Communication

Meeting Etiquette

The handshake is a common form of greeting.

Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek.

First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone’s first name.

You are expected to say ’bonjour’ or ’bonsoir’ (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and ’au revoir’ (good-bye) when leaving.

Greetings

Polish people enjoy greeting each other. If you find the word "cześć" (Hi!)  too difficult to pronounce, you can use "Hello" instead and you’ll certainly be understood. When arriving at a meeting, Polish people shake hands. When the company is larger it’s right to shake hands with all those present. As a rule the first few minutes of any gathering are taken up with everyone greeting everyone else. This breaks the ice and makes life easier for the shy. Don’t be surprised if some people exchange embraces or even a kiss during a greeting.

Customs of Luxembourg

Knowing the customs of a country is, in effect, a guide to understanding the soul of that country and its people. Luxembourgers cherish their independence and separate identity in Europe. Modesty, friendship and strong national pride are valued. They enjoy a slower pace of life than most of northern Europe. Family is very important. Parents influence every aspect of their children’s lives; however, this is weakening as more young people leave the country to study/work abroad.

Fleming Belgians will often prefer to answer visitors in English rather than French, even if the visitor’s French is good. It is customary to bring flowers or a small present for the hostess, especially if invited for a meal.

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German culture rewards forward thinking and planning - knowing what one will be doing at a specific time of the day.

• Lithuanians prefer face-to-face meetings, as they need to build relationships of mutual understanding.
• They prefer to turn business relationships into friendships.
• Accept offers of hospitality and reciprocate, as this is the sign of a true friend.
• Once a friendship has developed, Lithuanians are willing to discuss business.
• It is important to make your initial contact with a high-ranking person who is in a position to make a decision.
• In many ways this is still a hierarchical culture, so showing respect and deference to people of auth

Latvian way of life and mentality is similar to people in Denmark.

• Estonians are quite formal and may not come across as quite cold or even friendly to people from more informal cultures.

Swedish society is a great example of tolerance and openness.

This nation is one of the more reserved within the EU. When you want to develop a conversation with a Swede, he or she will always first listen to you and then give you his or her opinion. Swedes do not interrupt each other while speaking which makes the business conversation very clear and well-organised.

The British are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and especially for a sense of humour. Basic politeness (please, thank you, excuse me) is expected.

British people are quite reserved when greeting one another. A greeting can be a bright ’Hello’ ’Hi’ or ’Good morning’, when you arrive at work or at school.