Czech etiquette
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uShake hands to welcome your counterpart. A firm handshake is viewed as a sign of honesty and
openness. It is not unusual for family members and very close friends to kiss on the cheek.
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uUsually it is the woman or the older, or the more distinguished man, who offers a handshake first.
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uMaintain eye contact. This is perceived as a sign of honesty and trustworthiness.
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uAlways arrive on time, even for dinner - punctuality is viewed as a sign of reliability and
responsibility.
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uLunch is the main meal during the day. Supper is usually much smaller and lighter.
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uCalling somebody their first name has a special meaning. It is a sign of friendship. It should
first be offered by the woman or the older or the more respected man.
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uWhen visiting somebody's home, bring a small gift. Flowers or chocolates for the lady of the house
are also very appropriate.
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uIt is commonly expected for guests to remove their shoes upon entering the host's home.
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uSmoking should be requested first. Ask your host's permission, before lighting a cigarette.
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uInterrupting a conversation is considered rude and impolite.
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In the theatre you have to pass facing the sitting people
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uMen are the first to enter a restaurant.
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Daily schedule
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Traditionally, Czechs are early risers. Shops open at 7 am and offices at 8.
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uOn the other end of the day, everything (except big supermarkets) closes down early. Shops close
between 5 and 7 pm and offices even earlier.
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uRestaurants and most pubs close between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Some bars close later and some stay
open through the night.
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uTheatre performances start between 7 and 8.
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uSchool starts at 8 but some classes may start earlier.
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uThe Czech calendar starts the week with Monday. The work-week ends in a weekend. Many Czechs leave
the city to spend the weekend at their summer house or cottage called chata or chalupa.
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uGardening is a common pastime and many families grow most of their vegetables. Even city dwellers
may have a small garden on the edge of the town.
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Addressing people
uTY – VY  ty chodíš, vy chodíte
uPan /paní / slečna
uPane Nováku, paní Nováková, slečno Nováková
uUsing academic titles
uPane doktore, paní doktorko, pane docente, paní docentko
uPane inženýre, paní inženýrko

 Gestures and Body Language
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uCzechs are not great gesticulators.
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uCommon gestures:
uShrugging shoulders = I don't know or I don't care.
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uPointing with your finger at your forehead or temple = You are stupid.
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uHolding thumbs in a closed fist = luck wishing.
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uThumbs up = good; thumbs down = bad.
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uSmiles

Smiles
uCzechs do not smile much at people they do not know.
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uIt is not a sign of unfriendliness, it is simply not expected.
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uConversely, if you smile at people without a reason, they will be surprised.
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uForeigners may think that Czechs are worried.
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Counting on fingers
uThe Czech system
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uStart with the thumb,
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ucontinue with  the index finger, etc.
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Discussion questions
uCompare addressing people in Czech culture to addressing in your home culture
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uWhat are typical gestures in your culture?
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uIs there much handshaking, hugging and kissing?
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