DO I KISS, BOW, OR SHAKE HANDS?
SHAKE HANDS
Most Germans shake hands at the beginning and the end of a business meeting. The German handshake is brief, moderately firm, formal, and accompanied by direct eye contact—but not a big smile. Stand up straight, and keep your hands out of your pockets. Some Germans also add a very slight nod of the head to a handshake.
Remember that Germany has a very hierarchical business culture. The highest-ranking executive has the right to offer to shake hands first, then the second-highest, and so on.
There are other greetings in Germany worth noting. Staci Frantz, international sales manager at W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery, describes an especially interesting social one:
German pubs and restaurants often seat people ...
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