Are you planning your next level of education in Germany? If yes, you must prepare yourself for the German land by learning German, knowing basic etiquette, studying culture, and much more. Landing on a foreign land is a challenging task, and learning German dining etiquette in advance is the key to overcoming that challenge.
The Germans are quite particular and sophisticated about traditional specialities and culture. German table etiquette and cultural norms play a crucial role. Among these customs is the intriguing practice of hand placement, an unspoken yet essential aspect. If you are planning to enroll in any prestigious German university keep reading further to avoid any kind of embarrassment.
This Blog Includes:
Tischmanieren – German Table Dining Etiquette
German dining etiquette for eating – Never start with the food until the host gives an indication or starts eating. This is a basic etiquette that you should never start having food at first. It is considered rude by the host. Generally, Germans indicate to start your dinner by saying “Guten Appetit”. So, even if you are not aware of the German language, you can start with your food after listening to these German words.
German dining etiquette for napkins – As soon as you sit on the table, unfold the napkin and keep it on your lap. Don’t remove the napkin throughout your meal. After finishing off your meal, remove the napkin slowly, fold it, and keep it on your plate.
German dining etiquette for crockery – Always keep the crockery on the dining table in the 10 o’clock position placing the knife above the fork. While having your food, keep the knife in your right hand and fork in your left hand. After finishing off your meal, place the fork and spoon parallel to each other on the plate. The position of the crockery indicates that you are done with your meal.
German dining etiquette for sitting – Not only in Germany but in most parts of the world, the most honoured guest or senior citizen sits in the centre with the most important guests beside them on the right and left side.
German dining etiquette for restaurants – Never greet each other by calling their names as it is perceived as impolite behaviour. Always make eye contact while having a conversation at the table. Never over-boast yourself as people in Germany are not interested in listening much.
Also Read: Are you confused between German and American cultures? Check our blog on 6 Mind-Blowing Differences Between German And American Culture
Do’s for Dining
If you are planning to visit a restaurant or dinner date with your baes, there is German dining etiquette that you must follow at the dining table to save yourself from being frowned upon.
- Always talk about pleasant things.
- Always discuss positive things on the table.
- Discuss the creative things or people you met on the way.
- Always be polite while having discussions at the dining table.
- Say excuse me or sorry, in case of a burp.
- Always sit straight while dining.
- Keep the napkin on your lap before starting your meal.
- The napkin should remain on your lap for the entire meal.
- Keep on passing the dishes from your right.
- Always pass pepper along, if asked for salt.
- Wait for the host to indicate or let everyone start on the table.
- Always close your mouth while chewing.
Don’ts for Dining
- Never talk about unpleasant things.
- Never discuss bathroom or washroom issues while dining.
- Don’t speak while chewing the food.
- Don’t lean on the dining table.
- Never keep your elbows on the dining table.
- Never start eating until your host indicates you to start.
- Never use smartphones while having your food.
FAQs on German Dining Etiquette
In German dining etiquette table manners are continental. So, always use your left hand for the fork and the right hand for the knife. Never change your hands while eating.
German dining etiquette is quite different from the USA. People in Germany usually use a fork and knife to eat almost everything rather in America they tend to use their fingers more.
There is no concept of serving food in German dining etiquette. Generally, the serving dishes are passed from right to left.
The tip of waiters actually depends on the hospitality services and the quality of food provided. Generally, waiters and bar staff should be tipped approximately 5% to 10%.
Hope you liked our blog. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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