Is eye contact rude in Germany? (2024)

Is eye contact rude in Germany?

In Germany, it's considered polite to maintain eye contact almost all the time while talking to another person. This is especially important during business meetings. Eye contact is a sign of attentiveness, and you don't need to be afraid of threatening someone with this.

Is it rude to stare in Germany?

Once the shock of people staring a little longer than expected wears off, it becomes clear that staring in Germany is actually a sign of politeness in certain circ*mstances. Staring into the eyes of others is an important part of saying 'prost' (cheers) before drinking a beer or a glass of wine.

What is considered rude in German?

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.

How is physical contact viewed in Germany?

Physical Contact: People tend not to touch one another very much during communication unless they are close friends. Touching someone on the shoulder or arm to emphasise a point is generally acceptable, but can otherwise be seen as a sexual advance.

What does staring mean in Germany?

In Germany, intense eye contact is a daily occurrence – to such an extend that expats and visitors have dubbed it “The Germanic Stare Down.” German pedestrians also use it to communicate, and the right amount of eye contact at the right time can mean “I am walking here, and it's not my fault if you don't move over and ...

Do Germans prefer eye contact?

In Germany, it's considered polite to maintain eye contact almost all the time while talking to another person. This is especially important during business meetings. Eye contact is a sign of attentiveness, and you don't need to be afraid of threatening someone with this.

Is it OK 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.

What are weird manners in Germany?

What is taboo in German culture?

Feeding animals indiscriminately. “Rubber-time” Taking pictures and getting close to strange children. Washing the car yourself indiscriminately.

What is the most offensive German swear?

Leck mich am Arsch!

This phrase is considered one of the most offensive things you can say in German.

What does a thumbs up mean in Germany?

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 does the middle finger mean in Germany?

Under German's insult law, using curse words and insulting gestures like the middle finger and sticking out the tongue is illegal. The gesture is known as flipping someone off and is a phallic symbol used in the past to belittle and insult somebody.

How do Germans show 3 on hand?

For example:

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

How to flirt in Germany?

Why do people stare so much in Germany?

People stare at you all the time

German pedestrians also use it to communicate, and the right amount of eye contact at the right time can mean “I am walking here, and it's not my fault if you don't move over and get pushed off the sidewalk.” It might take some practice, but just try to stare as the locals stare.

How to not be rude in Germany?

Germans are extremely punctual and well-mannered. Showing up late, losing your cool, or raising your voice are all considered rude and thoughtless. If you step out of line, don't be surprised or offended if someone corrects your behavior, as this is very common in the German culture.

What cultures view eye contact as disrespectful?

From a cultural standpoint, most Asian, Middle East, and Hispanic cultures all consider 'extended' eye contact to be rude. Some Native American vultures, too. It's really only us in the west that regard constant eye contact as a sign of paying attention closely.

Which cultures avoid eye contact?

In many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, however, this unbroken eye contact would be considered aggressive and confrontational. These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders.

What cultures think eye contact is disrespectful?

While maintaining eye contact is positively evaluated by Western Europeans, it is not the case with people of East Asian cultural backgrounds [27]. In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful.

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 is the legal drinking age in Germany?

Adolescents aged 16 and over are allowed to buy and drink beer, wine or sparkling wine also in absence of their parents, but other -heavy- alcoholic drinks are not allowed for them either. From the 18th birthday, a person is considered an adult in Germany.

What are the drinking rules in Germany?

Belgium, Denmark and Germany set 16 years as the minimum age for purchasing beverages containing less than 1.2 % of distilled alcohol and 18 years for buying spirits (more than 1.2 % of distilled alcohol).

What are the unspoken rules of German culture?

Don't turn up late for an appointment or when meeting people. Germans are extremely punctual, and even a few minutes' delay can offend. Be five to 10 minutes early for important appointments and be sure to call the people you are meeting if you really cannot make it in time.

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.

What is the German weird B thing?

In German, the ß character is called eszett. It's used in “Straße,” the word for street, and in the expletive “Scheiße.” It's often transliterated as “ss,” and strangely enough, it's never had an official uppercase counterpart. The letter “a” has “A” and “b” has “B,” while ß had… nothing.