Taste German

Advent

The best time to visit Germany is during Advent, the 4 weeks preceding Christmas. Almost every city will have a lovely Christmas market with mulled wine, gingerbread cookies and arts and crafts stalls. Keep in mind though that the German climate is a lot more continental and winter can be very cold. On the plus side, summers are drier and hotter.

Did you know that a lot of the Christmas traditions you celebrate in the UK are based on old German traditions. Take the Christmas tree, for example: Germans were the first to cut down evergreen trees, place them in their homes and decorate them since the early 17th century.

Cuisine

German food is not all about sausages, you know; having said that 1500 different varieties to be tasted. As the country compromises various regions, from Bavaria to the Baltic coast, the local cuisine is very varied, from pig’s head or trotters to pickled fish.
 
Traditionally, the main meal of the day is taken during lunch time, while dinner consists of bread and Aufschnitt (a selection of cold meat). However, due to working pattern of modern Germany, most families will take their main meal in the evening now.
Breakfast, if time is no restriction, can last for several hours. German bread rolls come in almost as many varieties as the above mentioned sausages. These are adorned with cold meat are served, as is a selection of cheeses, jam, honey, and other sweet spreads. Muesli, cereals, yoghourt, fruit baskets are also available and not to forget a small glass of champagne.

If you still feel a little peckish after a huge breakfast and cooked lunch, 4 'clock is tea-time in Germany and this is accompanied by some very delicious cookies and cakes. Mind you, you will need to leave a bit of space for dinner later.

Doing business in Germany

For business people who have the goal of expanding business in German markets, learning  German and practising proper German business etiquette are essentials for gaining new partners and clients.

Some facts:

• Dress conservatively with minimal accessories. Dark business suits are appropriate attire for both men and women.
• Maintain eye contact when communicating with your German colleagues.
• Stick to the agenda you established for your meeting.
• Address colleagues according to title and surname.
• Arrive at business meetings promptly, and call if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late.
• Communicate your own particular position and title when you formally introduce yourself.
• Write up meeting notes or decisions and give copies to your German colleagues.
• Knock before entering a room, and allow those in higher positions to enter first.
• Wait to sit until told to do so.
• Offer to shake hands before and after German business meetings – or at any point when you may be prematurely leaving the meeting.