What are some common gestures Germans use in conversation or social settings?

Question

And don't tell me that it's extending the middle finger...I read that the equivalent of that gesture is the thumb between the index and second finger. What are some gestures that are offensive? What are some that are just used in normal conversation? I am especially looking for gestures that the Germans do not have in common with Canadians/Americans.

Answer 1

My buddy was a military wife in Germany {Deutschland is what they call themselves}. Here's what I learned when I went there:

1. Don't give the "OK" sign ... {Index & Thumb touching to create a circle with remaining fingers fanned out} ... this is like giving the Middle Finger ... but you can loose your license if a driver on the Autobahn (freeway) call you in for this gesture.

2. Always say, Viedesen (spelling??? proper & polite) / Choose ( spelling??? young version, informal) ... meaning "Good-Bye" ... when we dinned we ate well, but as we left the restaurant, it was common for us to stop at every table and wish every body good-bye (like the in Sound of Music ... Viedeisen ...so, long, fare-well, I hate to say good-bye). Likewise, when others (strangers) were leaving the restaurant, they’d stop by and say “Viedisen”.

3. Animal control is overdone in the Deutschland so if you see a dog owner, they are very prestigious and you should definantly be very nice to them. Dogs are allowed in restaurants since they are so rare.

4. Germans are fanatics about their cars ... they pay an insane amount of money registering their car yearly (something like 5,000.00 Euros) ... so most don't keep pieces of junk like in the USA or Canada ... Performance of their vehicles is immaculate.

5. The autobahn is tight ... people in the fast lane should always be driving the fastest ... if you're in the middle lane, and you pass the guy in the fast lane, you could get a ticket, and loose your registration fee ... also zigzagging on the Autobahn is a no-no.

Answer 2

There will be no average eu language. the ecu's coverage is multi-lingualism. they have merely extra Irish as an good operating language bringing the volume to 21. organization interior the ecu institutions are extra regularly than not complete in those languages or interior the large 3 French, German and English. you pick to do not overlook English is the third smallest mom tongue in Europe considering the eire and the united kingdom are the only close by audio equipment. It prices the ecu €a million.17Billion a three hundred and sixty 5 days. Or €2.fifty 8 in conserving with 3 hundred and sixty 5 days. i think thats not a waste of money making particular a monolingual behemoth takes position that would decimate diverse cultures.

Answer 3

Raise arm above head... fully extended... palm flat.