German Language & Etiquette

Since Dresden is located in East Germany, English is not commonly heard. Under Socialism, English was only the second language taught in schools, after Russian. After unification English became required course work in the schools.

Do not assume you will be able to find someone who can speak English to help you. It is more common for younger adults and teenagers to have a basic understanding of English, but if you are having trouble in a situation, it is not uncommon for a German nearby to step in and help you.

Before trying to communicate about something important, it is helpful to prepare in advance. Always have a phrase book handy and use an German / English dictionary or translation website to write out important sentences or key words.

Etiquette and Customs in Germany

If you plan to conduct business with Germans or will be spending a lot of time with Germans in their homes, it would be wise to educate yourself in the subtleties of German etiquette. You can begin by reading the information provided at Business German and Kwintessential.

Here are a few of the basics:

Greetings:

• When entering a store or greeting someone say "Guten Morgen" (good morning) "Guten Tag" (good day) or "Guten Abend" (good evening).
• When leaving you can say good-bye formally "Auf Wiedersehen" or informally "Tschüs".
• To thank someone you can say "Danke" and they will reply "Bitte" as it is used as "your welcome". Bitte is also used as "please".

Eating:

• When invited to the home of a German for a meal, be sure to bring a small gift such as flowers, wine or chocolates. If you bring flowers, make sure you take the paper off before handing to your host.
• Most restaurants expect you to seat yourself.
• When eating with Germans, food may arrive at different times and it is all right to begin eating as soon as the host says "Guten Appetit".
• When you are done with your meal, place your fork and knife parallel on the plate to indicate you are finished.
• You will have to ask for the bill at a restaurant. Simply say "Die Rechnung, bitte". You will pay your bill at the table and the wait staff will make your change at the table. If you would like to give a tip hand it directly to your waiter.

Train Travel:

• Germans are quiet in public, so keep your conversations low and do not engage in boisterous behavior.
• Do not use other seats for your shopping bags or luggage. Stow them in the overhead rack.
• Stretching your legs out onto the seat in front of you is tolerated if there are plenty of seats available, but place something under your feet to avoid leaving dirt.