GERMAN ETIQUETTE
MEETING ETIQUETTE
Greetings are formal with a quick, firm
handshake.
A guest waits for their host to introduce them to a group. They then shake hands with everyone in
the room, including children.
Titles denote respect, so using a surname is custom until one has been invited to use a
first name.
GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE
Gifts such as chocolates or flowers are custom when visiting a home.
Red roses are not welcomed because they symbolize romantic intentions. Carnations are also unwelcomed because they symbolize mourning. Wine should be
imported if giving it as a gift. But bringing wine says they don’t think the host will have quality wine.
DINING ETIQUETTEShowing up on time shows
proper planning. Never show up early. If a guest is going to be more then 15 minutes late, a phone call
to the host is polite.
A handwritten thank you note to the host thanking them for their hospitality is
custom.
TABLE MANNERSRemain standing until invited to sit
down.
Do not begin eating until the hosts starts eating or
until someone says ‘guten appetit'Do not rest
elbows on the table.
Cut as much food with a fork as possible. Do not cut lettuce
in a salad. Rolls are broken apart by hand.
WORK CITED
"Germany - Language, Culture, Customs and Business
Etiquette." Germany. Kwintessential. Web. 07 Mar. 2012.