Culture Quiz 265 The Küss die Hand greeting is practised only in certain
circles and a foreigner can look especially stupid trying
it out. Our advice is to leave it to the experts and just
shake hands as most Austrians do. Only once you have
established a close relationship can you greet each other
by kissing on both cheeks, starting with the right one. This,
of course, does not apply for greetings between men. You
may never attain this level, however, and to avoid any
embarrassment, you should wait for the Austrian to make
the transition from a handshake. Don’t assume that the
time is right.
SITUATION 2
You have just started working for an Austrian company. Your
German is good but you are not aware of the formalities on
the job. You greet your co-worker by her first name. She, in
turn, greets you by your last name and asks you how you are
doing by using the formal ‘you’ or per Sie. What do you do?
Tell her that where you come from, you are immediately
on a first-name basis with colleagues.
Tell her not to be so stuffy, to hang loose.
Correct yourself and ask her a question by using her last
name and use per Sie until further notice.
Look for another job.
Comments
You may appear rather ethnocentric. On the other hand,
your co-worker might understand that things are different
around the world. However, in Austria, one greets another
in a more formal manner.
Choosing might make her react very negatively. As in
, formality is often a way for relationships to develop
slowly and to be sure you know the person you are dealing
with before revealing yourself.
The only way to go is with if you want to keep in good
stead with your co-worker. This behaviour will win you
points with every Austrian you meet.