Meeting Etiquette
The Germans are very formal by nature and their greetings are formal.
A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting. They refer to people using titles and these are very important and denote respect. Until invited to use their first name, it is advised to use a person's title and their surname until. Wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a group. Sake hands with everyone individually, including children when you enter a room.
Dining Etiquette
The Germans are very particular about planning. When you are invited to a Germans house, arrive on time as punctuality indicates proper planning but never arrive early.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes later than invited, do make sure you inform them by a telephone call to explain that you have been detained. Sending a handwritten thank you note the following day to thank your hostess for her hospitality is always appreciated.
Table manners
Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
Table manners in general state that the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or someone says 'guten appetit'.
At a large dinner party, only after the hostess places her napkin in her lap can you do it yourself.
Do not rest your elbows on the table.
Do not cut lettuce in a salad. Fold it using your knife and fork.
Cut as much of your food with your fork as possible, since this compliments the cook by indicating the food is tender.
Finish everything on your plate. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate, with the fork over the knife.
Business Dress Etiquette
Business dress is understated, formal and conservative.
Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.
