On the 10+ hour flight from SFO to Frankfurt, I read Germany, Culture Smart on my eReader.  I’ve been here 1 1/2 days now & can add my own experience to the author’s:

• Making a toast with wine is different than making a toast with beer.  Most Americans know the beer toast, Prost!  For wine, you say, Zum wohl! <I’m the only one saying Zum wohl–everyone else is saying Prost or cheers!>
• Toasts are made during a meal. You may drink upon the first toast being made—not before.<I have forgotten this twice now. Wine is poured, I sip.>
• You are expected to be prompt—don’t arrive late and don’t leave early.<True, everyone strives to be prompt, but no one is. Our hosts have been delayed, and we have been consistently running late, but no one seems to be stressing.>
• Germans know their wine, so if you bring wine as a hostess gift, make sure you know what it is.<Germans know German wines. America is far away for many of them. What?! Napa isn’t the center of the universe?>
• If you give someone a gift, get it wrapped professionally, tidiness is appreciated. <So far, I am impressed with how German towns are very, very tidy.>
• The entire country has mandatory quiet hours: 1pm-3pm & 10pm – 7pm Mon-Sat and all day Sunday.  No leaf blowers, washing your car in the street or disturbing the peace. <I haven’t asked anyone if this is true yet, but they do have lots of laws here.>
• Before a meal, instead of the familiar, Bon Appétit! (French) Or Dig In! (certain parts of America), say Guten Apetit! <I haven’t heard anyone say this yet, but then my German isn’t very good.>
• Your reply to Guten Apetit is Danke, ebenfalls (which means Thanks, you too.) <I hear Danke ebanfalls a lot.>
• If you accidently kick a furry snouted animal hiding under your table, don’t panic. Owners of restaurants often have their dogs at work with them. <There are well-behaved leashed dogs everywhere…love it!>

More posts to come, the schedule has been go-go-go–off to dinner!