Why do Germans stare?

In Germany, intense eye contact is a daily occurrence – to such an extend that expats and visitors have dubbed it “The Germanic Stare Down.” 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 ...
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Is it rude to stare in Germany?

Once the shock of people staring a little longer than expected wears off, it becomes clear that staring in Germany is actually a sign of politeness in certain circumstances. Staring into the eyes of others is an important part of saying 'prost' (cheers) before drinking a beer or a glass of wine.
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What is considered rude in Germany?

Germans are extremely punctual and well-mannered. Showing up late, losing your cool, or raising your voice are all considered rude and thoughtless. If you step out of line, don't be surprised or offended if someone corrects your behavior, as this is very common in the German culture.
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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.
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What characteristics are Germans known for?

Six Distinct Stereotypical German Personality Traits
  • They are hardworking. ...
  • They are humorous. ...
  • They are well-organized. ...
  • They respect punctuality. ...
  • Traditions are important to Germans.
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Why do Germans stare? ? | Easy German 369



How do you tell if a German man loves you?

If a German guy says something, chances are you can believe him. When he says “I love you,” he most likely means it. When he says he sees a future with you, he means it. When he says he doesn't like Christmas markets but will go with you anyway, it means he likes you.
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How do you show respect in German?

Germans respect perfectionism in all areas of business and private life.
...
Dress
  1. Being well and correctly dressed is very important.
  2. Casual or sloppy attire is frowned upon.
  3. For business, men should wear suits (dark colors) and ties. Women should wear dresses, suits, pantsuits, skirts and blouses.
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What's the middle finger in Germany?

This one-finger salute says 'buzz off. ' 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.
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How do you deal with Germans?

Dealing with the Germans
  1. Have an opinion; catch up on politics and current events. ...
  2. Develop a thick skin. ...
  3. Sharpen your elbows. ...
  4. Don't expect good service. ...
  5. Learn the language. ...
  6. Watch Tatort. ...
  7. Learn the rules of soccer and support your local team. ...
  8. If you have a hobby, join a Verein.
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How do Germans say 3 with their fingers?

When counting, the thumb is always the first digit and represents number one, followed by the index finger (2), middle finger (3), ring finger (4), and finally the pinky finger (5).
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How do you annoy in German?

How To Piss Off a German
  1. Cross at a red light (with small children) ...
  2. Stare back at them using binoculars. ...
  3. Use fancy English words they don't understand. ...
  4. Urinate standing up. ...
  5. Say you don't like asparagus, especially if it's white. ...
  6. Recycle erroneously. ...
  7. Break the news that no one outside Germany has seen Dinner For One.
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What should you not wear in Germany?

What not to wear in Germany
  • Try to avoid garish, overly bright colors and prints. Germans like to keep their look understated and toned down. ...
  • Avoid wearing sweatpants or activewear when visiting the main cities. Germans tend to avoid wearing activewear as everyday wear in public.
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Do Germans talk to strangers?

For Most Germans, Small Talk is a Waste of Time

For them, it's simply a waste of time. That doesn't mean that Germans never talk to strangers. That would make them very lonely people very soon.
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How can I impress a German person?

Five sure-fire ways to impress Germans with your manners
  1. Gifts are definitely Willkommen.
  2. Greet the German way.
  3. 3. ' Keep your hands where we can see 'em'
  4. Don't forget to make eye contact.
  5. Knowing when it's time to dig in.
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What do Germans do for fun?

TV tops Germany's most popular leisure activities. What do Germans do in their free time? Mostly, they watch TV, listen to the radio, and surf the internet, a new study says. They're also spending less and less time reading books and hanging out with friends and family.
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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.
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How do Germans feel about foreigners?

BERLIN — Negative attitudes toward foreigners living in Germany have increased so much during 2010 that a third of Germans say they want foreigners repatriated, and 10 percent of Germans would prefer to have a “führer” (a derogatory word only used in reference to Hitler) take charge, according to a new report by ...
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Is it illegal to curse 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.
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What does waving mean in Germany?

3. Waving your hand in front of your face. When a German waves a hand in front of her face, such as at the end of a statement, she does this to emphasize how insane something is.
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Do Germans eat sandwiches with a fork?

The proper way of eating a sandwich in Germany without getting any odd stares is with a fork and knife. However if your business lunch is informal and you are grabbing a Brezn (pretzel) sandwich on the roadside, you may be permitted to use your hands.
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What's it like dating a German man?

Traditionally, German people prefer to find their partners through their friend circle. They meet their girlfriends during their study, at work, or from their common friends. Most German people are serious people. If you are dating a German guy, he is likely looking for a serious relationship.
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What is it like to date a German?

When you date a Germany, don't expect a whirlwind romance. They tend to be quite calculated and patient at the start of a new relationship. You will also notice that sex isn't always the first thing on the German mind. Many foreigners, especially women, find this very refreshing when going out with German men.
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What are some German last names?

Data updated to 12 February 2021.
  • Müller, occupation (miller)
  • Schmidt, occupation (smith)
  • Schneider, occupation (tailor)
  • Fischer, occupation (fisherman)
  • Weber, occupation (weaver)
  • Meyer, occupation (originally a manorial landlord, later a self-employed farmer)
  • Wagner, occupation (wainwright)
  • Becker, occupation (baker)
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Are Germans tall?

The average German is 172.87cm (5 feet 8.06 inches) tall on average. The average German man is 179.88cm (5 feet 8.81 inches) tall. The average German woman is 165.86cm (5 feet 5.29 inches) tall.
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