Germany

__ Background of Germany __

As you get toward the boarders, some people may speak Danish and Romani. Many kidsthese days are also learning English as their second language,just as we learn spanish. __ Common Phrases __ __ ﻿ __ Hello- Hallo (Informal) __ German Society __ __ Meetings, Gifts, and Dining __
 * Majority language is Germany as their first language.
 * Majority of the country practices Protestant, and Roman Catholic. The minority religion is Musslim.
 * If you stay after work past closing, it is a sign that you did not plan your workday properly. The Germans love careful planning, it gives them a sense of security that they know what they are doing. Staying late does not show that you are working harder, but you do not know how to plan.
 * Currency is the Euro
 * Hello- Guten Tag! (Formal)
 * Good morning- Guten Morgen (Formal), Morgen (Informal)
 * Good evening- Guten Abend (Formal/Informal)
 * Good night- Gute Nacht (Formal/Informal)
 * How are you? -Wie gehts? (Informal)
 * How are you?- Wie gehts es Ihnen? (Formal)
 * Good-Gut (Formal/Informal)
 * Not so good- Nicht so gut (Formal/Informal)
 * Ok- so la la (Formal/Informal)
 * Good, thanks- Gut, danke (Formal/Informal)
 * Bye!- Aufweidersehen! (Formal)
 * Bye!- Weidersehen! (Informal)
 * Yes- Ja (Formal/Informal)
 * No- Nein (Formal/Informal)
 * Please- Bitte (Formal/Informal)
 * Do not try to think of a new procedure of doing things. Once a procedure is set in place for a task, there is no other way or need of doing it.
 * Just like any other country, you talk proper in the workplace, and informal at households.
 * If you are staying in a house, do not invite others over, only close friends and relatives are invited over, because it is one of the few "informal" places.
 * If you are also staying in a house, keep it clean. The Germans love their homes and liek to keep it clean and everything in a certain spot.

ALWAYS use the formal greetings their last name. Until they tell you to use their first name everyone from the young to the old. or talk about your trip. Never ask personal questions. Never ever. They are all about business to meet them and see them. __ONLY__ give red roses if you are trying to be romantic. __ONLY__ give pink roses if it is a time of sadness. __ONLY__ give lilys at a funeral.
 * Meeting new people is always formal.
 * For handshakes, give a hard, quick, handshake.[[image:thumbnailCARIKZMY.jpg width="231" height="232" align="right"]]
 * Respect is key. Use Frau (Madam) or
 * Herr (Sir), then their title (President, King, etc.) than
 * ("You can call me...") use what is above to call them.
 * When you enter a room, shake hands with EVERYONE,
 * It is alright to talk about sports, soccer is most important,
 * If you are given a present, open it when you get it
 * When invited to a house, give chocolates and/or flowers
 * Tips about flowers. Yellow and pink means you are happy
 * Giving wines should only be from important countries (French and Italian wines). Giving wines from Germany is an insult to the host saying that you can not afford to serve nice wine.
 * Never arrive early. If you are more than 15 minutes late, call the host and tell them why. Most importan[[image:thumbnailCAYQJTAK1.jpg width="166" height="137" align="right"]]tly, write a handwritten note thanking them for inviting you over
 * You hold the fork in your left, and the knife in the right.
 * You do not sit down until the owner invites you to.
 * Do not eat into a cheer has been said.
 * Always eat everything on your table.
 * If you are the guest, give a cheer later in the meal.

__ Business Etiquette __ not showing alot of skin. For men, dark colored suits. remember, they like to be organized. past the time.
 * __ ﻿ __ Owners like to know your academic achievements (where you went to school, what degree, are you qualified etc)
 * Owners also like to know how long your company has been in business and what companies are involved in your business
 * Know your level above other people. Do not disrespect people in authority.
 * Always knock on closed doors and let them open it for you.
 * Germans are direct and to the point, and do not sugarcoat what they say.[[image:thumbnailCAH9J6WS.jpg width="145" height="222" align="right"]]
 * Stay on topic and dont talk about yourself. They want to do the business and leave.
 * Germans also like written agreements and documentations to record for future references.
 * When you go to a business, do not wear flashy clothes.
 * For women, wear business suits are dark color dresses,
 * Do not just walk in, you have to make an appointment,
 * Canceling an appointment is considered disrespectful.
 * All meetings have start times and end times, do not go
 * Germans need details so expect alot of questions about contracts.
 * Maintain direct eye contact. It is a sign that you are trustworthy and are not nervous.
 * The oldest always walk in first, followed by men then women, if their status is equal.
 * Always sit where they tell you to sit.
 * Do not get upset if you are interupted. If no questions are asked about what you said, it is a sign that it is good. If you think your point needs to be heard, just keep on saying it.
 * Contracts are always followed up on. For agrements, print them in German and English.
 * Decisions will not be changed once their stated. The final decision will be from the highest in the company.
 * Negotiation is always done in a process. If not done in a process, it is considered radical.

__ Taboos in Germany __ __ ﻿ __
 * Never make the OK sign with your thumb and pointer finger. It is the same as the middle finger in America.
 * Pointing at someone and shaking your finger (If you are at a meaning and pointing to someone) is a sign that they are crazy.

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