- Dislike being called Germans
- Are punctual
- Common to bring flowers or chocolates to an engagement
- Women and men both give firm handshakes
- First names are uncommon until close friendship is established
- Good topics: history, art, music, sports and wine
- Bad topics: money, religion and politics
- Prize privacy
- Handshaking is common at greetings and farewells
- Only use first names with old friends
- Cheek kissing with Belgians and close friends occur three times on alternating cheeks
- Punctuality is important
- Dislike being confused as French
- Half the country speaks Flemish, similar to Dutch
- Snapping fingers and putting your hands in your pockets is considered impolite while talking
- Good topics: soccer, biking and history
- Bad topics: French/Flemish rivalries
- Hand shaking is common
- English is uncommon
- German and Russian are spoken more frequently
- Appointments should be made well in advance, and punctuality is a must
- When dining, they often use bread to mop up gravy and sauces
- Flowers, candy, and wine are common gifts that are brought to your home.
- A nod means "no", while shaking the head side to side means "yes"
- Good topics: family, and home life
- Bad topics: politics and social conditions in Bulgaria
- Extremely punctual
- Hand shaking is common when arriving, leaving, and meeting for social conditions
- Appointments should be made well in advance
- Flowers, wine ,and cognac are common gifts
- Putting your elbows on the table is considered impolite
- As a result of the end of the Cold war, Czechs have been forced to adapt to Western European language and culture
- Very hospitable and good natured
- Good topics: sports and culture
- Bad topics: politics and former communist occupation
- Punctuality is important
- A firm handshake is common even among children
- Toasting with the word "Skoal" occurs frequently
- Guests of honor sit to the left of the hostess
- Guests of honor are expected to make a toast
- Long slow dinners with much conversation are commonplace
- Generally do not tip for services
- Considered extremely impolite to "cut in" while dancing
- The state religion is Lutheran, but few people attend
- Normally do not wear emotions
- Not a touching society
- Substance is very important compared to style
- Good topics: culture, food, and current events
- Bad topics: personal subjects, religion, and income
- Each group likes to be distinguished from the others
- English are the most formal
- Conservative
- Titles are very significant
- Fond for household pets
- Appointments are to be made well in advance
- Punctuality is of utmost importance
- Avoid personal questions because of a deep respect for personal privacy
- Enjoy cooler room temperatures than Americans
- The wearing of striped neck ties indicates military or school affiliations
- Handshaking is common practice for both sexes
- Not common practice for English to say "You're welcome"; however, Scots do
- May appear aloof until formally introduced
- Scots prefer to be called Scotsmen, not Scotchmen or Scottish
- If you plan to smoke, you must offer cigarettes to all in your presence
- Good topics: history, architecture, and gardening
- Bad Topics: religion, Northern Ireland, money, prices, and the Royals
- Considered "Nordic", however, are linguistically and racially different from other Scandinavian countries
- Firm handshakes are the norm
- Hugs and kisses are not common place
- Are apt to be quiet and unemotional
- Advanced appointment are preferred and punctuality is the norm
- Not overly formal; toasts are often common at the beginning of the meal
- Good topics: hobbies, sport, travel, politics
- Bad topics: personal question about jobs, religion, and politics
- Business is usually conducted in a formal and conservative manner
- Rarely use first names, even among close business associate
- Take great pride in French cultural tradition
- Handshakes are frequent, however, shorter and less firm than most
- Relish good cuisine and fine wines
- Midday meal is the main meal of the day
- In addition to wine, mineral water is often consumed
- Do not intrude in personal matters, politics, and money
- Proud of the French education system
- Believe in the preeminence of their country and language
- Decisions made only after prolonged deliberation
- Conversation at dinner are often important and long
- Good topics: food, sports, and culture
- Bad topics: money, prices, and very personal questions
- A one pump handshake is the rule
- First names are not used until invited to do so
- Punctuality is extremely important
- Northern Germans tend to be more reserved
- Southern Germans are gregarious
- Having your hands in your pockets while talking is impolite
- Answer the telephone by announcing your name
- While eating not proper to place your hands in your lap
- Good topics: food, automobiles, soccer, and economics
- Bad topics: WWII, and criticism of reunification
- Respect of elders
- Extremely affectionate during greeting including embracing and even kissing
- Punctuality is not common
- Most of the population is Greek Orthodox Christian
- Appointments are optional, but appreciated
- Extremely generous
- Midday meal is the main meal of the day
- Smiles are often used to express anger as well as happiness
- "No" is signaled with an uptilted chin and raised eyebrows
- Good topics: sports, music, politics, and Greek culture
- Bad topics: Cyprus, Turkey, and American political intrusions
- Handshaking is the custom during greeting
- Often humble when complimented, even self deprecating
- "To your health" is a common toast
- "Good appetite" is said prior to eating
- Good topics: food, wine, and history
- Bad topics: political party membership and religion
- Often use first names with one another
- Prefer to be addressed with surname by foreigners
- Punctuality is optional
- When visiting it is customary to bring a small gift
- Political affiliation with Denmark
- Dominant industry is fishing
- English is widely accepted and spoken
- Good topics: lack of crime, history, culture, literacy rate and literature
- Bad topics: weather and social unrest
- Punctuality is not common
- Business gifts are not common
- Gaelic is used infrequently; English is basic language
- Religion and politics should be avoided in conversation
- Strong emotional ties to the United States
- Irish jest about the British
- Extremely warm temperament
- Not recommended to abstain from drinking or the purchase of a round
- Unkindness and being pro-British are offensive
- Good topics: beauty of the country, culture, and sports
- Less formal than Europe, but more formal than the United States
- Greetings and departures are often signaled with a handshake
- "Shalom" is usually spoken during greetings and departures
- Titles are not as important as in the United States
- Important to remember that Saturday is the Sabbath
- Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday
- Punctuality is common
- Gifts are often appreciated such as books and flowers
- Strong ties with the United States
- Good topics: culture, history, and religion
- Bad topics: United States aid, West Bank occupation, and depressed economy
- By American standards, they're nature is emotional and demonstrative
- Strong and frequent hand and body gestures are the norm
- May grasp the elbow when shaking hands
- Embracing and patting of backs is common among male friends
- Don't use first names until well acquainted
- For social events, punctuality is not common
- Midday meal is main meal of the day
- Don't use bread plates, however, break bread next to plate
- Business partners often exchange gifts
- Discussion of business is not appropriate during social functions
- Good topics: world events, soccer, and family
- Bad topics: Mafia, politics, religion, and taxes
- Take great pride in own achievements
- "Benelux" refers to Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg
- Handshaking is customary
- Kissing of cheeks is common among good friends
- Punctuality is important
- Bilingual in French and German
- National language is Luxembourgeoise
- Good topics: History and national independence
- Bad topics: Anti-Catholic issues and internal politics
- Sometimes referred to as Holland which is one of the provinces
- Observe punctuality
- Handshaking practiced with all ages and sexes
- Introduce yourself or run the risk of being considered impolite
- Drama in business proposals is disliked
- Do not bargain
- It is traditional to wrap business gifts
- Not a hands on society
- Renowned as honest businessmen
- Good topics: politics, travel, and sports
- Precision and punctuality are a must
- Less use of first names than in the United States
- Often refer to others by their last name only
- Beware of harsh drunk driving laws
- Show great pride in their history and culture
- Sometimes consider Americans too glib and casual
- Frown upon being broadly associated with Swedes and Danes, but accepted
- Customary to bring gifts when visiting
- Customary toast is "Skoal"
- Good topics: winter sports, hobbies, and Viking heritage
- Bad topics: employment, salary, and social status
- Only use first names among close friends
- Men may kiss a woman's hand when meeting and departing
- Usually bring flowers to an engagement
- Chewing gum is considered impolite while conversing
- First names may only be used when invited to do so
- Toasting is commonplace
- Cognac is the most popular drink
- Extreme pride in culture and history
- Are knowledgeable about the United States
- Catholicism is practiced extensively
- Good topics: national history, and culture
- Often common to men to embrace and slap backs
- Customary for women to kiss on both cheeks
- Unlikely to use extensive gestures
- Promptness is appreciated
- Discussion of business while at lunch is acceptable; however, at dinner it is taboo
- Dinner invitations are preferred over business gifts
- Good topics: family, history, and personal interests
- Bad topics: politics and government
- Handshaking is the customary greeting
- Everyone is extremely punctual
- Only close friends use first names
- Extremely curious about American culture (may ask how much money you earn)
- Good gifts include quality pens, coffee, cigarette lighters, and perfumes
- Good topics: fashion, music, literature, travel and sports
- Bad topics: communism, and the economy
- They want to know what Americans really think
- Often shake hands and announce their names upon greeting one another
- Friends often kiss cheeks and give "bear hugs"
- Frequent imbibing is accepted
- Many speak some English
- Good topics: history and sports
- Bad topics: economy and crime
- Main meal is served between 1:30 and 4:30
- Renowned for dining very late at night (10:00 or even later)
- Women often greet and depart with a slight embrace
- Excessive small talk is common before getting down to business
- Dahlias and Chrysanthemums are associated with death
- Mr. Lopez-Cardenas should be addressed as Mr. Lopez
- Interruptions are spurred by eagerness, not rudeness
- Good topics: sports, travel, politics and history
- Bad topics: religion, family and job
- Hand shaking is common while touching and back slapping are uncommon
- Do not want to be confused with the Swiss
- Punctuality is a must
- Often seem too serious and stiff when first meeting
- The toast "Skoal" is common during meals while looking in one anothers eyes
- Enjoy nature
- Proud of Viking heritage
- Good topics: high standard of living, sports, history, culture, and social advancements
- Bad topics: high taxation, and neutrality during WW II
- Trilingual: German, French, and Italian
- Business people often speak English
- Provinces are known as "cantons"
- Courtesy and punctuality are highly valued
- Dislike public displays of wealth
- Virtually all males must serve in the military
- Flowers and candy are popular gifts
- The common toast is "To Your Health"
- Good topics: travel, politics, sports, Swiss Heritage, and high standard of living
- Bad topics: age, family, jobs, and diets
- Extremely conservative in dress
- Advanced appointments are necessary, and punctuality is a must
- Most business is conducted in English, French, or German
- Small talk is commonplace at the beginning of business meetings
- Turks are hospitable, sincere, generous, and can be overwhelming
- Consider a casual invitation as sincere
- To say "No", raise a chin, shuts eyes and tilts head backwards
- Good topics: family, and hobbies
- Bad topics: politics, communism, and the Cyprus-Greek conflict
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