CSLS „NO Gaffe“ Series
True or False
1. In Germany, it is common to kiss on the cheek rather than to shake hands.
2. In Austria, it is considered rude to speak loudly in the subway.
3. In Germany and Austria, nudity is considered taboo.
4. Being on time is not so important in these countries.
5. German speakers very much appreciate it if you speak their language (at least a
“Americans are my favorite
tourists since they are kind and
they don‘t try to draw attention
to themselves like the Spanish,
Brits or Italians.”
“I find Americans (‘Amis’) to be
very kind; as a matter of fact, I
like them so much that I fell in
love with an American and am
now considering to move to the
States”
“Generous tippers but no table
manners”
“Annoying [about Americans]:
Superficial small talk with
people they don’t know”
“Very opinionated”
“Generally speaking, the „Ami“
is very relaxed as a tourist and
also very kind …”
“… and yet you should not have
to listen to his/her whole life
story!“
“It is annoying when Americans
(in groups) are noisy
(screaming). For dinner they
show up in T-Shirts and tennis
shoes”
Noise level in public
DO only share your stories with those who really want to h
them.
DO be aware that it is considered rude to be noisy in publi
Language and Understanding
DO Learn some basic German (politeness)
DO know some general geography
DON’T think people can’t understand you if you speak
English.
DON’T expect to make friends immediately: takes longer,
so people won’t be as personal as first
Common Street Behavior
DON’T get offended when people run into you and forget
to apologize.
DO shake hands
DON’T hug or kiss until you know each other a lot better
DO have your passport with you
DON’T litter
Traffic
DON’T step on the bike lane
DON‘T jaywalk
DON‘T block the doors when using public transportation
DON’T block the escalator
Cultural sights
Do pay respect to cultural heritage
Shopping and Buying things
DON’T plan on shopping on Sundays
DO bring your own bag
DON’T expect somebody else to bag your
groceries
DON’T calculate taxes in your head
DON’T leave your cash at home
Conversation
DO limit your small talk
DON’T necessarily avoid politics at all costs
DO stay away from stereotypical conversation topics
such as Hitler
Social Events I
Restaurant:
DON’T tip like you are still in America
DON’T wait for the bill
DON’T expect to pay with plastic
DON’T expect your drinks to come with ice/free
refill
Table manners:
DO look people in the eyes (“Cheers)
DON’T start before everyone has their food
DON’T leave the table when people are still
eating
DON’T eat by only using the folk
DON’T cross your knife and fork
DON’T talk with full mouth
DON’T chew with your mouth open
SOCIAL EVENTS II
Parties/Coming together
DON’T forget to bring something for the host
DON’T make plans you won’t keep
DON’T be late
Birthdays:
DON’T wish anybody Happy Birthday before their
actual birthday
DON‘T expect your friends to pay for your birthday
dinner BUT …