Germany, Cultural Etiquette- do's and don't (2024)

Germany is located in northern central Europe and covers an area of 356,750 km² around 137,741 square miles. Germany is approximately 28 times smaller in size than the United States.In terms of area, the closest states in the US are Montana, which is slightly bigger than Germany, and New Mexico, which is a bit smaller.

Sharing its borders with nine other European countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland), it is strategically positioned in the middle of one of the world’s most active trading zones.

With a population of more than 80 million people, Germany is the largest European economy and one of the largest economies in the world. Business culture in Germany is important.

The official language is German. Including variations it is spoken by millions of people in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and parts of some Eastern European countries as well. This makes German one of the top ten most spoken languages in the world.

It is also worth remembering that there are different sixteen States in Germany who will have their own cultural approaches.

1.Baden-Württemberg

2.Bayern

3.Berlin

4.Brandenburg

5.Bremen

6.Hamburg

7.Hessen

8.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

9.Niedersachsen

10.Nordrhein-Westfalen

11.Rheinland-Pfalz

12.Saarland

13.Sachsen

14.Sachsen-Anhalt

15.Schleswig-Holstein

16.Thüringen

Cultural Info.

There are no real taboos in Germany that do not apply in other Western countries. Northern Germany (especially Berlin) is more relaxed about etiquette than Southern Germany. The following list is based on general knowledge and everyone has an opinion. The best assessment is to experience the culture on your own and never assume or base your opinion on stereotype. This being said here are a few examples. As an FYI, my Paternal Grand-Mother was born in Gladbeck Germany in 1914.

• When making or answering a phone call, first introduce yourself by saying your name (most people use only their last name, but you can also use your first name). It is considered impolite if you do not give your name even when you use other polite greetings such as “hello” or “good morning”

• Do not be afraid to approach Germans. They are very direct and honest people: if they can or want to help you, they will, if not, they will tell you so.
• It is important to bear in mind that Germans speak in a curt manner – this is just the way they are and is not meant as an act of rudeness.
• It is impolite to cross your arm over people who are shaking hands
• It is rude to chew gum in business environments.
• Talking while your hands are in your pockets is also considered impolite

• Bringing a cake on your birthday.You would think that on your birthday, someone else would be in charge of bringing the sweets, but not in Germany. If you work in an office situation, it’s expected that you bring your own ‘Kuchen’ for your birthday day. That’s why you see so many people on their way to work with various ‘Tortenbehälter’ carrying their special treats. If you go out with your friends on your birthday, you have to pick up the tab too!

• When having a meeting or visiting a restaurant men should always take off their hats.
• Be tactful with regards to the subject of the Second World War. The legacy of the war is well understood by Germans and jokes about it are looked upon as improper. What might appear from an outsider’s perspective to be “an innocent joke” might actually go down in a much more awkward and offensive way.
• Saying hello in German waiting rooms. Not everyone follows this rule, but you will never been seen as strange for doing it.when you enter a doctor’s waiting room. Now, you’re expected to say ‘Morgen’ or ‘GutenTag’ upon entering, and ‘Tschüss’ on leaving.

• Crossing against the pedestrian light will invite people shouting at you.The idea is a child will see you cross against the signal and think it’s okay for them to do too – with possibly tragic results. This belief is a strongly held one, so it’s best to just behave yourself.
• Don’t wish anyone a happy birthday early!This is a superstition that will cause a German to wince every time. To wish someone ‘Alles gute zum Geburtstag’ before the official day is very bad luck, and I have yet to meet a German who can ignore this one. So it’s better to be a day late than a day early.

• Take it easy on the drinking“One of the best parts about the Germans? They love and know how to party!The beer in this country is so good, any visit just isn’t a real visit without having a Maßkrug in your hand while singing and dancing.Being publicly intoxicated is a major no-go. In most cases meandering drunks are met with a distasteful grimace from the locals, in others, being too drunk could lead to arrest and heavy fines.”
• Don’t step out of line When in Germany, be on your best behavior. Germans are extremely punctual and well-mannered. Showing up late, losing your cool, or raising your voice are all considered rude and thoughtless. If you step out of line, don’t be surprised or offended if someone corrects your behavior, as this is very common in the German culture.

• Get used to using a fork. You better think twice before picking up that piece of pizza or pretzel with your hands. Germans never eat with their hands with the exception of breaking off a piece of bread. When in doubt, use a fork when eating. Another tip, when you’re finished with your meal, place your knife and fork side by side (not crossed) to signal that you are done.
• Skip the small talk Contrary to popular belief, Germans are actually a quite talkative bunch—they just don’t like meaningless small talk. Germans are known for being very direct, which shouldn’t be mistaken for rudeness or coldness.When having a conversation, speak clearly and precisely. If you say to someone, “Hey, how’s it going?” don’t be surprised if they go into a 10-minute spiel about how they are.

• Know when to knock and when to applaud. In the U.S., people clap for a number of different reasons—and sometimes for no reason at all. In Germany, however, clapping is reserved for the theater or a concert. In schools, it’s common for students to knock on their desks to applaud a lecture or presentation. In fact, applauding in this type of setting is considered negative. Knocking is also a common form of greeting used in German pubs.
• Respect a German’s privacy. Germans greatly value their privacy and personal space. Never ask someone to give you a tour of their home; don’t greet someone with a hug unless you are close friends; and stay at least an arm’s distance or more away when having a conversation with another individual. Also, the topics of money and family are off limits, as Germans tend to be extremely private when it comes to their personal lives. Surprisingly, however, Germans enjoy talking about politics!

In conclusion, as I mentioned in my earlier articles, this publication is only for entertainment purposes. Ultimately, it is truly our duty to learn from one another. It is critical to ask questions, be respectful, care and be humble. We are part of a global community, and as individuals, we are truly not that much different from each other. We wish to be valued, heard and respected.

I will have another article this coming Wednesday where Luxembourg will be covered. I hope you will join in and engage, share and comment!