About Germany
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Social & Business CustomsFoodThe main meal of the day in Germany tends to be lunch with a light snack eaten at about seven in the evening. Breakfasts, served in hotels consist usually of a boiled egg, bread rolls with jam, honey, cold cuts and cheese slices. Menu meals, served in a simple Gasthof or Cafe usually includes three courses. International specialty restaurants such as Chinese, Greek and Turkish can be found everywhere in the western part of the country. Local regional specialties cover an enormous range. DrinkThe national drink is beer in its many forms. Regional flavors vary from light pilsner-type lagers to heavy stouts. German wines are among the finest in the world. Some of the most famous are grown in the Rhine and the Moselle Valley. NightlifeIn larger towns and cities in western and eastern Germany, visitors will have the choice between theater, opera, nightclubs, bars with live music and discos catering to every taste. Berlin, in particular is famous for its large selection of after-hours venues. ShoppingSpecial purchases include precision optical equipment such as binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steelware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, toys from Nuremberg and Bavarian Loden cloth. Special purchases in eastern Germany include musical instruments, wooden carved toys from the Erzgebirge Mountains and Meissen china. Shopping HoursStores are generally open from 6AM to 8PM on Monday to Friday, 6AM-4PM on Saturday and closed on Sunday. TippingIt is customary to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, cloakroom attendants and in bars, and a 10 per cent tip in restaurants. BusinessBusiness people are expected to dress smartly. Many local business people speak English but it is an advantage to have a working knowledge of German. Appointment times should be strictly adhered to. Always use titles such as Herr Doktor or Frau Doktor when addressing business contacts. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM (most close earlier on Friday). |