German bar scene do and donts? In other workd, what would be seen as being disrespectful in a german bar?

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Ramon G

Reading some of the answers made me have to add some comments.

I agree with the comments of some about the war and Nazi's absolutely do not bring it up at the bars or clubs. If you honestly want to learn more about how life was in Germany during and after the war you can ask a close friend or if there is someone you meet and become good friends with you can ask questions. What you need to be is tactful.

Most Americans are considered by the Germans to be quite dumm and clueless when it comes to issues like that so you have to think before you make any comments or ask questions. Also understand that most Germans now had absolutely nothing to do with the War, they were not even born then. What many did experience was the horrible times after the war as well as the constant humiliation and comments from ignorant people around the world who make them responsible for something they had no control over.

Furthermore, avoid talking about politics if you support Bush. If you do not like Bush, by all means talk about it openly, you will find that many Germans will like you even more. Germans love America but hate Bush.

Spekaing generally about going out there are some points that you should be aware in terms of attire.

1. Black clothes are always "in" in Germany
2. If you go to a hip-hop bar sneakers are ok but not "cool" if you want to go to the hip and cool bars; you should wear leather shoes to those
3. Girls can wear bright colours but guys usually avoid them
4. A common combination is blue or black jeans, leather jacket, tight t-shirt, if you have the body or an italian style shirt and black leather shoes
5. Avoid jogging clothes, sweaters, etc. those are to be used in the Gym
6. Sunglasses are always in but do ot wear them inside

Regarding tipping:
Yes, indeed Germans do not tip like in the US or Canada, unless you are in a higher end restaurant, a large group or in an international Hotels (they sometimes require tips.) As someone said earlier round up the totals and add one or 2 Euros to the bill. You can use tipping as part of flirting, though, it's quite fun.

Loudness:
During beer festivals you can be loud, scream, sing, etc but during normal life keep your noise level down. Most Germans feel uncomfortable and annoyed when they hear people speak loudly. Many times they will immediately conclude that those speaking loudly are Americans. They do not like that so keep your voice level at an average level (for Germany) when you talk at the restaurants. At the bars, or clubs because there is a lot of noise you will have to be loud but make sure that you are not the loudest one.

Smoking:
A lot of people smoke at bars, restaurants and clubs and they are not used to having someone telling them not to smoke next to them, this may get you into some trouble. If you do not like people smoking next to you then go to Cafe's and Bars that have a lot of space, otherwise dont go out to bars.

Toasting:
When Germans drink they toast quite often. There are some tips as to how to toast properly. When one person toast everybody at the table toasts as well. When you toast make sure you look at everybody directly in the eyes not at your glass as in some regions in Germany you may offend people if you do not look at them in the eyes. Many Germans have a saying that goes "Look directly into the other's eyes or you'll have 7 years of bad sex"

If you toast with beer, you have to tap the other beer glasses with the bottom of your glass, for wine you tap with the top edge. You say "Prost" when toasting with beer and "Zum Wohl" when toasting with wine. You can only toast with alcohol, do not toast with water, juice or coffee as that may be considered strange. Also when you reach out to toast do not reach over somone else's arm, avoid creating a cross, it's bad luck. Finally after you have toasted and looked at everybody in the eyes (and avoided any crosses) take a sip from your drink before you set it back on the table, even if it's a little. Setting a drink after toasting without drinking means that you disagree with the toast, avoid that.

Charles N

Don't mention the war.

I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it.

kryrinn

Chat it up with the locals, go dancing with them - but dont ask any sorts of personal questions. Younger people are better, but even the beer doesnt do much to help the older stuffy types. Or, when it does, it can get rather hilarious.

mrlionelhuds

All in all we are human beings...

So if you are liked by most people in the USA you'll be liked by most people here, too.

-The differences are countless but most are to small to matter seriously.

Good Luck ;-)

Druschask *

never order beer with ice, avoid politics and just stay relaxed!

Giggly Giraffe

Pub's are more family oriented than in the USA. When you go to one, expect the family there. Usually, they get drunker as the night rolls on ... however, American's can rarely keep up with them, so pace yourself.

You can find a few 'College' Pubs where the college students hang out ... here they do get wild like in the USA ... body shots, jello-shots, etc-etc-etc ... but don't expect this in every pub.

In Deutchland <Germany>, people say Good-Bye to everyone when they leave "Avedisen" <Spelling??? Like in that sound of music song, "So long, fare well, Aveidisen good-bye". The younger generation say's "Choose" <Spelling???>. Kinda like a spin-off from the Italian, "Ciao".

Ice-Cream Parlors <Gelatorio's> are great, and they mix alcohal into the ice-cream...yummy.

jzwigger

Definatley no mention of NAZI's. That would be the worst mistake.
Also when you tip do not tip like you would in America. If your bill is 18.50 give 20. They do not tipp alot.
Try not to talk about Bush as you will many comments.
and last be ready to drink..... they can drink. ..... they start drinking legally at 16.
one more thing if you go to the disco they are usually so crowded that eventually you will get pushed when someone walks by.. that just normal

Constant_Traveler

Don't puke on people in fur coats. I did that once and they seem to frown upon it. I don't think they are that different there. You seem to think Germany is this who strange place. Just feel things out and you'll see. they don't get overly offended by much. Except talking about WWII seems to put everyone into a funny mood.

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