Halliee Hallo!

If you’ve ever interacted with Germans or had the pleasure of visiting Germany, you might have quickly realized that the culture is deeply rooted in respect, punctuality, and a certain way of doing things. Understanding German etiquette is not just about knowing when to say “Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you), but diving deeper into the psyche of the German way of life. Lemme show you how I decode the art of German etiquette.

1. Punctuality is Paramount: The German saying, “Fünf Minuten vor der Zeit ist des Soldaten Pünktlichkeit” which translates to “Five minutes early is a soldier’s punctuality,” is not to be taken lightly. Whether it’s a formal meeting or a casual get-together, being late is often perceived as rude or careless.
   
2. Greetings & Farewells: The common greeting is a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact. Close friends might opt for a hug. When entering small shops or waiting rooms, it’s polite to greet everyone with a “Hallo” or “Guten Tag.” Likewise, “Auf Wiedersehen” or “Tschüss” is used when leaving.
   
3. Title Matters: Academic and professional titles are taken seriously. If someone has a doctorate, it’s customary to address them as “Herr Doktor” or “Frau Doktor.” This is something I have kept forgetting and not doing but then, my ears remind me by listening to people around me that I am in Germany, and I need to be doing this!
   
4. The Dinner Table Dance:
   • Toasting: When clinking glasses, make sure to maintain eye contact. Not doing so is considered bad luck! I am still learning this though.
   • Cutlery: If you’re done eating, place your fork and knife side by side, with the fork tines facing down and the knife blade facing in.
   • Tipping: It’s customary to round up the bill. For instance, if your meal costs €7.50, you might give €8 or €9. (A German friend of mine told me, always give a tip of 3-5% of the total meal).
     
5. Respecting Privacy: Germans cherish their privacy. Asking personal questions, especially about income or personal life, can be considered intrusive. The phrase “Wie geht es Ihnen?” (How are you?) is more of a formality than an invitation to share personal woes.

Bis bald! 🇩🇪🤝🕰️