German Etiquette

1. German Etiquette

2. Meeting Etiquette A guest waits for their host to introduce them to a group. They then shake hands with everyone in the room, including children. Greetings are formal with a quick, firm handshake. Titles denote respect, so using a surname is custom until one has been invited to use a first name.

3. Gift Giving etiquette Red roses are not welcomed because they symbolize romantic intentions. Carnations are also unwelcomed because they symbolize mourning. Gifts such as chocolates or flowers are custom when visiting a home. Wine should be imported if giving it as a gift. But bringing wine says they don’t think the host will have quality wine.

4. Dining etiquette Showing 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.

5. Table manners Remain standing until invited to sit down. Do not begin eating until the hosts starts eating or until someone says ‘gutenappetit' 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.

6. Work Cited "Germany - Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette." Germany. Kwintessential. Web. 07 Mar. 2012.