Customs and Etiquette in Germany
                                              Meeting and Day-to-Day

• Shaking hands is common. Always expect Germans to do so both when arriving and when departing.
• Don’t turn up late for an appointment or when meeting people. Germans are extremely punctual, and even a few minutes’ delay can offend. Be five to 10 minutes early for important appointments and be sure to call the people you are meeting if you really cannot make it in time.
  
• Bring flowers if you’re invited to a German home for some social occasion. If the flowers are wrapped in paper, remember to take off the wrapping just before you enter the home.
  
• Germans are extremely environmentally conscious and separate their garbage to facilitate recycling. *If your neighbors spot you throwing recyclable glass or paper into the regular garbage, your relationship could be strained for good.
  
• When entering an office, it is common to knock first and then enter the room immediately.
  
• Germans enjoy quietness and privacy. They may thus often close their doors but will be happy to receive you if you knock on the door. A closed door doesn’t necessarily mean that the person cannot be disturbed.
  

Cultural History 

 In all the world, Germany is known to have the best collection of castles ranging from Medieval to fairy tale in terms of structure and design. Some were designed to protect the towns surrounding them, or for the wealthy kings who ruled to flaunt their wealth in an extravagant way. Whatever the reason, people today cant get enough of the awe inspiring structures. These castles have such unique qualities that they have influenced some very well known admirers. The Brothers Grimm, writers of the Grimm Fairy tales, took the design of the castles and include them in some of their stories. Walt Disney designed the his iconic castle, and the one from Sleeping Beauty around one of these structures that had a great fairy tale quality to them. Mary Shelley took the real Frankenstein's castle and based her story around it. Each castle possesses a unique charm to them, and these are two that are simply too impressive to pass up seeing for yourself. 

Neuschwanstien Castle - Fussen, Germany
This was the castle that inspired Walt Disney to design his castle for Sleeping Beauty. Originally the castle was owned by the "mad king" Ludwig II. Even though his extravagant life style may have lost him the thrown, his castle is one of the most jaw dropping creations that lets the imagination wander. No wonder Disney was so impressed!

Hohenzollern Castle - Hechingen, Germany 
This incredible castle on a hill is owned by the Prussian Royal Family, and has stayed in their possession since they took ownership of the castle in 1267. They are the longest owners of an original castle in Germany. This location is perfect fro the view, and since the castle sits on a hill the surrounding area gains a new appealing presence for visitors. The family wished to keep the castle open to the public to enjoy as much as they do. Even the tour guides wear traditional Medieval clothing!

*Another fun place to visit this time of year is the Kris Kringle Markets throughout Germany. Find out what makes Germany light up with holiday cheer during the winter months.

                            Customs and Etiquette in Germany 
                                                    Dining Etiquette

• Hold the fork in your left hand, the knife in your right hand.
• Keep both in your hands while eating. Don’t put the knife or fork down except to drink or pick up bread. The knife (in your right hand) is also used to help discreetly guide food onto your fork (in your left hand).
• Do not cut up an entire piece of meat at once. Cut off a bite-size piece and eat it before you cut off another piece.
• If there are more utensils than just a knife and fork (salad fork, dessert spoon, etc.), the rule is simple: Move inward from the outside for each course. Sometimes spoons are placed above the plate rather than on the side.
• When finished, lay your knife and fork side by side on your plate pointing to the center, with the handles on the lower right rim (five o’clock position).
• Clean your plate. Never order more than what you can eat at that moment. 
• Never eat with your hands, at any time. Only can be done with specific foods in Germany, otherwise use utensils.

Food and Dining

German food and cuisine has evolved through time due to political and social changes. For example, regions like Bavaria and Swabia share similar styled dishes with Austrian and Swiss influence. Meat is a big part of German cuisine. It is typically braised, but fried meat is common as well. Sausage making is well known and hand made by most venders and restaurants. Fish is popular in the northern coastal region and Alaskan Pollock is typically the go to fish of choice for the area, but trout and pike are well liked as well. Veggies are typically served as a form of stew or a side dish, rarely are they made into a dish themselves like we see in other countries. 
Breakfast (Frühstück) commonly consists of bread, toast, or bread rolls with butter or margarine, cold cuts, cheeses, jam (Konfitüre or more commonly called Marmelade), honey and eggs (typically boiled). Traditionally, the main meal of the day has been Lunch (Mittagessen), eaten around noon. Dinner (Abendessen or Abendbrot) was always a smaller meal, often consisting only of a variety of breads, meat or sausages, cheese and some kind of vegetables, similar to breakfast, or possibly sandwiches. A smaller meal throughout the day is a very German custom and comparable with the English Five-o'clock-Tea. It takes time between lunch and dinner, often on Sundays with the entire family.
However, in Germany, as in other parts of Europe, dining habits have changed over the last 50 years. Today, many people eat only a small meal in the middle of the day at work, often also a second breakfast, and enjoy a hot dinner in the evening at home with the whole family.