German Culture

Verbal

• Direct Communication: German communication styles are quite direct and functionally purposed. People generally speak honestly, clearly and explicitly to arrive straight to the point. Criticism may be delivered vaguely in order to remain polite and avoid offence, but a German’s intention and meaning is usually clear and apparent through their precise word choice. This communication style can cause Germans to interpret others’ words literally. It can also give some foreigners the impression that they are quite brash or blunt. However, it is simply their way of ensuring clear communication.
• Small Talk: As German communication is quite functionally purposeful, people tend to spend less time warming up a conversation with small talk. It is not considered rude to jump straight to the point of a meeting or conversation. Germans are usually open to indulging in idle chit-chat when they notice their counterpart wants to talk lightly; however, they are unlikely to initiate it.
• Honesty: While it is important to be polite and discreet when delivering difficult news, it is also very important to be honest with Germans. They generally speak openly about what is important to them. Avoid being evasive when you are asked sensitive questions. Exercise discretion and be honest; indirect behaviour is likely to be interpreted literally.
• Humour: Germans often laugh at the irony of situations, wordplay, and innuendo. However, many of these jokes lose their hilarity when translated into English. Furthermore, as Germans are quite direct communicators, they may take jokes literally – for example, missing the sarcasm in the speaker’s tone. This has led to the German people being stereotyped as humourless and serious. Be careful when making self-deprecating jokes, as they are less common in Germany. If the German you’re speaking with is not familiar with such humour, it can easily be misinterpreted as a real lack of self-confidence. The same can be said of jokes that talk about another person’s failing as the punchline.
• Silence: Germans tend to speak only when they have something significant to say and have already refined their opinion. As such, they do not always have the compulsion to fill the silence.

Non-Verbal

• Personal Space: Germans usually keep about an arm’s length distance between one another when talking, and sometimes a little extra between men and women, depending on how well they know each other. Standing too close to someone can be seen as an invasion of their privacy.
• 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. Women tend to be more physically affectionate with each other than men. In Germany, it is polite to apologise if you accidentally bump into someone or make unwanted physical contact by saying “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me).
• Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is expected, especially when speaking about a serious matter. It conveys sincerity and approachability. Avoiding eye contact may be seen as an indication of dishonesty or a lack of confidence. It is appropriate to break eye contact now and again, as holding it for prolonged periods can make people uncomfortable. When speaking to a group, be sure to make equal eye contact with everyone present.
• Expression: Some Germans may have quite a serious exterior upon first meeting people, reserving smiles for friends. Once they are familiar with someone, they generally become very animated.
• Pointing: Most Germans use their index finger to point at objects, but some may use their little/pinkie finger. Pointing your index finger directly at someone is considered deeply disrespectful. If you must indicate a person, use your whole open hand or palm.
• Wishing Good Luck: To cross one’s fingers (Daumen drücken) is an idiom used to express hope that a person will succeed in a difficult or uncertain situation, for example, when taking part in a game of chance or waiting for an uncertain result. In Germany, the gesture involves holding the thumb between the other fingers while making a fist, symbolising a wish for good luck or a positive outcome.
• Horizontal Hand Wave (Disbelief Gesture): Germans may hold a flat hand and wave it side to side in front of the face to signal disbelief. This gesture indicates that something is considered ridiculous or absurd, roughly equivalent to saying “you’ve got to be kidding me.”
• Obscene Gestures: The “OK” sign (forming a circle with the thumb and index finger) may be interpreted as vulgar in some contexts. While a standard peace sign (palm facing outward) is fine, making a V-sign with your palm facing inward is an offensive insult in Germany. Any Nazi-related salute is strictly illegal.
• Counting: In Germany, finger counting often begins with the thumb rather than the index finger. One is shown with the thumb; two with the thumb and index finger; three with the thumb, index, and middle finger; and so on. This difference in convention can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in informal settings, such as bars or restaurants, where a single raised index finger may be interpreted as “two” rather than “one.”