Non verbal communication
in Germany
By :
Muhammad Fariz bin Sharudin
Content
1. Personal Space
2. Physical contact
3. Eye contact
4. Expression
5. Gift giving
6. Gesture
7. Don’t do thing
1.Personal Space
• Germans usually keep about an arm’s length
distance between one another when talking,
and sometimes a little extra between men and
women depending on how well they know
each other.
• Standing too close to someone can be seen as
an invasion of their privacy.
2.Physical Contact
• People tend not to touch one another very much during communication
unless they are close friends.
• Touching someone on the shoulder or arm to emphasise a point is generally
acceptable, but can otherwise be seen as a sexual advance.
• Women tend to be more physically affectionate with each other than men.
• It is polite to apologise if you accidentally bump into someone or make
unwanted physical contact by saying “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me) in
Germany.
3.Eye Contact
• Direct eye contact is expected, especially when speaking about a serious matter.
• It conveys sincerity and approachability.
• Avoiding eye contact may be seen as an indication of dishonesty or a lack of
confidence.
• It is appropriate to break eye contact now and again as holding it for prolonged
periods can make people uncomfortable.
• When talking to a group, be sure to make equal eye contact with all people present.
4.Expression
• Some Germans may have quite a serious exterior upon first meeting people,
reserving smiles for friends.
• Once they are familiar with someone, they generally become very animated.
5.Gift giving
Personal Gift Giving Gifts to Avoid
• If you've been invited to a German home, the • Red roses, as they symbolize romantic intentions.
German gift giving custom is to bring a
• Carnations, as they symbolize mourning.
host/hostess gift such as chocolates or flowers.
• Lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at
• Yellow roses or tea roses are always well funerals.
received.
• Pointed items such as knives, scissors or
• Providing a bottle of German wine is largely umbrellas are considered bad luck as a wedding
considered cheap. Imported wine from Italy and
gift.
France is a more appropriate gesture.
• Unless you're a family member, money is
• The gift custom in Germany is to open a gift considered to be in bad taste as a gift for the
when it is received.
bride and groom.
6.Gesture
a)Pressing your thumb for luck
• Germans squeeze the tip of their thumb
between those two fingers to indicate
hoping for something or “Good Luck.
• Letting one’s thumb protrude too far from
between the fingers can be an obscene
gesture, so only the tip should be visible.
b) Thumb up sign
• In Germany this sign mean number one
• If someone make this sign in Germany,
people will just think you are counting
• When raising just your index finger in
restaurant, they might give you two instead
of one because they misinterpreted your
gesture.
c) Pointing
• Most Germans use their index finger to point, but some may use their
little/pinkie finger.
Negative gesture
a) Touching your index finger to your thumb in a circle to demonstrate ‘Okay’
or ‘Good’ can be misunderstood because it is a very offensive gesture in
Germany
b) Nazi salute
Use of this salute or any Nazi symbols in Germany and
some other country is considered illegal
It is considered a criminal offence and you will be
arrested by doing it
c) Middle finger and forearm jerk (sexually suggestive)
d) Pointing finger to your head (it could be insulting to the person receiving it
depending on the situation);
i. It means you think a person is an idiot
ii. Also used jokingly with the people who are close to you to show what the
person is saying is stupid or silly
Don’t do things in Germany
1. Chewing gum and placing hands in the pocket while talking
Can be seen as very rude and disrespectful to the speaker.
2. Put your elbow on the table while eating.
It is considered bad manners. Only your hands should be on the table.
3. Waited to be seated in restaurant by waiter
It is common to share tables with a stranger and hence you can do the same. However, do not strike up a
conversation with them.
