What is the etiquette in Germany?

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.
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What are some do's and don'ts 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.
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What is considered disrespectful in German culture?

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

Never shake hands with one hand in your pocket. Names and Titles. Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your German host or colleagues to use their first names. Titles are very important. Never use titles incorrectly and never fail to use them.
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German Etiquette 2025: What to Do & Avoid When Visiting Germany

What is a rude gesture in Germany?

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.
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Is staring considered 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.
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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.
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What is 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.
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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 ...
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What is frowned upon in Germany?

Things not to do in Germany include jaywalking, skipping train fares, smoking in public places, making noise on Sundays, walking in bike lanes, and making Nazi gestures or comments. Littering, not sorting trash, and being late are also frowned upon.
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What does the middle finger mean in Germany?

Much like in many other countries, the act of flipping someone the middle finger in Germany, often referred to as “flipping the bird,” is highly offensive. This gesture is extremely rude and disrespectful, and can lead to serious confrontations, especially in professional settings.
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Should you smile at strangers in Germany?

Germans really don't smile at strangers that they won't interact with. Smiling might even be considered flirting by some or at least trying to initiate that or at least an interaction. Obviously most Germans aren't too keen on talking to strangers - so that might explain the looks.
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What is considered bad manners in Germany?

Chewing gum while talking to someone is considered rude. Eye contact during the introduction is serious, direct, and should be maintained as long as the person is addressing you. Even in public between strangers, eye contact or out and out staring can be direct and not necessarily smiling.
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What not to take to Germany?

Restrictions
  • Medicinal products and narcotics. You must observe certain requirements if you are bringing medicinal products as normal travel requisites. ...
  • Cash. ...
  • Fireworks. ...
  • Instruments of torture. ...
  • Dangerous dogs. ...
  • Publications or media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional publications. ...
  • Cultural assets. ...
  • Food and feedstuffs.
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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.
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What food is not allowed into Germany?

All personal consignments of meat, meat products, milk and milk products are prohibited to enter the EU . Exceptions are infant food or special foods required for medical reasons. For more information please contact the German Customs Information Desk (see below).
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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.
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What is the zipper rule in Germany?

The system is encoded in German Road Traffic Regulations (§ 7 (4) StVO) and dictates that when two lanes converge into one, drivers should proceed all the way to the front of their respective lane and wait to merge at the last possible point. Then they should alternately fold together like teeth on a zipper.
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What is the 30% rule in Germany?

The German Federal Finance Court (Bundesfinanzhof, short: BFH) has clarified that the flat-rate tax exemption of wages under the Dutch 30% rule is to be regarded as a reimbursement of extraterritorial additional costs. As a result, this portion of the salary is also tax-exempt in Germany, the country of residence.
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What strange laws and rules are there in Germany?

On so-called public holidays, such as Good Friday, All Saints' Day or Sunday of the Dead, dancing is prohibited. Each federal state can set its own rules. In Bavaria, for example, sports and music events are prohibited on these days. If someone breaks the rules, they will be fined 10,000 euros.
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What counts as hate speech in Germany?

In Germany, on the other hand, it is a criminal offense to publicly deny the Nazi genocide. This falls under what is known as "incitement to hatred." Anyone who incites hatred or violence against certain ethnic, religious, or national groups can be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
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Is it insulting to tip in Germany?

Do you tip in Germany? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Germany - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.
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Do Germans show affection in public?

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.
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