Europe group posting on GLOBOsapiens

Deutsche Kultur Questions

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dorpus Joined: Oct 06 Points: 8 Posts: 2 Posted: 2006-10-19 02:02:00    Hi, I have never been to Europe before. I will be making a 3-day trip to Heidelberg via Stuttgart. I want to clarify these questions which were not answered by guidebooks or "Germany Guide" sites on the web. I have lived all over the USA and in Japan before, and I'm assuming the cultural differences are at least as great. - Do hotel rooms in Germany supply soap and shampoo, or was this outlawed by the Kyoto Protocol? Some hotels in the USA do this. - Do hotel rooms in Germany have their own shower stalls, or is this considered a funny American invention? (In Japan, where people say they value cleanliness, hotel rooms rarely have their own shower stalls, and it is considered a funny American invention.) - Are there espresso bars in Germany, or is this considered a funny foreign practice? (The Germans I've met get upset when I talk about America or Italy.) - If there are espresso bars, do they serve iced drinks? - Do waiters in Germany expect tips, or will they be offended by the "bribe"? How about taxi drivers? (Europeans are anti-capitalist, anti-work-incentive, and find the notion of bonus pays by American companies "offensive".) - Is it true that Germans will be offended if you drink tap water? (I read this in a guide book.) - Can you ask for cold beer in Germany, or is this considered offensive? (I've heard many people say that beer is served warm in Germany.) - Are you supposed to break beer mugs on the floor, or do only Russians do this? - Do Germans click glasses, or is this considered obscene? (It is considered obscene in some parts of Europe.) - Are men supposed to open doors for women, or is this considered "sexist" and offensive? (In Asia and some parts of the US, it is considered sexual harrassment.) - Is it normal for men to have crew cuts? (In some countries, it is considered a gangster hairstyle and people run away.) - Is it ok to kiss in public, or is this considered an obscene Latin custom? - Do Germans have a custom of shaking hands, or is this considered an obscene American custom? (I've met French or Italians who seem to think it is.) - Do Germans perform bear hugs, or do only gays do this? - When giving cash to a cashier, are you supposed to place it on the table or on their hand? (Some parts of the world, including parts of the USA, consider it offensive to place it directly on the hand.) - Are you supposed to finish your plate, or is this considered offensive? (It is considered offensive in Italy.) - Are you supposed to burp after a meal, or is this considered offensive? (Some countries expect you to burp after a meal for good manners.) - I've seen Germans cut food into small pieces before eating it, is this what you are supposed to do? - Are you supposed to leave lights on or off when exiting a room? (Some countries expect you to leave the lights on, because the darkness is offensive.) Reply    Reply with quote    Contact dorpus   rangutan Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 34752 Posts: 1044 Posted: 2006-10-19 22:00:00    Most US citizens are descendants of Europeans, so the two cultures are not entirely different! There is a series of books I always recommend for the purpose of learning more about cultural differences. I wish I had read the "Culture Shock - Germany" before I arrived here 15 years ago and certainly recommend it now, it answers most the questions above. Remember also that some parts of Germany have there sub-culture, like the Bavarians and most the states really, like Texans differ from New Yorkers etc. See www.listsofbests.com/list/8283 item 32 Here are some answers to your questions: Americans are generally loved in Germany, specially in the south where many were based after the war. Germans are far more aware of environment and social issues and so the USA not signing various global protocols (also against landmines)and the topic "war" are sore discussion points rather to be avoided. - Hotels have soap and shower cubicles, usually baths too. In cheaper hostels or guesthouses there may be shared bathrooms. - There are coffee bars in cities but more popular are bakeries (confectioners) with high tables and standing space. Germans are coffee lovers! There are enough of these. - Germans are poor tippers so tipping is open for each individuals decision. The new generation usually add a Euro and round the bill up to the next whole Euro saying “passt, danke” and escape! The south west Germans (“Schwabs”), like the Scottish and Jews, are known to care very carefully with money. - southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland have the best quality tap water but it is not generally served in restaurants, that is like asking for a peanut butter sandwich or something else that is not on the menu! Ordering just water will usually be that with gas (CO2) in it. Coke with ice must be specially requested, for US citizens, rather ask for a glass filled with ice and topped up with cola! Note, in normal restaurants one may choose seating without the assistance of a waiter! - Beer is usually served cool but not ice-cold, neither with ice in it. Don’t break glasses. Cheers are done by clinging glasses together saying „prost“ while looking the other in the eyes. - it is courteous to assist women where possible but some women do not expect it anymore. - Crew cuts are very popular now - unlike around the Mediterranean rim, kissing, nakedness, even intercourse may be seen in public, specially in the parks. Apposed to the USA; violence, carring of guns and noise are not tolerated in public at all. - Shaking hands is normal, women, and Moslem men might exchange kisses on their cheeks. - when paying, place the cash on the table or at a cashier there is usually a plate or bowl to place it in and collect your change and receipt. - Burping is considered very rude. In the presence of some religious extremely insulting, worse than farting! - All Europeans eat using both the knife and fork simultaneously. Children may get their food cut in advance. The US-American way of cutting food in advance and using just a fork is accepted but humorously. - Europeans are very energy saving, lights and equipment is turned off if not in use (we have extreamly small fuel efficient cars too!) Hope this helps, members please correct if anything wrong. R‘Rudi [ This Message was edited by: rangutan on 2006-10-20 01:00 ] --- Rudolf "Rangutan" Graspointner Reply    Reply with quote    Contact rangutan   dorpus Joined: Oct 06 Points: 8 Posts: 2 Posted: 2006-10-20 03:10:00    Thanks for the sincere reply. People on other forums said more or less the same things, but it also has sarcasm in it so I was not sure what to take seriously. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact dorpus   bendie Joined: Jul 06 Points: 12 Posts: 3 Posted: 2006-10-24 20:56:00    If you behave same as home, people will be OK. American and German cultures are not so different, that you can easily offend people by normal behavior. And try to forget the stereotypes about Germans. I know so many of them, but nobody could fit into the picture :-) --- Bara www.flylowcostairlines.org Reply    Reply with quote    Contact bendie   kristychama Joined: Dec 06 Points: 4 Posts: 1 Posted: 2006-12-15 21:39:00    Good luck meeting Germans on a 3-day trip to some of the most US populated areas in Germany. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact kristychama   bettyk Joined: Dec 06 Points: 8 Posts: 2 Posted: 2006-12-23 10:38:00    Hi! I´m from Germany and I can tell you that people are very friendly and open to all people. Don´t be afraid of doing anything wrong. Be yourself, but resprect the other culture and people. If your not sure, ask other people or have a look on the them. I wish you a good time! Have fun Travel Guide Germany - http://fitforeurope.com/germany/ Reply    Reply with quote    Contact bettyk