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