Berlin is a lively capital city with a range of cultural diversity and professional and networking opportunities. Whether you arrive in Berlin alone or with family, you will be able to enjoy a high standard of living, quality time, as well as favorable circumstances for career progression and lifelong learning. Yet, before you indulge in the unlimited possibilities that Berlin has to offer, it is essential to allow yourself time to adjust to Berlin's culture and the German lifestyle and to incorporate your values and habits into everyday life in Berlin. Simply said, Berliners deeply appreciate the structure and patterns that social etiquette supports. Although they often keep to themselves, they will feel comfortable correcting you if you do something against their morals, such as crossing the street at a red light or being late for an appointment. Formality is an indispensable part of everyday life in Berlin, meaning that politeness and verbal and nonverbal communication cues can help you develop better connections with Berliners and not only. For example, keep in mind that when greeting someone whom you don't know that well or meeting for the first time, you should invest in a firm handshake while making eye contact rather than a kiss on both cheeks, as is the norm for French people. Even if you are being introduced to multiple people at the same time, you are expected to go around and shake hands with everyone. Of course, due to COVID-19, greeting styles around the world have been adapted to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. During the pandemic, the interior minister of Germany refused to shake Chancellor Angela Merkel's hand, and overall, the business world sees fewer handshakes and more fist bumps. Sometimes, a wide and honest smile is enough (and probably the safest way to greet someone without sharing germs) if accompanied by eye contact and followed by a warm greeting expression.  You may find yourself inclined to greet with a “Hallo” as it is easy and similar to the English “Hello,” however Germans prefer the more formal “Guten Morgen” (i.e., good morning), Tag (i.e., day), and Abend (i.e., afternoon/evening). Tschuss, Ciao, and Auf Wiedersehen are all acceptable goodbyes, with the latter being the most formal. Bringing a gift when invited over to dinner is a considerate act of kindness, showing appreciation for the time that your host has invested in preparing for your visit, as well as in entertaining you during your stay. If you feel unsure about what kind of gift to bring or on the occasion of a less formal gathering, you can bring a homemade dish, a bottle of wine, or flowers. In fact, flowers go a long way as they are not reserved merely for important occasions and loved ones — they are popular home arrangements that can be offered anytime. Germany is a country with long gift exchange traditions on occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, and Easter. However, nowadays, vouchers have become the most popular type of gift due to their practicality. If you are looking for something more personable, consider cosmetics and books. The hectic lifestyle of Berlin is by no means an excuse to not be punctual. In fact, only very serious reasons (e.g., health, accident) are acceptable among Berliners for late arrivals, whether it is for business or entertainment. The fact that public transport is extremely regular and timely and getting around Berlin is easy has contributed to these high expectations of punctuality. Remember that no one will praise you for being on time, as it is taken for granted that it is everyone's responsibility to be able to do so. Ideally, you should arrive at a scheduled event or meeting about ten minutes early, so the actual activities can start on time after a short time of small talk and introductions.