Wie Müssen Sie Sich Jetzt Verhalten

Willkommen! You've arrived in Germany, or perhaps you're about to. Either way, congratulations on choosing a country rich in history, culture, and, yes, some very specific expectations! Knowing how to navigate daily life here can make your stay smoother, more enjoyable, and help you avoid accidental faux pas. This guide will walk you through some key aspects of German customs and etiquette, empowering you to confidently immerse yourself in your German adventure.

Pünktlichkeit (Punctuality): Arriving on Time

Let’s start with a cornerstone of German culture: Pünktlichkeit, or punctuality. This isn't just a suggestion; it's practically a national religion. Being on time isn't merely polite; it demonstrates respect for others' time and commitment. If you have a meeting, appointment, or even a social gathering, aim to arrive precisely at the scheduled time, or even a few minutes early. Arriving significantly late without a valid explanation is generally frowned upon.

What does this mean in practice?

• Meetings and Appointments: Aim to arrive 5 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in and be ready when the meeting starts.
• Social Gatherings: Arriving exactly on time is usually best. Avoid being too early, as it can put pressure on the host.
• Public Transportation: German public transport is known for its efficiency. Check schedules and plan your journey accordingly, allowing for potential delays (though they are rare).

If, despite your best efforts, you are going to be late, always inform the person or people you are meeting as soon as possible. A brief explanation is appreciated. A simple "Ich verspäte mich leider um [Anzahl] Minuten. Es tut mir leid." (I'm unfortunately delayed by [number] minutes. I'm sorry.) will suffice.

Grüßen und Anreden (Greetings and Forms of Address)

Germans tend to be formal in their initial interactions. The way you greet someone and address them is important, especially in professional settings or when meeting someone for the first time.

Formal vs. Informal

The key here is to distinguish between formal and informal situations.

• Formal: Use "Sie" (formal "you") and titles like "Herr" (Mr.) or "Frau" (Ms.) followed by the person's last name. A handshake is standard upon meeting and leaving. Examples: "Guten Tag, Frau Schmidt." (Good day, Ms. Schmidt.) or "Wie geht es Ihnen, Herr Müller?" (How are you, Mr. Müller?).
• Informal: Use "du" (informal "you") and first names. This is usually reserved for friends, family, and close colleagues. The transition from "Sie" to "du" is usually initiated by the older or higher-ranking person offering the informal "du." They might say, "Wir können uns gern duzen." (We can use "du" with each other.)

Key Phrases:

• Guten Tag (Good day - used during the day)
• Guten Morgen (Good morning - used until around 10 AM)
• Guten Abend (Good evening - used from around 6 PM)
• Hallo (Hello - informal, used with people you know)
• Auf Wiedersehen (Goodbye - formal)
• Tschüss (Goodbye - informal)

Body Language: A firm handshake is generally expected when meeting someone formally. Maintain eye contact during the greeting. Avoid overly familiar gestures like hugs or kisses on the cheek unless you know the person well.

Essen und Trinken (Eating and Drinking)

Dining etiquette is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Table Manners: Keep your hands above the table, not in your lap. Don't start eating until everyone has been served and someone says "Guten Appetit!" (Enjoy your meal!). Cut your food with a knife and fork. Don't cut all your food at once; cut only what you are about to eat. When you're finished, place your knife and fork parallel to each other on your plate.
• Drinks: It’s customary to raise your glass for a toast before drinking, especially in more formal settings. Make eye contact with everyone at the table and say "Prost!" (Cheers!). When toasting with wine, be especially careful not to cross arms with others reaching for their glasses.
• Paying the Bill: Unless explicitly stated, the bill is usually split equally, especially among friends. If you want to pay only for what you consumed, you can say, "Getrennt, bitte." (Separately, please.). Tipping is customary, usually around 5-10% of the bill. You can simply round up the amount or tell the server the total amount you want to pay, including the tip. For example, if the bill is €27.50 and you want to pay €30, you would say "Machen Sie dreißig, bitte." (Make it thirty, please.).
• Bread: Bread is often served before the meal. It's perfectly acceptable to eat it with butter or dip it in olive oil.

Öffentlicher Raum (Public Spaces)

Germans generally value order and respect for public spaces.

• Noise Levels: Keep noise levels down, especially in residential areas and on public transportation. Avoid loud conversations or playing music without headphones.
• Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in public areas. Dispose of trash properly. It is an offence to litter.
• Public Transportation: Follow the rules of public transportation. Allow passengers to exit before attempting to board. Offering your seat to elderly or pregnant individuals is considered polite. Always have a valid ticket and be prepared to show it to ticket inspectors, even if there are no visible barriers. Failure to produce a valid ticket can result in a hefty fine.
• Queuing: Germans generally queue (stand in line) in an orderly fashion. Avoid cutting in line.
• jaywalking: Avoid jaywalking. Waiting for the green light, even when there's no traffic, is expected.

Geschenke (Gifts)

Giving gifts is common in many social situations, but the type of gift and the occasion matter.

• Small Gatherings: For dinner invitations or small gatherings, a small gift like flowers, wine, or chocolates is appropriate.
• Business Gifts: Business gifts should be modest and tasteful. Avoid overly extravagant gifts, as they can be perceived as inappropriate.
• Opening Gifts: It's customary to open gifts in front of the giver.

Ruhezeiten (Quiet Hours)

Germany has strict rules regarding noise levels, especially during Ruhezeiten (quiet hours).

• Typical Quiet Hours: Generally, quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 6 AM, and often also during lunchtime (1 PM to 3 PM). Sunday is also considered a day of rest.
• What to Avoid: During quiet hours, avoid activities that create excessive noise, such as mowing the lawn, hammering, or playing loud music. Apartment complexes usually have posted rules regarding quiet hours.

Small Talk and Conversation

Germans value directness and honesty in communication. Small talk is not as common as in some other cultures. It's perfectly acceptable to get straight to the point in a conversation. Personal questions are often avoided until you know someone better. Acceptable topics for small talk include the weather, travel, current events (but be mindful of political sensitivities), and local attractions.

Directness: Don't be offended if someone is direct or critical. It's often seen as a sign of honesty and efficiency.

Important German Words & Phrases

Knowing a few basic German words and phrases will go a long way in making your stay more enjoyable and showing respect for the local culture.

• Bitte (Please)
• Danke (Thank you)
• Entschuldigung (Excuse me/Sorry)
• Ja (Yes)
• Nein (No)
• Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
• Ich verstehe das nicht. (I don't understand.)
• Wie viel kostet das? (How much does that cost?)
• Wo ist...? (Where is...?)
• Hilfe! (Help!)

Navigating Cultural Differences

Remember that cultural differences exist, and misunderstandings can happen. When in doubt, err on the side of formality and respect. Observe how locals behave and try to emulate their customs. A little patience and a willingness to learn will go a long way in bridging cultural gaps.

Embrace the Experience: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Germans generally appreciate the effort to learn and understand their culture. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new environment and experience the richness of German life. Viel Spaß! (Have fun!)

By understanding and respecting these cultural nuances, you'll be well-equipped to navigate your time in Germany with confidence and make the most of your experience. Enjoy your stay!