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22/08/2011Culture and social etiquette in Luxembourg

Culture and social etiquette in Luxembourg Get started with this short primer on culture and social etiquette in Luxembourg.

Even though Luxembourg is part of the European Union, Luxembourgers have strong national pride and they value their independence and autonomy. They also value modesty and friendship. Family is the most important consideration, and parents often have an influence over every aspect of their children's lives.  Luxembourgers do not flaunt their possessions or express strong emotion, however, with close friends they are friendly and informal. They do not ask personal questions - it is taken as an intrusion into their privacy.

Culture and social etiquette in Luxembourg

Greeting
Luxembourgers are quite reserved and formal but once you establish a relationship, you will feel more comfortable. The most common greeting is a brief handshake. Very close friends kiss each other on the cheek three times. Kissing can be only between women or a man and a woman. In Luxembourg it is inappropriate for men to kiss other men.

In most social situations surnames are used with the honorific titles Monsieur or Madame. It is advisable to use the formal pronoun for you "vous", rather than the informal "tu". You may have to wait to be invited to use someone's first name.

Meeting
If you are invited to someone's home, it is wise to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. Flowers should be given in odd numbers, and never chrysanthemums, as they are used at funerals. Luxembourgers cherish punctuality and it is advisable to arrive on time.  Dinner is usually a social occasion and a time to enjoy good food, wine and discussion.

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Dining
The etiquette for dining is very important for Luxumbourgers.

  • Table manners are formal in Luxembourg. 
  • There is a proper protocol to follow and you will be expected to demonstrate good manners at all times.
  • Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
  • Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
  • Meals are often served family-style.
  • Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap.
  • Do not begin eating until the hostess begins.
  • Most food is eaten with utensils, including sandwiches.
  • If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
  • Finish everything on your plate.
  • Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
  • The host gives the first toast.
  • An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
  • Women may offer toasts.

Luxembourgers appreciate cleanliness and neatness. In business gatherings men should wear suits and ties, and may wear hats. Women should wear dresses or suits. Chewing gum in public gives a bad impression.


Petya Vetseva / Expatica

 

Resources:
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_lu.htm

http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Luxembourg.html

http://luxembourg.angloinfo.com/countries/luxembourg/life7.asp

http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=120


Photo credits:
Hostess gift, Flickr/Elle-Epp; Watch, Flickr/J. Mark Bertrand; Shaking hands, Flickr/ MyTudut


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