Germany: Prosperous Entertaining - Part 3
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
The most common toasts are “Zum Wohl!” [with wine] and “Prost!” [with beer], both of which generally mean a wish for good health. When making a toast, it is important to maintain direct eye contact from the time the glass is raised, until it is placed back on the table. If many people are being toasted, make eye contact with each individual around the table as you make the toast. This rule becomes even more important to remember as you move west to east through Germany.
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When eating, always use utensils; very few foods here are intended to be eaten with the hands. North Americans will be surprised to find that even pizzas are eaten with a knife and fork, unless sold by the piece to go. Also, refrain from making audible slurping sounds when eating or drinking soup! This is considered very bad table manners not only in Germany but throughout Europe. When eating, do not lean far over your plate, but remain relatively upright, leaning slightly forward as you bring your fork or spoon towards your mouth. Note that if you are familiar with French table etiquette you won't have any problems in Germany.
In Germany, the knife is used much more actively throughout the meal. Eating with only one hand, with the other hand placed on one's lap under the table is not considered sophisticated table etiquette.
There are often many additional pieces of cutlery, such as for appetizers, or buttering bread, for dessert, etc. If you are unsure of which utensil to use, the best policy is to start from the outside and work your way in, course by course.
If you do not want any more food or drink, say so politely [see above re: food restrictions]. Germans will not ask again, as they expect you to express your personal wishes. They will also not take it as impolite or an insult if you say “no”. Try not, however, to leave significant portions of food on your plate, as this may suggest to your host that you find something wrong with it.
Unlike relationship-oriented cultures where many gestures of social interaction express and reinforce the emotional comfort between two parties, Germans can act and react quite literally. For instance, Germans do not generally serve other people. Plates of food are passed around the table and each person takes what and how much he wants. Therefore, do not expect to be served by your host or fellow diners, even if you are the honored guest, and vice versa. The host will, however, often ask his guests if they would like more to drink. In the case of wine, the host usually does the pouring, but if this is a large table, it is perfectly normal to pass the wine bottle to the person who wants it and he would pour for himself or herself.
When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate. It will be taken as a signal to your waiter or host that your dishes can be cleared away.
When not eating, but still have the knife and fork in your hands, ensure that you keep only your wrists resting above the table. When eating, never put your elbows on the table.
If those around you are not smoking, you should ask permission before lighting up. Also, before you smoke, it's considered polite to offer cigarettes to those in your company.
For restaurants and taxis, a tip of 10% or slightly less will be sufficient.
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