Good Manners in Germany Made by English students

Every country has its own culture and if one is smart, one should study the etiquette of that country before visiting that country. One always wants to show that he is a good ambassador of his own country and one does not want to offend the people of the country one will visit. By knowing what some of the written and unwritten rules are, one can have a successful and enjoyable trip.

Greetings in Germany In Germany it is good etiquette to shake an individual's hand when you first meet him or her. Also, handshakes are important when conducting business, done when coming and going from a meeting. For informal greetings among friends, Germans will lightly kiss one another on both cheeks or the air next to the cheeks. Always refer to someone with a title before their name in a social setting. "Frau" is Ms. and "Herr" is Mr. and should be put in front of the name of the individual to whom you are referring.

Table manners in Germany When eating in Germany, be sure to wait to be seated. When you sit down at a dining table it should be set up continental style with the fork on the left and the knife on the right. Use your knife sparingly and try to cut most items with your fork. Rolls should be split with your hands. Remember to let the host lead. The host should be the first to put his napkin in his lap, to begin eating and to give the first toast.

Punctuality in Germany Being punctual is very important in Germany. It is considered very rude not to be on time. Showing up early is a good idea. Rushing around and arriving late will leave a bad impression.

Inviting guests in Germany If you are invited to visit someone in Germany, it is important to take a small gift such as wine or candy. If you take wine, be sure to pick an imported beverage, as bringing a German wine might send a message to the host that he or she does not have good taste in wine. If you decide to take flowers, yellow roses are a good choice as, in conveying joy and friendship, they are a neutral flower. Red roses indicate romance, carnations symbolize mourning and lilies and chrysanthemums are used for funerals. Do not sit down in someone's house without being invited to sit first.

Clothes in Germany Business dress is understood as formal and conservative. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses. Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.

Good behaviour in Germany Theatre School 1. Each viewer should be dressed in their Sunday best, elegantly. 2. In case of delay must not enter the hall, you have to wait until the first intermission. 3. You must buy the theatre program, to be familiarized with the type and nature of performances, artists and performers know the show. 4. Do not bring up sweets, chocolates in the rustling papers to the theatre. Do nit drink or eat. 5. During the show you are not allowed to talk, whistle, stamp or swap places. 6. At the end of perfpormance,you should wait until the end of applause. Students who do not obey the commands should apologize a teacher for their behaviour. They must do homework. Each student should behave properly and culturally. You need to be tolerant for another person.

Cinema Transportation Do not litter Do not talk, you can whisper. You can share your opinion with the person sitting next to you. Do not move, not to cover the screen. Impolite is to use mobile phones. Germans are very good drivers. Most of them have their own cars. The buses are often used by older people, so if we give way to the older, it shows our culture and respect for these people and their country.

Behaviour in accordance to women in Germany Welcoming you first go over to the ladies and then to men. Serving at the table during dinner starts with women. Walking down the street, the man has a partner on his right side. Sometimes, however, roadways are wet, sometimes sidewalks are too narrow and is in danger. In these circumstances, a man protecting a woman goes, having it on your left. Act identically while crossing the street. As we enter the threshold of any room, the man opens the door to a woman and lets face it. The man helps his partner to take off a coat or other clothing, he gives them to the locker room. A man should also pass a woman in the queue at the store.

DO If an elderly person enters a bus or train, the younger offers him/her a seat. Open doors for the elderly and for women Hold doors open for whoever is following you in (or out)- don't let it slam in their face Use please and thank you Show respect for those older and wiser than you Lower the music or TV volume when others are talking or trying to sleep. Children should learn at a young age to help in the household and take over responsibility.

Girls/women should always dress modestly. A man should always offer the woman to enter a room first. If you are in a mixed group, always greet the elders and the women first. Be helpful. Open doors (regardless of gender). Men should always open doors for women. Have a calming, happy influence in any stressful situation and maintain your composure. At a restaurant/official dinner, the man moves the chair away from the table and offers the woman her seat Stand when the national anthem is playing. Show respect to the flag. Introduce guests to everyone in your home. Offer something to drink (a glass of water, a cup of tea/coffee) to anyone who steps into your home/office.

Be involved in a variety of community service organisations. Wear clean clothes at home. Wash your hands before and after a meal. Be hospitable and friendly. Listen before speaking. Never interrupt. Look people in the eye, and listen carefully. Be thankful and show appreciation for gifts, help, etc. Write “thank you cards” rather than sending s to show your appreciation. Always introduce yourself and others. Respect people's time and be punctual. If you make an appointment, arrive on time or even a bit early. If you're going to be late, always call and let them know. Never arrive early for a social engagement; your host may still be getting dressed. Always say, “Thank you” - this is a way of praising others and one of the keys of good manners; not forgetting “Excuse me”, “Please”, “You are welcome”, “Hello” and “Goodbye”. When leaving a place, men should help the women to put on their coats/jackets. Wear a nice, clean dress on Sundays.

DON’T × Don't point - it's rude × Don't smoke or eat in the street - it looks 'common‘ × Don't talk with your mouth full - disgustingly, you may spit some of it out! × Don't shout - Keep your voice down × Don't interrupt - it's selfish and ill-mannered × Don't swear - it impresses nobody (it's the language of low lives and those with a limited vocabulary) × Don't gang up on anybody anywhere × Don't talk behind other's backs

× Never point or stare, especially at people with disabilities or those who are “different”. × Do not embarrass others - treat others as you would like to be treated, and think of how you can put them at ease. Never demean anyone with rude jokes or an unwelcome nickname. × Do not be boastful, arrogant or loud - always exercise restraint. Let your deeds speak for themselves. × Do not criticise or complain - a person with good manners is above criticising others or complaining about circumstances. Negativity in any form is to be avoided. If you hear gossip, don't join in, be indifferent to it. If you disagree with others, do so respectfully. Don't verbally attack or condemn them.

× Never be ruffled. × Do not ask too many intimate or invasive questions the first few times that you meet a person. ×T o strangers/new ones: Do not comment on personal appearances or clothes in a negative way; if you cannot say something complimentary, do not say anything at all. × Don't address elders and seniors by their names, unless they have specially asked you to. Stand up when an elder or a guest enters the room and don't sit until you've offered them a seat. × Do not continue to watch TV or surf the Net when you have a visitor.