Manners in Germany
 

Can anyone tell an Aussie what are good manners/specific social expectations in Germany? I have searched websites but can only find protocols for business people and I am certainly not in that category. Will be staying with 2 german families on my December 2009 trip.

Here's one: when you eat, keep your free hand on top of the table and not in your lap. No-one will crucify you for it but that is local custom. :)

Lavandula

Google "Deutschland for Dummies".

Here are a couple:
Always shake hands when you greet someone even the children.
You said that you will be staying with families so
Take along a pair of house shoes (slippers). These are kept beside the front door and exchanged for your shoes when you enter the house.

Hi lifetrip: In the US we have a sign for OK! Several years ago we lived in northern Germany and my husband would use this sign that all was well, finally one day a colleague of his asked him "why he was doing that" as it has a very derogatory meaning in German. Talk about a red face.


Susan

Difficult to generalise as Germans differ a lot (like any other nationality), but some general points:
Germans are houseproud and keep their homes extremely clean and tidy.
Germany is on the whole a well-ordered society. People don't break the law or regulations, so neither should you. Ask about separating rubbish/trash - there are detailed rules, which can differ from place to place.
Apart from those who have lived abroad or are used to dealing with non-Germans, they can be a little shy and withdrawn. Initiate a conversation by showing pictures of your family etc. Their level of Englsih also varies. Some are near fluent, others - especially the older generation - struggle. Learn some basic German phrases. Use Bitte and Danke schön often.
Be sensible about the war. Some find it a sensitive subject, while others welcome an honest debate. But guilt feelings from 1960s and 70s seem to have largely gone now.
Give praise for local products, esp wines or beer. Germans can have a strong regional affinity, and many believe 'Heimat' is best!
I'm sure by using common sense and courtesy, you will have a fab time, as Germans can be so hospitable.

Even if there is no traffic in sight, do NOT cross the street agains the traffic light. You will get a lecture from other pedestrians if you do.

Although Germans are not as good as the British when it comes to waiting their turn in a line, mind your manners and stay in your place in the queue.

Don't lose patience if the waiter is slow to give you your bill. More often than not, you have to ask for it.

Since you are Australian, do NOT sit up front with the taxi driver. He expects you to sit in back.

Maintain eye contact in any dispute if you expect to be taken seriously.

If you are age 60 or older, learn the word "pensionieren" -- and you make yourself eligible for discounts when buying tickets. We are in our 80s -- so we know.

Germans don't have or need manners, don't worry.

- Keep your free hand wherever you like, you do use both hands anyway.
- No need to shake hands with kids
- No slippers, socks are o.k.
- Don't show the ass*ole sign, unless you mean it and be prepared to get hit in the face
- Germans can be pigs.
- Germans break the law every day
- Americans are unable to discuss any war, because they've no idea. Since you're Australian, no worries.
- People on the street don't care for your family pics. Others only want to be nice, but still don't care.
- No need to praise local products, people know that they are far better than anything you know anyway.
- Do cross the street whenever you like, if you run into a cop, it's only 5€-20€.
- If you line jump, you will be killed
- Nobody will bring the bill unless you ask. It would be rude!
- Sit up front in a taxi, it's quite normal
- People will laugh if you use the word "pensionieren", it's not a word.

Just remember that Germans have no sense of humour.

Germans laugh at others. Americans laugh at themselves. So do the Dutch. So do the Danes.

logos -- does saying you are a "rentner" get you the discount? I think I did that once in the little museum in Noerdlingen...

Yes, travsolo, the word is "Rentner" or "Pensionär(e)" or "Senior(en)". :-)

I laughed at some of those suggestions too. People cross on red all the time. Line jumpers abound. They throw trash around also, especially teens. Some of the filthiest houses I have ever been in were Germans. Also some of the cleanest. Generalizing is never good. If you are by yourself, you can certainly sit if front with the taxi driver. I would never consider sitting in the back. Yes, you must always ask for the bill, it is forbidden for wait staff to bring it before you ask. Use both hands while eating. Do not put the knife down and switch hands holding the fork, this looks silly. As does cutting up all your food first and then eating. A firm handshake is a must, nothing is worse than shaking a limp hand like a fish. I think Germans have a great sense of humour - it is just different. When out where drinks are being served it is impolite to drink before everyone has theirs, and then you would all say Prost. Make sure you look in the eyes of whoever you are clicking glasses with - it is considered very rude not to. If riding public transportation, try and give you seat up to those who need it. Be ready to get off the train before it gets to the station. Tip the server directly, do not leave change on the table.

Most Germans got their image of Australians from either Crocodile Dundee movies or the behavior of your countrymen during Oktoberfest. Neither one was reason for criticism so far.

If you break the line in a store, some little old lady will slap you silly with her handbag. On the other hand, little old ladies are notorious for trying to cut into a line at a supermarket with more strategy than Rommel in Africa to get further ahead to the cash. Get a handbag! Though if she should suceed (they always do!), try to smuggle a few 10-packs of condoms in her cart. That will bring up some smiles at the cash register.
Oddly enough: No lines at bus stops or trains to respect.

If you have a thing for clean and tidy, please please pay me a visit. Did you know that dust does not rise anymore on furniture after 2 weeks?

I don't know which laws and regulations you plan to break, but most penalties are quite inexpensive, compared with other European countries. Most people are very law-abiding citizens, until they get a speeding or parking ticket. In that case you will get a lecture on how Germany still is a police state. Traffic infractions are not really considered to be breaking the law. If you should get a ticket, simply file an appeal (not in court, just a simple letter back to the authority which issued the ticket). That is usually enough to let it sink into oblivion in the bureaucracy.

The only thing you have to watch out for are people on bicycles. By some sub-section of our traffic law, they are excempt from obliging to ANY traffic regulations. "Rentner" may cross any street also on a red light. New regulation stipulated by our ailing social security services.

I am amused by these answers, my hosts tell me there's nothing I should know. Everyone will understand I'm from Australia.....don't quite know how to take that. But the hints will certainly help!

In short, that means they KNOW you already KNOW how to act..that you aren't some sort of anal-retentive boob, and they look forward to your rather refreshing take on things.

Great answer Dukey.

As long as you behave better than many Germans that I've encountered traveling outside Germany, I'm quite sure they'll think you are Miss Manners.