What do Germans say instead of fingers crossed?

Die Daumen drücken (“Pressing the thumbs”) In Germany, you press your thumbs when you're wishing someone good luck. It's the equivalent of crossing your fingers for someone. Someone might say to you “Ich drück' dir die Daumen!” in the same way one says “I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!” in English.

What does fingers crossed mean in Germany?

Instead of crossing their fingers, Germans press their thumbs. So rather than telling someone that you're crossing your fingers for them, you would say: “Ich drücke dir die Daumen.” This translates literally as: "I'll press my thumbs for you" but means "I'll keep my fingers crossed for you."

How do Germans say 3 with fingers?

For example: If a German wanted to order 3 Bratwurst she would use her thumb, index, middle finger.

What is the okay gesture in Germany?

Body Language

Making hands into two fists, thumbs tucked inside the other fingers and making pounding motion lightly on a surface expresses "good luck." Never use the "okay" sign (index finger and thumb jointed together to make a circle). This is considered a rude gesture.

What is a German handshake?

In business situations, most Germans shake hands at both the beginning and the end of a meeting. The German handshake may be accompanied by a slight nod of the head. Although this gesture is subtle, it is important. While Germans are open and generous with close friends, they tend to be formal and reserved in public.

German Gestures & Expressions | Super Easy German 182

What does a handshake mean in Germany?

It is also customary and polite to first introduce and shake the lady's hand. Germans also generally shake hands when they part. A nod of the head and a friendly "Guten Tag" (good day), "Guten Abend" (good evening) or "Auf Wiedersehen" (good bye) usually accompanies the handshake.

How do Germans show 4 fingers?

For “1,” the thumb on the dominant hand (H1) is extended; for “2,” the thumb and index finger are extended; for “3,” the thumb, index finger, and ring finger are extended; for “4,” the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie are extended; and for “5,” all fingers of H1 are extended.

Do Germans do thumbs up?

This isn't only a way to show the number one in German, but also a universal hand gesture for showing that everything is okay or perfect. Be cautious when using the thumbs up, as someone might think that you're counting. But in general, people understand that you're signing “perfect” or “okay” when doing this gesture.

What does thumbs up mean in Germany?

1. The “Thumbs Up” Sign. If you're generally happy with something or want to let someone know that you agree with them, in the U.S., we simply give a “thumbs up.” This is done by making a fist and pointing the thumb upward. But when you make this sign in Germany, people will just think that you're counting.

Is it OK to say fingers crossed?

“I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you" means that the speaker is on the side of, supporting, rooting for, the person they're talking to/about. They wish that person to succeed, even when the odds are against them. That's supportive and caring: what's “impolite" about it??!

What is the meaning of emoji 🤞?

If someone sends you a 🤞, it means they're hoping for the best outcome. Maybe they have a test coming up, or they're sending good vibes your way. Whether it's for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes “good luck.” ^{X Research source}. “Please tell me the test was easy🤞”

What is the meaning of fingers crossed 🤞?

phrase. If you cross your fingers, you put one finger on top of another and hope for good luck. If you say that someone is keeping their fingers crossed, you mean they are hoping for good luck.

Why do Germans press their thumbs?

In Germany they use this expression to wish someone good luck. It is often also accompanied with someone raising their fists and showing you that they are literally pressing their thumbs for you.

What does Bita mean in German?

But the German word bitte means so much more than “please” or “you're welcome.” It's a go-to word that can also mean “pardon” or be used as a word of approval, like “go ahead” in English. Read on to discover seven different meanings of bitte in German and see it used in example sentences.

Do Germans cross fingers for luck?

In German-speaking countries and also Sweden and Latvia the gesture is a sign of lying. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs. The same gesture is used in many Slavic countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and ex-Yugoslav republics.

What is considered rude in German culture?

Basic Etiquette

It is rude to chew gum or keep one's hands in one's pockets whilst talking with someone. Cross your legs by putting one knee over the other. It is impolite to rest your feet on furniture. Tight punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) is expected in most professional and social situations.

Is eye contact rude in Germany?

Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is expected, especially when speaking about a serious matter. It conveys sincerity and approachability. Avoiding eye contact may be seen as an indication of dishonesty or a lack of confidence.

Is it rude to leave food on plate in Germany?

However, you must remember that Germans rest only their hands and not their elbows on the table as it is considered quite an inappropriate gesture. It is considered rude to leave food on the plate; not just the Germans, but people from many countries do not like anyone leaving food on their plate.

Do Germans shake hands when meeting?

When joining a group, it is common to shake hands with each person for greeting. Similarly, German people also shake hands when they leave. This practice is not limited to the business environment but also happens on social occasions. If you meet close friends or family, you can give hugs instead.

Do Germans count with their thumbs?

Yes. It is a German and European thing to do. Most people I know, I'm English living in England, will count off starting with the thumb so three would be thumb, index and middle for me and my associates.

How to be polite in German?

How do Germans greet each other?

The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact. Men usually greet women first and wait for them to extend their hand. Close friends may hug to greet and younger people may kiss one another on the cheek. "Guten Tag" (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) are the most common verbal greetings used in Germany.

What time do Germans wake up?

Most people in Germany start the day at 6–7 and get to sleep around 23. Most people take a shower, breakfast and then go to work / study about 8–10 hours in total (ways to drive included). People normally drive by car or public transportation depending on the situation. (Should be possible and make sense.)