Germans being punctual?

[Anonymous]

Have you noticed this while in Germany or just in interactions with German people, especially compared to the American view on time?

Going to Frankfurt in a few weeks for work and will then be traveling around Berlin and Munich for a bit. Wondering if this timeliness applies to even social interactions, or just professional and transportation scenarios.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you noticed this while in Germany or just in interactions with German people, especially compared to the American view on time?

Going to Frankfurt in a few weeks for work and will then be traveling around Berlin and Munich for a bit. Wondering if this timeliness applies to even social interactions, or just professional and transportation scenarios.

It definitely no longer applies to their trains/public transport

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you noticed this while in Germany or just in interactions with German people, especially compared to the American view on time?

Going to Frankfurt in a few weeks for work and will then be traveling around Berlin and Munich for a bit. Wondering if this timeliness applies to even social interactions, or just professional and transportation scenarios.

It definitely no longer applies to their trains/public transport

Hah! Yes. German trains are now unfortunately infamous for being late. Buses are more reliable.

But everyday interactions between people, yes, the Germans remain quite punctual.

[Anonymous]

Very punctual
You are late if you arrive on time
They add extra planned time to enter and get settled and start

[Anonymous]

No that is an outdated stereotype. I work with Germany and Spain daily and the Spaniards are more adherent to deadlines these days in terms of respecting time for these particular projects. Can't speak to if their trains are getting them to work on time. They never mention it in meetings.

[Anonymous]

We have German law students do a semester at our firm, and any time I’ve socialized with them outside of work they are always perfectly on time.

[Anonymous]

Lived in Germany for many years. Please be 5 minutes early to everything...social and professional occasions.

[Anonymous]

If you're not early, you're late. Be punctual in both professional and social situations.

[Anonymous]

One of the things I hate most about Americans is that it's considered rude to show up at the exact start time to social invitations. Why put a 6pm if you don't want me to arrive until 7?

[Anonymous]

That applies to sit down meal invitations too. For the longest time I couldn’t believe why in the US you’re invited for dinner and then it takes an hour before dinner is actually served

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the things I hate most about Americans is that it's considered rude to show up at the exact start time to social invitations. Why put a 6pm if you don't want me to arrive until 7?

I'm American and nobody who invites me to anything expects me to show up an hour late. I feel rude showing up a half hour late to a big party.