German professors also do not approve of sleeping during lectures
To mark the start of the new semester, Deutsche Welle has prepared a guide to help first-year students in Germany stay within acceptable bounds.
On knowledge and thirst
For instance, few would think of ordering pizza to the lecture hall or eating a hamburger during a seminar. "First, it is disrespectful to the professor and to students who are not eating at that time; second, it can distract their attention. So it is better to wait for a break and go to the cafeteria," advises Horst Hanisch, head of business etiquette seminars at the Adolf Knigge Society of Germany. The same applies to chewing gum: loudly smacking, blowing bubbles, or answering the lecturer's questions with gum in your mouth is more than impolite.
Water and soft drinks are a different matter. No one is forbidden from quenching their thirst during classes; one should only consider that many plastic bottles tend to make a specific crackling sound when drinking, and carbonated water can splash out of the bottle when the cap is unscrewed. It is important not to wet your neighbors, the Bonn-based expert points out.
High-tech: pros and cons
Laptops are nothing unusual at German universities. They effectively replace handwritten note-taking during lectures. This allows not only to record the main points but also to quickly find the meaning of unfamiliar terms and additional information on the internet. However, sitting with headphones on and watching movies can get you into the lecturer's bad books.
But talking on mobile phones during classes is taboo. "Some lecturers warn about this before the class begins and even ask not to use voice recorders to record the lecture. That is the right of each lecturer. But if there is no such stipulation, recording lectures on audio or video equipment is not prohibited," emphasizes Horst Hanisch.
Susanne Preuschoff, an employee of the International Office at the University of Cologne, adds: "Sometimes I have to remind students that taking photos with a smartphone of a fellow student who has dozed off during a lecture and posting the photo on Facebook without their knowledge is not allowed. This is not just a breach of etiquette but also of data protection law."
Smartphones should be used only in exceptional cases, warns Horst Hanisch. "At the same time, one must remember that the sound of an incoming call can put you in an awkward position, so it is better to set your smartphone to vibrate mode," advises the etiquette seminar leader. He does not rule out that some students may need to be reachable for urgent matters. However, it is better to answer an urgent call by leaving the lecture hall.
The etiquette expert also advises those who are late to attract as little attention as possible. They should enter the lecture hall as quietly as possible, foregoing greetings or apologies. It is better to take a free seat at the edge and start working.
"Please, a bit slower!"
If you want to ask a question or make a comment during a lecture, you should raise your hand and wait until the professor gives you the floor. Under no circumstances should you interrupt the speaker or shout out from your seat.
"I speak from my own experience and would like to note that a lecturer can only be pleased by a question that shows the student is thinking about the information. It is better to refrain from requests to repeat what was said because the student did not manage to take notes, or from frequent clarifying questions," recommends Horst Hanisch.
Preference should be given to constructive questions that can enliven the discussion of the topic. Before asking them, it is worth considering whether the answers will be interesting and useful to the other listeners. "With a timely and intelligent question, a student can attract attention and be remembered by the professor, just as with an inappropriate and distracting question," emphasizes Susanne Preuschoff.
Student dress code
There are no regulations regarding the appearance of students at German universities. "Everyone is free to attend classes in whatever they find comfortable," says the University of Cologne employee. "But I would not advise wearing sportswear to lectures."
Etiquette expert Horst Hanisch agrees and gives an example from his own practice: "A first-year student came to my lectures at a private university wearing a baseball cap until I reprimanded him. It is customary to remove headwear indoors. Exceptions may be headscarves for religious reasons."
The expert believes that students should dress comfortably and according to their own taste. However, attending university is a kind of work. Horst Hanisch advises adhering to a strict dress code even during student years: such clothing does not distract others and helps oneself get into a business mindset. At the same time, he emphasizes that in hot weather, it is perfectly acceptable to come to classes in shorts, T-shirts, and sandals.