If you're planning a school trip to Germany, then you'll be excited about the opportunity to watch your students explore German culture.
As German culture is arguably closer to British culture than many other countries around the world, generally the same rules of etiquette do apply. But there are a few differences that you should make your students aware of before you travel, so they don't accidentally cause offence.
That's where this guide comes in.
Greetings
What better place to start than greetings?
Much like in the UK, when you meet Germans, you can generally expect to shake hands. And if you're meeting a group of Germans, you'll likely need to shake hands with all of them.
Your group will probably be relieved to hear that (unlike in France) the continental kissing isn't really a thing in Germany - it's almost exclusively reserved for close friends and family.
We won't need to tell you this if you're a German teacher, but if you're not and you are planning to get your group speaking a little bit of German on your trip, it's worth pointing out that you should address Germans with the more formal ‘Sie’ until they tell you it’s OK to use the less formal ‘Du’.
It’s normally the older person (or the person of highest rank) who suggests the switch – but as a foreigner, honestly, it’s often advisable to allow native speakers to take the lead.
Remember to use ‘Herr’ (for men) or ‘Frau’ (for women) plus their family name to address people, unless they invite you to use their first name. And just FYI, ‘Fraulein’ (once used to address unmarried women) is now considered outdated - so, avoid.
Titles are also taken very seriously in Germany, whether they’re a mark of nobility or academic achievement. So, it's important to include them when you address people (e.g. Herr Doktor Klopp or Frau Professor Müller) - something your students are probably already pretty comfortable with.
Food and drink
In the restaurant
Whenever eating as a group in Germany, you should really wait until everyone has received their food before you start.
Germans rarely eat with their hands (and that includes food such as pizza), so you should try to follow suit and use cutlery pretty much always. Remind students to keep their hands above the table and not to rest their elbows on the table.
Finished your meal? Place your knife and fork at the side of the plate, parallel to one another. Just taking a break? Crossing your knife and fork lets your waiter know that you’re not yet finished with your meal.
Other things to note
Be sensitive to history
This really goes without saying, but it’s worth reminding all members of your group that making the Nazi salute, shouting ‘Heil Hitler’, displaying other Nazi symbols and denying the Holocaust aren't just offensive - they're all criminal offences in Germany.
Walk this way
Please make your group aware that it is very important not to jaywalk in Germany. Not only will you attract some very disapproving looks, but you could even be hit with a fine. So, make sure you always wait for the Ampelmann.
And if there's a bike lane, do NOT walk in it – you could very well be shouted at (or even run over).
In the shop
It's really important to say hello ('Guten Tag' in the daytime, 'Guten Abend' in the evening, for example) when entering a shop (particularly a smaller shop). And remind your students to say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ when they leave, too.
Respect the environment
The Germans are very environmentally conscious and so take recycling very seriously. Make sure everyone in your group is aware that they will need to recycle where possible and definitely should NOT litter (they will be shouted at or even fined if they do).
No such thing as 'fashionably' late
There's no such thing as ‘fashionably late’ in Germany – you’re just late (and rude). Punctuality is a serious thing for Germans (and you’ll also be judged if you arrive massively too early).
If you really cannot make a meeting or visit on time, you must call ahead to inform the person expecting you.
Think of it as a brilliant opportunity for students to hone their timekeeping/time management skills...
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