Common etiquette
1. Observe and be punctual
It is especially important to “make an appointment” in Germany. It is more abrupt to want to meet Germans without an appointment, and once the time is agreed, it is best not to change it easily without special circumstances.
2. Obey the law
Germans pay great attention to rules and discipline, and whenever there are express regulations, Germans consciously abide by them.
3. Pay attention to cleanliness
Germans pay attention to cleanliness and neatness, and throwing paper scraps or spitting everywhere is considered uncivilized behavior.
4. Emphasis on order
Germans like a quiet life, except for special occasions, do not like loud noise.
5. Pay attention to communication etiquette
When both parties shake hands, they should look at each other in a friendly manner to show respect and do not look around.
Germans’ names are the same as most European and American names. The first name is first, and the last name is last. When interacting with strangers, the elderly, and people with average relationships, they generally do not address each other’s names directly out of courtesy, but add “Ms.”, “Sir”, “Professor”, “Doctor” and other titles after their surnames, and usually use the honorific title “You”;
Only those who have deep personal relationships and close relationships, such as window friends and colleagues who have worked together for many years, will directly address each other’s names and make UF call them “You”.
Main customs and habits such as clothing, diet, and funerals
1. Clothing
The general style of Germans in dressing is solemn, simple, and tidy. Men mostly like to wear suits and jackets, while women mostly like to wear lapel-neck shirts and long skirts with elegant colors and patterns. To attend formal events such as dinners, dances, concerts, etc., men usually wear suits and women wear skirt suits.
2. Diet
Germans are forbidden when eating: knives and forks used to eat fish should not be used to eat meat or cheese;
If you drink beer and wine at the same time, you should drink beer first and then wine, otherwise it will be considered harmful to health;
It is not advisable to accumulate too much food on the food plate;
Do not fan with a napkin;
Avoid making noises when drinking soup or eating;
Avoid talking to others when chewing food.
3. Funeral
In Germany, the most important thing to pay attention to when attending a funeral is to wear black clothes as much as possible, and men should wear a black tie without flowers. If you don’t have black clothes, dark or dark clothes are also acceptable, and bright clothes should not be avoided. At funerals, you should keep solemn and quiet, and you must not talk or laugh loudly, otherwise it will be regarded as disrespectful to the bereaved family.
Main taboos
1. In Germany, it is not advisable to give away roses or roses at will. The former indicates courtship, and the latter is dedicated to mourning.
2. Germans regard the numbers “13” and “Friday” as unlucky.
3. Germans are more averse to four people crossing hands or having cross-talk in social situations. Because both practices are considered impolite.
4. When talking to Germans, it is not advisable to involve Nazis, religion and partisanship.
5. Avoid loud noises in public.
Special Tips
1. A basic principle of German etiquette is to respect women, which is reflected in a series of “women first” etiquette habits, such as men are obliged to help women put on and take off their coats;
Open the door for women and pull the door, and ask women to go first;
When getting out of the car, men should also take the initiative to open the door for the women who are traveling with them and help them get out of the car, etc.
2. Gifts to German friends should be noted:
If it is something bought in the store, the price tag on the gift must be torn off;
