A Little Advice for Foreign Students

Whether you are at the university, with public authorities, or spending free time, you should pay attention to some basic things in your first encounters with Germans. In doing this you will make your stay here as pleasant as possible.

Greeting

When you meet someone for the first time do not go straight for a hug. Try a friendly handshake instead.

Punctuality

If you say 8 O'Clock, you mean 8 O'Clock,  not an hour early to help with cooking or to watch your host get ready. An hour late would be just as fatal -  the noodles will be overcooked. For a gift people always appreciate a bouquet of flowers (other than red roses), pralines, or wine.

Communication

Private and business are strictly seperated. Communication is direct and objective; the Germans get right to the point, no elaborations, no private details ("Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps").

Organisation

Exact arrangements must be upheld (that is, at least, what is expected). Germans plan far ahead of time and love details. Short notice changes, improvisations, and hectic planning are less appreciated and considered unprofessional.

Personal Distance

At the first encounter Germans often behave in a reserved manner, almost cold. If you earn a German's trust he/she will be very dependable and often one of the best friends you can find.  

Family

Family still has a large significance; when a German talks about his/her family, it is usually with someone who he or she has known for a long while.

Love of Order and Bureaucracy

The German loves clean streets, parks, places, strict traffic rules, instructions everywhere (down to the smallest detail; "Schilderwald" [forest of signs]). The German also likes to engage in environmentally freindly projects.

Individualism

The German is both a passionate lone warrior as well as a social being to the point of abandonment of self. Many Germans engage themselves in social, cultural, or athletic projects and clubs. 

The Culture Office of the Student Union offers a detailed "Introduction to German Cultural Standards" in the form of a workshop at your chosen College or University.