How do people greet one another in Germany? How do work colleagues interact? What really makes Germans “tick”? Anyone arriving in a foreign country for the first time is often unsure of how they should behave. So it makes great sense to find out about a country’s idiosyncrasies before you arrive. You will find it far easier to integrate into both professional and private life. Here are some tips that will help you blend right into the German society like a pro!
- Tip 10% to 15% on big meals. For coffee or small meals, round up to the next euro.
- Drinking alcohol is common but it’s always acceptable to refuse a drink.
- Make eye contact when toasting. Not doing so is said to bring bad luck.
- Crossing your utensils means you are still eating. Laying them parallel means you are finished.
- Expect to pay for bottled water at restaurants. Asking for tap water is considered impolite.
- Keep your hands on the table while eating. To do otherwise is considered rude.
- Wait to sit down until you are invited to do so or until others sit.
- When it’s your birthday, it’s your responsibility to provide food and drinks.
- When invited to someone’s home, always arrive on time and bring a small gift.
- Proper garbage disposal is important in Germany. Always recycle.
- Never light a cigarette off a candle. A common superstition says doing so kills a sailor.
- Avoid exaggerations and high-pressure talk.
- Always be on time. Be direct and detail-oriented.
- Wear conservative business attire. Khakis make people think you are sloppy.
- Do not remove your suit jacket unless your host does.
- Expect business meetings to be longer than in other countries.
- Make your status known. Hierarchy is considered important.
- Always use titles, like Doktor, Frau and Herr. Do not use first names unless invited.
- Anyone with a PhD should be addressed as Professor or Doktor.
- Bathroom attendants are common and and expect to be tipped roughly 30 cents.
- Taxi drivers do not expect tips but most people round up their fare to the next euro.
- Never jaywalk, even if there is no traffic anywhere to be seen. Even at 3 am.
