider find is definitely the farmers' market at the Circus Maximus.” Dieses Café ist ein echter Geheimtipp. — This café is a real hidden gem. Ich gebe dir einen Geheimtipp: Geh früh hin. — I’ll give you an insider tip: go early. Das Restaurant war mein Geheimtipp, jetzt ist es immer voll. — That restaurant was my secret find; now it’s always packed. Usage: Often paired with “absolut” (absolute) or “echt” (real) to stress how good the find is. You “give” a Geheimtipp (einen Geheimtipp geben). The plural is Geheimtipps.