What does the middle finger mean in Germany?

In a gesture meant to express anything from discontent to irritation, the Stinkefinger is a nonverbal affront obtained by balling hands into a fist, turning the palm of the hand inward, then extending the middle finger.

Is the middle finger rude in Germany?

2. Thumb Between Index and Middle Fingers. This is a rude gesture that Germany share with Russia. It basically symbolizes a sexual act, and is seen as being highly insulting.

What does crossing your fingers mean in Germany?

In Germany, you press your thumbs when you're wishing someone good luck. It's the equivalent of crossing your fingers for someone. Someone might say to you “Ich drück' dir die Daumen!” in the same way one says “I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!” in English.

What is considered offensive in Germany?

Show the Nazi salute

Showing the Nazi salute, or any other Nazi symbol, flag, or slogan for that matter, is prohibited. It's not only considered gravely offensive but is outright illegal. Any violation can result in steep fines and up to five years in prison if you're caught.

Is it illegal to give the middle finger in Germany?

Under the insult law, it is not only curse words that are prohibited. Insulting gestures are also verboten -- showing the middle finger or in some cases even sticking out the tongue can get you in trouble.

Where did the middle finger come from?

Is it illegal to swear in Germany?

Swearing at people and insulting them is illegal - Life in Germany - Toytown Germany.

Is a thumbs up offensive in Germany?

Body Language

Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone. "Thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or agreement.

How do you make a German mad?

What should I avoid in Germany?

Why do Germans stare?

People stare at you all the time

German pedestrians also use it to communicate, and the right amount of eye contact at the right time can mean “I am walking here, and it's not my fault if you don't move over and get pushed off the sidewalk.” It might take some practice, but just try to stare as the locals stare.

Is pointing rude in Germany?

This is considered a rude gesture. Don't point your index finger to your own head. This is an insult.

Is it OK to stare in Germany?

Staring probably won't cause any lasting damage while in Germany, but if Germans take this habit with them to English speaking countries, they might find themselves in real bother.

What are common gestures in Germany?

Do Germans use eye contact?

2- German Eye Contact

In Germany, it's considered polite to maintain eye contact almost all the time while talking to another person. This is especially important during business meetings. Eye contact is a sign of attentiveness, and you don't need to be afraid of threatening someone with this.

What does the middle finger mean in Russian?

In Russia, the middle finger is used to simply point (usually at the speaker themselves) and to communicate emphasis.

Are Germans friendly?

Germans themselves are known as friendly and welcoming people, even if everyone thinks we have a nonexistent sense of humor. The country also boasts two millennia of history that, for good and bad, shaped the world as we know it today.

What are some strange laws in Germany?

Can I do laundry on Sunday in Germany?

Actually, doing any kind of work is highly frowned upon on Sundays. Hanging your laundry out in Germany on a Sunday means that you are working. And the worst part is that it means that you have run your washing machine which produced noise on a Sunday!

What is the rudest German word?

What is the German F word?

Ficken means to f*ck, mit jemandem ficken = to f*ck someone etc. Germans use ficken only in a sexual sense. Most f-expressions in English are translated using some form of Scheiß or Arsch.

What do you wear to a wedding in Germany?

Historically, German brides would wear black dresses with while veils. Nowadays, however, brides in Germany have adopted more the more common tradition of wearing a white wedding dress, usually without a long train. German brides tend to wear more of a ballgown-style wedding dress, with a fingertip length veil.

Is it polite to burp in Germany?

While in other cultures, burping or smacking might be a signal that the food was good and enough, in Germany you try to eat as quietly as possible. That doesn't mean you're not allowed to talk; quite the reverse, you should talk as much as you can to boost your German.

How can I be polite in Germany?

Is flipping someone off illegal in Germany?

I thought I read flipping the bird is against the law in Germany. So we just smile and wave and give a thumbs up instead. It confuses the Dieters. A judge just ruled in the US that flipping someone off is constitutionally protected.

What is the punishment for stealing in Germany?

The statute defining theft provides for a fine or imprisonment of up to 5 years, which means that the criminal court may choose between a minimum of 5 day-fines and a maximum of 5 years imprisonment. Neither the penalty ranges provided in the penal code nor day-fines or adult imprisonment apply to juvenile offenders.