Etiquette in Germany is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Germany, etiquette comes down to a few things: directness is politeness, du vs. sie, and prost! with eye contact.
Germans say what they mean. If your idea is bad, they'll tell you. This isn't rudeness — it's efficiency and respect. Vague diplomatic language is seen as evasive.
Tip: In business, get to the point. Small talk is brief. Meetings start on time and follow the agenda.
Use 'Sie' (formal you) with strangers, colleagues, and anyone older until they offer 'Du.' Getting this wrong is uncomfortable. When in doubt, use Sie.
When clinking glasses, look each person in the eye. Not doing so supposedly brings seven years of bad luck — but really, it's just considered rude.