| Visitors from other parts of the world that | | | | considered a more mature greeting. Also |
| visit Germany for vacation or business | | | | unlike in the United States, a married woman |
| purposes are typically pleased to note that | | | | is not addressed by her husband's first name |
| Germans are cordial, polite, and welcoming. | | | | (e.g. Mrs. John Smith), but by her own first |
| However, as with any culture, Germans have | | | | name (e.g. Frau Jane Smith). |
| mannerisms that are unique to them. Since | | | | |
| social etiquette is considered important in | | | | Common Business Etiquette in Germany |
| every society and Germans are no different, | | | | |
| visitors that take a small amount of time to | | | | "Du" and "Sie" |
| familiarize themselves with what Germans | | | | |
| consider good manners will find that locals | | | | The method of addressing others by saying |
| will often appreciate and even more warmly | | | | "you" is divided into the formal and informal |
| accept them into their country. | | | | manners of "Du" and "Sie." "Du" is considered |
| | | | informal and should be reserved only for |
| Shaking Hands | | | | close acquaintances, friends and family. To |
| | | | avoid seeming disrespectful when meeting new |
| Germans typically wait until introduced by a | | | | persons, especially in a formal or business |
| host to shake hands. Typically, older parties | | | | environment, it is generally accepted that |
| in a group or more senior persons reserve the | | | | "Sie" is the proper form to use. |
| right to extend their hand for a handshake | | | | |
| first. Attendees of small parties will always | | | | Attire |
| take the time to shake hands with one another | | | | |
| when greeting, as opposed to larger functions | | | | American standards of business dress have |
| where hand shakes are very rarely performed. | | | | relaxed in certain niche industries in recent |
| The act of shaking hands in passing is | | | | years, but that doesn't mean that the same is |
| considered rude. If one takes the time to | | | | true of Germans. It is typically customary |
| shake hands, it is considered a precursor to | | | | for business attire to be worn in nearly |
| at least a brief chat. Additionally, it is | | | | every business setting. Jeans, T-shirts, and |
| considered to rude to shake hands while the | | | | similar clothing will typically be frowned |
| other hand is in your pocket. | | | | upon. When in doubt, always opt to possibly |
| | | | slightly overdress than to take the risk of |
| In formal settings, it is still considered | | | | under-dressing. |
| custom to kiss a lady's hand when introduced, | | | | |
| though the lips should never actually touch | | | | Meetings and Functions |
| the hand. When being introduced to adults, | | | | |
| little German girls will occasionally | | | | Unlike many other cultures, Germans will |
| courtesy in greeting. Furthermore, unlike in | | | | typically send invitations that outline not |
| the United States, children will rarely thank | | | | only when a meeting or function will begin |
| someone for a compliment. | | | | but also when it will end. It would be |
| | | | considered good manners to use this time as a |
| Addressing Others in Germany | | | | queue to bid a proper farewell. Though no one |
| | | | will expect every one to jump up and run out |
| The female term "Fraulein" is only used to | | | | the door at the exact time, it can be |
| address particularly young, unmarried girls. | | | | considered rude to ignore the outlines set up |
| The shorter "Frau" is used to address older, | | | | by the hosts. |
| unmarried young ladies and women since it is | | | | |