As an expat living in Germany, in this post I wanted to share cultural norms in Germany. Those norms and social etiquette play an important role in day-to-day life.

Here are a few things you should know before your visit:

1. Punctuality is key

Germans are known for their punctuality and expect others to be on time as well. If you have an appointment or meeting, it’s important to arrive on time. In fact, arriving early is even better!

2. Be direct

Germans tend to be very direct in their communication style. They value honesty and appreciate when others are straightforward and to-the-point. This can sometimes come across as being rude, but it’s just a cultural difference.

3. Follow the rules

Germans value rules and regulations, so it’s important to follow them. This includes traffic laws, recycling and waste disposal regulations, and even things like noise ordinances in residential areas.

4. Respect personal space

Germans value their personal space and tend to keep a greater distance between themselves and others than in some other cultures. It’s important to be aware of this and not to invade someone’s personal space without permission.

5. Dress appropriately

Germans tend to dress conservatively and prefer neat, tidy attire. Avoid dressing too casually or showing too much skin, especially in more formal settings.

6. Tipping is appreciated

Like as many European countries, tipping is appreciated in Germany. A tip of 10% is generally appropriate for good service in restaurants, bars, and taxis.

7. Table manners are important

Germans take their dining etiquette seriously. They tend to eat with their fork in their left hand and their knife in their right, and they don’t rest their elbows on the table. It’s also considered impolite to leave food on your plate.

By keeping these cultural norms in mind, you’ll be better prepared to navigate social situations in Germany.

Stay curious until the next post,

One-Day Wonder

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