Speech etiquette is a significant component of all cultures, reflecting its embedded values, social norms, and history. The study contrasts the speech etiquette of Germans and British using a review of literature and original survey data. 50 Germans and United Kingdom participants were surveyed about their practices and beliefs in the use of greetings, requests, thanksgiving, and criticism. The findings reflect distinct cultural preferences: Germans like directness, precision, and formality, while Brits like politeness, understatement, and indirectness. Graphical illustrations of survey results clearly reflect these differences. These findings significantly contribute to intercultural communication studies, offering practical recommendations for those engaged in German-British communication. Knowledge of these differences can prevent miscommunication and result in better relationships between individuals from these two cultures.

speech etiquette, German culture, British culture, politeness, directness, communication norms

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