Question

GIVING BRAINLESTDescribe at least three differences between German and American etiquette.

Answer 1

Americans almost always address people they have just met (or people they work with) with their first name. They may not even know that person’s last name.Germans almost always address people they have just met (or people they work with) with their last name. They may not even know that person’s first name.An American may be offended (or at least surprised) if addressed as “Mr. Smith” rather than “Jim.”A German may be offended (or at least surprised) if addressed as “Karl” rather than “Herr Schmidt.”English you is used for everyone, making no distinctions for social standing or levels of formality and informality.Like almost every language other than English, German makes a distinction between the formal you (Sie) and the familiar you (du). More…The English word “friend” covers a much wider range of acquaintance levels than German Freund.The term Freund in German implies a long, deep friendship, not a casual acquaintance.In English, the distinction between “friend” and “acquaintance” is often blurred. Sometimes the words are used interchangeably.German-speakers make a clear distinction between Freund (friend) and Bekannter(acquaintance). The words are never used interchangeably.If someone asks an American what her/his name is, the reply will usually be the first name.If someone asks a German what her/his name is, the reply will usually be the last name.