11 typical German habits at the office

Although some people work on a flexible schedule, those who don't are expected to show up on time. In Germany, that would generally mean being at the workplace five minutes before the actual time you're scheduled to start. Ten minutes sooner is way too early, though – especially if you don't have access to the keys of the office.

People working in a multi-story office building will be familiar with this custom: Germans greet each other when they enter an elevator and they also say good-bye, or rather "Tschüss," when they leave it. The little morning ritual might get repetitive for those heading to the top floors of a high-rise, but it's still better than a complete awkward silence.

On your first day at the office, you'll be introduced to your colleagues, the work space and – most importantly – the coffee machine. If you're planning on drinking coffee regularly, get to know the coffee culture of your office first. Some rules might be unspoken, but you should still find out how it is paid for, if you should help prepare it or clean up the machine, etc.

Hierarchies are expressed daily through language, as German has two forms to say "you" – "du" (informal) and "Sie" (formal) – a challenge for English-speakers. It's safe to start out with "Sie" with everyone, until you're told otherwise. It's also a faux-pas to forget to inform your superiors of a problem that might seem trivial at first, but that could involve them in some way later on.

Each German uses an average of 250 kilos (551 pounds) of paper every year, making the country one of the world's greatest paper consumers. Although this could certainly be reduced, keeping a written record of pretty much everything is still a very important habit in German offices. What the paper says will always rule over whatever other decision was taken without leaving a written trace.

For Mediterraneans used to a two-hour midday pause, the Germans' 30-minute lunch break is definitely too short. Still, lunch is considered a major meal in Germany. Germans also greet each other at lunchtime with the expression "Mahlzeit!" which just means "meal." That might seem strange for foreigners, but the greeting originally included a blessing; the expression was simply shortened over time.

There are many things to celebrate at a German office. Newcomers are expected to bring a cake when they start a new job, a celebration known as the "Einstand." It's a good way to get to meet your new colleagues. Germans also organize another little "celebration" when they leave a job or take a longer break. People bring a cake for their own birthday, too. Cake is always a good thing.

Don't be surprised if, along with the cake, sparkling wine is served at those many celebrations at a German office – and that can happen at any time of the day.

If you have a meeting at someone's office and that colleague keeps their door closed - which is often the case in Germany - you are expected to simply knock and come in immediately without waiting for the person to call you in.

Many Germans keep a clear separation between work and private life. Still, office excursions are regularly organized to allow employees to socialize and get to know each other better. Taking part in those excursions, known as the "Betriebsausflug," is a way of showing your interest in the team or the company. On those days, people should avoid discussing business topics.

The word Germans use to talk about their free time after work is "Feierabend," which literally translates as "party evening." When Germans wish each other "Schönen Feierabend!" that doesn't mean they all go to the pub to party when they're done working. Most of them simply prefer to head home early at the end of the week, and drink their beer there.