When you first find yourself, for example, in Germany, you are unlikely to want to find yourself in an awkward position due to ignorance of local rules of conduct. So check them out before you leave. This will help you to be well received in German society.
Instructions
Step 1
Follow the rules of courtesy in the conversation. The interlocutor with whom you do not have a close acquaintance should say "you". It is also advisable to add "herr" or "frau" to his surname when addressing directly, depending on gender. The word "fraulein", which used to refer to unmarried girls, can be considered outdated. It practically does not apply to adults.
Step 2
If you are in a group of people, some of whom are Russian, you should not have a conversation with each other in a language that the others cannot understand. As a last resort, you can switch to English, as it is understood by a significant part of the inhabitants of Germany.
Step 3
When visiting home with Germans, you should not take off your shoes. An exception may be a situation when it is raining or snowing outside. And in this case, it is better to clarify a similar question with the owners.
Step 4
Observe the rules for using public transport. In large German cities, such as Berlin, the territory is divided into several zones. Depending on your needs, you can buy tickets to cross one or more of them. If you purchased a ticket for zones A and B, but decided to use it to travel to area C, this will be considered a violation and you may be fined. Consider one more detail: if you are traveling by bus or tram with a bicycle, you will have to buy a special ticket for this.
Step 5
When visiting local restaurants, also consider their specifics. Do not rush to order several dishes - traditionally portions in Germany are very large. The exception is gourmet establishments, where there are several changes of dishes at lunchtime. The weight of the dish on the menu is not always indicated, so if you have a choice, it is better to order a small or half portion. Tipping is at your discretion and usually amounts to no more than 5-10% of the bill.
Step 6
Choose the right time to shop. In Germany, especially in small towns, there are few shops open around the clock. Souvenir shops most often close at six, and grocery stores at about eight. There are exceptions, but it’s best to start shopping in advance.
