- These behaviors are OUT
- These manners are NEW
- Are there special rules of behavior for the OFFICE?
The new Knigge
Good manners are just as important today as they used to be. But Internet and the mobile have changed our manners. Consequence: Some manners were abolished - and some came!
Many rules of manners are no longer valid, as in the past, only for men, but also for women.
These behaviors are OUT
kisses
Earlier, a hand kiss was given especially to older, married women. But today men should hold back with it. If the hand is kissed, then only on cocktail parties or opera balls. In business life it is not customary in Germany to kiss a lady's hand.
Get up for a welcome
Previously, only the men stood up when they were greeted by women or other gentlemen. Today it is more polite, especially in the job, even if the woman is shaking hands.
Toasting with alcohol
The fact that only wine or sparkling wine may be used has long ceased to be popular. Today applies: At a fine banquet is zuprostet - even with mineral water! At garden parties or birthday parties you are allowed to drink all drinks, including water.
Do not cut salad
That one was not allowed to cut salad earlier was due to the knives. They were not alloyed and turned black in contact with acids. Of course, this argument no longer counts today - salad can be cut.
Say "health"
On official occasions, during meetings and conferences, it seems distracting if you desire a sneezing "health". The rules of behavior allow it in informal situations.
These manners are NEW
Answer e-mails
Often, the office does not have the time to respond to each email. But how rude is it not to react? The new rules of etiquette say: the closer the contact with the sender of an e-mail, the faster you should respond.
open door
The subject of "Ladys first" has changed a lot since emancipation. Also women should today - according to Knigge-Benimmregeln - men stop the door and let them even in the elevator times the lead.
Touch the phone
SMS writing in the office? An absolute taboo. But even in private life you should renounce it when friends or partners are sitting there. Because everyone feels uncomfortable when the interlocutor constantly looks at the phone .
visit the cinema
People who are constantly digging in their popcorn bags are upsetting others. If then still is whispered, it is over with the relaxed movie viewing. The rule: In the cinema you are as quiet as in the theater.
Tasting allowed
"Darling, do you want to taste it?" When couples used to eat each other's food in the restaurant, they had to fear condescending looks. Today, nobody has a problem with it anymore - and the rules of manners in a row allow it.
Are there special rules of behavior for the OFFICE?
Hans-Michael Klein (57), Chairman of the German Knigge Society, explains the latest rules of behavior:
Which rules should be observed according to Knigge in the office?
The dress code at work is very important. However, it only applies in certain professions or at higher levels. Anything that looks too sexy is forbidden: open hair, décolleté, short skirts, bare legs.
Are there any rules in jewelery that I have to pay attention to?
Here you have to follow many rules. Women should wear only five pieces of jewelry - glasses and ring count as one part each. Clocks are taboo at evening events.
What should be considered when dealing with superiors?
When offering the "you" is important: It starts from the one who is hierarchically higher - this is different than in private life, because the older offers it here. The same applies to shaking hands.
What do I have to look out for when attending a business meal?
Whether in the canteen or at a business lunch, you should sit upright and bring the spoon to your mouth. Between the belly and the edge of the table a cat should symbolically fit, between the back and the back a mouse.
