DOES and DON'TS in Germany: Navigating Culture, Manners, and Customs

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Mastering German Culture: Dos and Don’ts

Navigating German culture can feel like stepping onto a new “Spielplatz” of customs and manners. Whether you’re visiting for a trip or planning to call Germany home, knowing the dos and don’ts will help you “sich wohlfühlen” and avoid awkward moments. From polite greetings to dining etiquette, let’s dive into German culture with practical tips and phrases. With Language Success, you’ll not only learn German but also master expressing yourself authentically, getting along with the culture, understanding how life works here, and connecting effortlessly with locals.

Do: Greet with a Smile and Regional Flair

Germans appreciate a friendly, open attitude. Go around with a smile and greet people with a warm “Hallo,” “Guten Tag” (a bit more formal), “Servus” (in Bavaria), or “Moin” (in northern Germany, used any time of day!). A firm “Handschlag” is standard when meeting someone new, especially in formal settings. These greetings show “Freundlichkeit” and set a positive tone.
Example Phrase: “Moin! Wie geht’s dir heute?”

Don’t: Be Too Noisy in Public Spaces

Germans value “Rücksichtnahme” in public places like restaurants, cafés, and public transport, such as trains. Avoid being overly loud—whether it’s talking, laughing, or playing music—to show “Anstand” for those around you. For example, shouting across a train carriage or taking loud phone calls in a café can draw disapproving glances. Keep your voice low to blend in seamlessly.
Example Phrase: “Entschuldigung, ich werde leiser sein.”

Do: Respect Punctuality and Rules

“Pünktlichkeit” is a cornerstone of German culture. Arrive on time for appointments, dinners, or even casual meetups—being late is seen as disrespectful. Also, follow rules like recycling correctly or waiting at the “Ampel” until it turns green. These small acts show you’re adapting to the German way of life and help you “sich integrieren”.
Example Phrase: “Ich bin pünktlich da, versprochen!”

Don’t: Be Overly Informal Too Soon

Germans maintain a level of “Förmlichkeit” until a relationship is established. Stick to “Sie” instead of “du” with strangers or in professional settings. Avoid using first names without permission—calling your colleague “Klara” instead of “Frau Weber” might feel too forward. With our German courses, you’ll learn these nuances to avoid frustration and communicate confidently in any situation.
Example Phrase: “Guten Tag, Herr Müller, wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?”

Do: Use Idioms to Sound Like a Local

Sprinkle German idioms into your conversations to impress and blend in. Try “Das ist mir Wurst” in casual settings or “Jemandem die Daumen drücken” to wish luck. These phrases add flair and show cultural savvy.
Example Phrase: “Drück mir die Daumen für mein Vorstellungsgespräch!”

Don’t: Bock the escalators

“Rechts stehen, links gehen.” Especially in German cities, you should be aware of letting people pass. On the escalators the unspoken rule applys “Stand on the right and pass on the left.” People who are in a rush and are trying to catch their train or be on time to an appointment will thank you.

Do: It’s Your Birthday? It’s Your Turn

It is your birthday? Celebrate with your colleagues! Bring a homemade cake or some savory snacks, plus a little something to toast with. Create a joyful office moment that fosters team spirit and togetherness. Join one our courses or get tailored individual teaching and learn how to chat with your colleagues confidently and understand the jokes. (Schedule your free consultation call here to see how a tailored learning plan for you could look like.)

Share Your Experience

What’s a cultural do or don’t you’ve noticed in Germany that is different your home country? Share your story in the comments—bonus points if you write in German to practice your skills!

Upgrade Your German with Language Success

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Book your free consultation today! Tell us your goals, and let’s create a personalized plan to make your German learning experience not only effective but also enjoyable.

German Vocabulary:

• der Spielplatz (Pl. die Spielplätze) – the playground

• sich wohlfühlen – to feel at ease/ well

• die Freundlichkeit – friendliness

• der Handschlag (Pl. die Handschläge) – the handshake

• die Rücksichtnahme – consideration

• der Anstand – decency, good manners

• die Pünktlichkeit – punctuality

• die Ampel (Pl. die Ampeln) – traffic light

• sich integrieren – to integrate

• die Förmlichkeit – formality

• “Das ist mir Wurst.” – I don’t care

• “jemandem die Daumen drücken” – to wish someone luck

• Servus – hello/goodbye (used in Bavaria)

• Moin – hello (used in northern Germany)