MANNERS

Germans are formal in their manners, especially with people they do not know. When you move into an apartment or house, do not expect your neighbors to come by and introduce themselves or invite you over. At social gatherings Germans are much more reserved and reluctant to strike up a conversation. Newcomers are expected to make the first move.

"Service with a smile" is at a minimum at stores and restaurants. Don't take it as intentional rudeness. Service personnel are just giving you the service they believe you want; without any sort of distracting pleasantries getting in the way.

Being overly friendly and gregarious - with your new neighbors, acquaintances or colleagues - is considered superficial and puts them off. Germans like to take time in getting to know someone.

When invited to someone's house, it is customary to take a house-warming gift. Cut flowers for the hostess, followed by plants, alcoholic beverages and books, are the most popular kind of gift to make. If you bring cut flowers, custom calls for you to remove the wrapping before presenting them.

Many Germans smoke and do that very often regardless of where they are, even in elevators, offices or restaurants and without asking others for permission. Again it is acceptable to ask to refrain from smoking in case one is bothered by it.