How Table Manner in Germany?

Manners are important in society. They help us to be civil to one another. Because a person who minds their manners knows how to act in every circumstance he tends to feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.

Nowhere are manners more important that at the table. Table manners prevent diners from being sloppy, offensive and boorish.They help to communicate respect to hosts and guests alike. Table manners are not hard and fast rules, rather they are helpful guidelines in our social relationships. Actually, different ethnic must have different manner. Now we will learn how is table manner in Germany.

Good dining etiquette in Germany and Europe is not very different from that in the USA, but there are a few variations that you should know about. If you know your North American table manners, you’ll do fine in Austria, Germany or Switzerland.

When eating, always use utensils; very few foods here are intended to be eaten with the hands. North Americans will be surprised to find that even pizzas are eaten with a knife and fork, unless sold by the piece to go. Also, refrain from making audible slurping sounds when eating or drinking soup! This is considered very bad table manners not only in Germany but throughout Europe. 

When eating, do not lean far over your plate, but remain relatively upright, leaning slightly forward as you bring your fork or spoon towards your mouth. Note that if you are familiar with French table etiquette you won't have any problems in Germany.

In Germany, the knife is used much more actively throughout the meal. Eating with only one hand, with the other hand placed on one's lap under the table is not considered sophisticated table etiquette. Germans and other Europeans rarely eat with their hands! Especially in a fine restaurant or in a formal/semiformal dining situation, even pizza is eaten with a knife and fork. However, if you are at an outdoor Grillparty or eating informally, it’s okay to eat some foods with your hands.

There are often many additional pieces of cutlery, such as for appetizers, or buttering bread, for dessert, etc. If you do not want any more food or drink, say so politely [see above re: food restrictions]. Germans will not ask again, as they expect you to express your personal wishes. They will also not take it as impolite or an insult if you say “no”. Try not, however, to leave significant portions of food on your plate, as this may suggest to your host that you find something wrong with it. 

Unlike relationship-oriented cultures where many gestures of social interaction express and reinforce the emotional comfort between two parties, Germans can act and react quite literally. For instance, Germans do not generally serve other people. Plates of food are passed around the table and each person takes what and how much he wants. Therefore, do not expect to be served by your host or fellow diners, even if you are the honored guest, and vice versa. The host will, however, often ask his guests if they would like more to drink. In the case of wine, the host usually does the pouring, but if this is a large table, it is perfectly normal to pass the wine bottle to the person who wants it and he would pour for himself or herself.

When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate. It will be taken as a signal to your waiter or host that your dishes can be cleared away. Don’t take more than you can eat. It’s considered impolite to leave food on your plate in Germany.

When not eating, but still have the knife and fork in your hands, ensure that you keep only your wrists resting above the table. When eating, never put your elbows on the table. Americans and the British keep their left hand under the table or in their lap. But it is not a real faux pas for Germans to have your hand on your lap.

Source:

• http://www.german-way.com/dining-etiquette-table-manners.html
• http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Germany:_Prosperous_Entertaining_-_Part_3