What is not allowed to say in Germany?

Insult is punishable under Section 185. Satire and similar forms of art enjoy more freedom but have to respect human dignity (Article 1 of the Basic law). Malicious Gossip and Defamation (Section 186 and 187). Utterances about facts (opposed to personal judgement) are allowed if they are true and can be proven.

What are you not allowed to say in Germany?

These acts are illegal in Germany: ▪️ Displaying Nazi symbolism, like a swastika ▪️ Denying the Holocaust ▪️ Insulting someone online or in public ▪️ Spreading fake quotes or malicious gossip.

What can you not talk about in Germany?

Personal loss, philosophy, controversal politics, natural disasters, theological debates, and nuanced scientific theory.

What is considered disrespectful in Germany?

Interrupting: Interrupting others while they're speaking or dominating the conversation can be seen as rude and disrespectful. Germans value well-considered, thoughtful communication.

Are insults illegal in Germany?

It is a criminal offense in Germany to insult others, and it is also illegal to spread lies that demean others. That means freedom of speech is much more restricted in Germany than, for example, in the US, says Nadine Strossen, a professor at New York Law School.

8 Things NOT to SAY in Germany & Things You Don't SAY in Germany & Things you DONT do in Germany

What is unacceptable in Germany?

Having a loud conversation, talking loud on the phone, or listening to loud music are considered very impolite as you will disturb other people. German people love to have their privacy. If you see a closed door, it doesn't mean that the person inside does not want you to come in.

What is illegal speech in Germany?

Hate speech or "incitement of popular hatred" (Volksverhetzung) may be punishable if against segments of the population and in a manner that is capable of disturbing the public peace (Section 130 Agitation of the People), including racist agitation and antisemitism.

Is thumbs up rude in Germany?

Body Language

Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone. "Thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or agreement.

What are the unspoken rules in Germany?

Being even 5 minutes late is considered rude. Germans take punctuality very seriously, whether it's a train or a dinner invite. 💡Don't Cross the Street on Red. Even if there are no cars, jaywalking is a cultural crime — especially with kids watching.

Is staring rude in Germany?

The line is thin, but I'd say that an average “German eye contact” or “checking people out” would be considered staring in many other cultures. I call it a “German stare”, and Germans don't consider it rude at all.

Is it okay to kiss in public in Germany?

Compared to the rest of Europe, Germans are thought to be reserved. However, it is also common for good friends to greet each other and part with a hug or kiss on the cheek. Couples hugging or kissing in public, whether of the same or opposite sex, is quite normal - at least in larger cities.

Is German culture friendly?

German business culture is not overly friendly or spirited in their communication, so you should refrain from small talk. Personal space is guarded physically and conversationally. It is considered very intimate and reserved for close friends and family. Even a simple “How are you?” may cross a personal boundary.

What do we say no in Germany?

Nein is the direct translation for how to say “no” in German. This word can be used as a standalone to decline something, or you can add a polite danke after it to be gracious.

Is it rude to ask for the bill in Germany?

That is unusual in Germany. Normally you ask the waiter for the bill while he removes the empty plate of the dessert. If you have an empty glass in front of you, you ask for the checks after the waiter ask you if you want another one.

What are the quiet rules in Germany?

Time to Stay Quiet in Germany

In Germany, quiet hours are typically from 10 pm every day, 6 am to 7 am on weekdays, and the entire Sunday. Time may vary in different cities in Germany as the German city Hamburg have a quiet time between 1 pm to 3 pm. In Berlin, quiet hours are between 10 pm to 6 am.

What is disrespectful in German culture?

Never use the "okay" sign (index finger and thumb jointed together to make a circle). This is considered a rude gesture. Don't point your index finger to your own head. This is an insult.

What is the 51 rule in Germany?

This rule determines that German football clubs may only acquire a competition participation license if the parent member association holds "more than 50% of voting shares plus one additional vote in the shareholders assembly"17 of the commercial company in which the professional football de- partment of that ...

What is the one fifth rule in Germany?

Example of the one-fifth rule

In the first step, the income tax on the taxable income is calculated without including the severance pay. In the second step, the regular taxable income is increased by one fifth of the severance pay and the tax burden is determined on this basis.

Is it rude to shake hands in Germany?

The German people are probably the world's greatest hand shakers. When you are introduced to a German person, you will be expected to shake hands. It is also customary and polite to first introduce and shake the lady's hand. Germans also generally shake hands when they part.

What does the 🤟 hand gesture mean?

Represents love, affection, or a positive, upbeat gesture. Commonly used to show affection or to convey a positive, loving sentiment. Emoji Example: “Sending you all my love 🤟”

What does the eyelid pull mean?

This gesture has different meanings in different cultures, but in many cultures, particularly in the Mediterranean, signifies alertness, or a warning to be watchful. In the Italian language, one can say occhio (eye), not necessarily with the gesture, to signify the same.

Is cursing illegal in Germany?

Whether as an expression of a derogatory value judgement in the form of insult or as an untruthful, defamatory statement of fact – under German law, insulting another person is considered a so-called offence of defamation of honour and is punishable as such under § 185 StGB.

Is smacking illegal in Germany?

Physical violence including spanking on any part of the body is illegal in Germany.

What is harassment in Germany?

Harassment is conduct related to any of the discrimination grounds that takes place with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.