Punctuality is non-negotiable, eye contact during a toast is obligatory, silence is respectful. The unwritten rules.
Arriving late signals disrespect. For meetings: 5 minutes early. For dinner invitations: exactly on time (not early). For interviews: even 1 minute late can cost you the offer.
Germans say goodbye thoroughly. Plan 20–30 minutes for goodbyes at a dinner party door. Trying to exit quickly reads as rude.
Main hot meal at lunch (Mittagessen). Evening is Abendbrot — cold cuts, cheese, bread. Dinner invitations are often lighter than expected.
Recycling correctly is a social responsibility. Yellow bin, blue bin, brown bin, Pfandflaschen. Wrong sorting generates real social disapproval from neighbours.
When toasting (Prost!), make direct eye contact with every person you clink glasses with. Breaking eye contact during a toast is considered bad luck and rude.
