- 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.