Hi all,
Am an Indian living in Germany since roughly 10 years and have turned german at least on paper.
At heart, I will although very much remain an Indian.
Over the years, I have learnt a bit about german culture, what is expected, which questions or conversations are considered ok and which make germans uncomfortable :D.
I think its important to know what can make germans uncomfortable since this is really important at workplace. Germans in general are a little careful and judgemental especially in the beginning when they are trying to get to know a new person.
In this phase, its important not to ask personal questions such as:
- whether one lives alone,
- whether one favors a particular political party
- or how much money one is earning.
Some of the questions can also be considered as offensive. Probably the last question above is offensive and is needed to be avoided in other cultures as well. Questions which are considered neutral or harmless ;-) in Germany are:
- why does the weather suck?
- how does Bayern Munich manages to be invincible? (football questions are always welcome)
- which is the best local beer? (beer questions in all forms are welcome :-))
At work, there are a few other cliches which are important traditions to follow:
- Bake and bring a cake on your birthday
- Dont share food when you go out with colleagues
- Try to be not very noticeable at work (try to work in the background and achive results, germans dont like smartpants
although they might not accept it ;))
Hope you like this post! Wasn't supposed to be a list of dos or dont's in Germany but may be it turned out to be that way.
Servus! Prost!!