Questions tagged [culture]
The culture tag has no usage guidance.
4
questions
78
votes
14
answers
10k
views
How can a native English speaker know when it is appropriate to use the polite (Sie) or the familiar (Du)?
In a language such as English, where there are no "built-in" (so to say) polite and familiar forms, what are some simple tips or guidelines for when to use the polite or the familiar forms? Are there ...
- 2,754
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What pronunciation is more influential, higher status or standard?
I was looking into different pronunciations, I saw there is a difference between regions within Germany and also with other German speaking countries, making me wonder which set of pronunciation rules ...
- 173
16
votes
5
answers
4k
views
What to say after someone sneezes?
I've heard Germans saying:
Gesundheit
But in a movie, someone sneezes and someone else saying:
Heuschnupfen?
Is it polite? Is it colloquial? What else could I say when talking to someone and ...
user508
13
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Which words or phrases should non-native speakers avoid to prevent unintentional offense?
When I studied German in the early 90s, we were taught that an unmarried woman is a Fräulein, but I recently learned that Fräulein is offensive. We aren't all ugly Americans, and I don't want to fall ...