Etiquette Guide to Germany

Knowing the Rules Bring Success to a Visit or Business Negotiation

Nov 25, 2008 Corinne Westphal

Germans tend to be more formal than some other cultures in social and business environments. More often, erring on the side of formality or politeness works best.

Meeting and Greeting

  • Punctuality: Being on time, whether for a social or business engagement is imperative. Even a few minutes delay may be viewed as impolite. If being late is unavoidable, the host, hostess or business contact should be called in advance.
  • Handshaking: When greeting others, Germans shake hands whether in a business situation, at a social event or in casual encounters. When leaving an event, they make certain to say goodbye to everyone by shaking their hand. If people are close friends, it is more common to kiss on the cheeks or give a hug. If unsure, follow the lead of others.
  • Gifts: Flowers or chocolates are all good hostess gifts when attending a social luncheon, dinner, coffee or party. The paper or plastic wrapping should be removed before presenting flowers to a hostess. Red roses (symbolizing romantic intentions) and lilies or chrysanthemums (they are used in funerals) are not good choices. When receiving flowers from guests, a hostess should put them in a vase immediately and display them. Gifts are unwrapped when received.
  • Titles: Though things are changing, Germans continue to be fairly formal, and titles are very important and show respect. A person should be addressed with their title (Herr Schmidt or Frau Jones) unless invited to use a first name. If the person is a medical doctor or a PhD, "Doctor Waldenfeld" is used; if a professor, "Professor Neumann."
  • Sie and Du: Though "Sie-ing" (the formal "you" in German), is less common among younger people, it remains a complex system. Many Germans will forgive language errors by foreigners, however it is better to err on the side of over-politeness. Unless addressing children, a good rule of thumb is "Sie" unless invited to "du" (the informal “you” in German).
  • Sitting: Whether in a social or business environment, wait to be invited to sit.

Dining

  • The Other Hand: In Germany, the left hand is kept on the table when eating, not placed on the lap (if one is left-handed, the right hand is kept on the table).
  • Wait to Eat: No one begins eating or drinking until everyone at the table is served. The host or hostess will say, "Guten Appetit" to signal to please start.
  • Silverware: Germans cross the knife and fork on the plate to indicated they are still eating. They place the knife and fork parallel on the right side of the plate to signal that they have finished and the plate may be cleared away.
  • Toasts: "Zum Wohl" with wine or "Prost!" with beer are common toasts and signify "good health."

Birthdays

  • Recognizing birthdays is very important in Germany. A card or email is appreciated. A common birthday greeting is, "Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zum Geburtstag!" (Heartfelt good wishes on your birthday)
  • Unlike in some other countries, it is customary in Germany for the birthday celebrant to host friends for a party, dinner or drinks. Friends are expected to come with an appropriate gift.
  • At the office, a birthday celebrant may buy cake or pastries for everyone in the office and serve it during an afternoon coffee break. Often someone within a department or division will send around an envelope to collect money for a colleague's birthday.

Business Only

  • Hierarchy within a company is important. German colleagues or business partners will likely want to understand everyone’s level within the company, relative to their own.
  • In business, Germans are very interested in academic credentials.
  • Exaggeration, over-enthusiasm or over-selling without justification will be met with suspicion. Clear, detailed and logical presentations with evidence to back up claims are best.
  • Germans tend to hold to fairly strict protocol in business. They may seem too interested in small details and negotiations may take longer and more information may be requested than with other cultures. However, once a commitment is made, it will not likely change and will be honored.

The copyright of the article Etiquette Guide to Germany in W Europe Travel is owned by Corinne Westphal. Permission to republish Etiquette Guide to Germany in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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