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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. The firm handshake is the standard greeting for men and women, upon meeting and again upon departure. When introduced to a woman, wait to see if see extends her hand before offering to shake. Friends, family and those who share some familiarity, however, do not use the handshake. Note that it may be regarded as impolite to reach over someone's handshake.
2. Although Germans are open and ebullient with close friends, they tend to be more formal and reserved in public and in professional settings. One should not expect to see public displays of affection or smiling between strangers passing on the street. Indeed, in general, loud and ardent displays, while possible among younger Germans, are best avoided in this more reserved culture. Smiles or displays of affection on German streets may be limited. The avoidance of public spectacle is reflected in the way Germans will get quite close to each other before offering a greeting. (Naturally, this is a generalization and many exceptions apply.)
3. Most greetings take place at a close distance (as noted above). Yelling hello across a room would be considered culturally inappropriate. Indeed, only the young and impolite tend to wave or shout at each other from a distance.Wait until the person or persons with whom you are meeting are in close proximity to you where a quiet and polite greeting can be exchanged. (As above, this is also a generalized notion and exceptions apply.)
4. When entering or leaving a store or place of business, it is considered polite to say "hello" and "good-bye" to the sales clerk.
5. If you wish to get someone's attention, raise your hand, palm facing out, with the index finger extended. Waving or beckoning with lively gesticulation is not acceptable.
6. One should use the formal form of address such as Mr. or Mrs. followed by a surname, unless invited to move to a first name basis. Younger people are more apt to move to less formal forms of address quickly. Among men, it is common for last names alone to be used in forms of address. Outside the personal sphere, however, it is advisable that professional and governmental titles be used. In business, titles are used more rarely in verbal communication although they are customarily used in written communications.
7. In conversation, sports, sightseeing, travel and politics are considered to be good topics of conversation. Germans tend to be well informed about politics and to have firm political opinions. Expect honest and opinionated expression of ideas in this regard.
8. Drinking beer is a popular activity in Germany and visitors should anticipate some social activity to revolve around this type of pursuit. Local Germans may be most pleased to discuss the local brews with you and will appreciate your interest in this subject.
9. When invited to dinner at a German home, taking some sort of gift is suggested protocol. A bouquet of unwrapped flowers (of uneven number but excluding thirteen) for your hostess is the preferred gift. Note that red roses, which are reserved for courting, lilies, which are used at funerals, or heather, which is often planted on graves, should likely be avoided in bouquets.
10. Dining is typically continental-style with the fork steadfastly held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
11. Punctuality is the norm in this culture, so be sure to be consistently punctual for both business meetings and social occasions.
12. Dress is generally casual and should conform to the temperate climate. Business wear is more conservative; suits are the norm for both men and women. Women generally to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry, opting for a more natural look than other parts of Europe.
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