Behavioral tips for the Czech Republic
As a general rule, everyone is different and just because someone is of Czech nationality does not mean that they generally avoid conflicts or that they always insist on being addressed with their academic title. It is important to always remain open and as free of prejudice as possible during your studies. Nevertheless, it is helpful to know which behaviors, which seem to be quite normal in Germany, should be avoided in the Czech Republic – at least until you get to know each other a little better.
Relations between Czechs and Germans go back a long way, are very complex and, unfortunately, not completely unencumbered – you should always be a little aware of this during your studies in the Czech Republic. Even if the younger generation did not experience these conflicts themselves, the years of terror and oppression under Nazi rule are anchored in the collective memory. Calling the Czech Republic “Czech Republic” should be absolutely taboo, because it brings back bad memories of the time. Since, above all, the older generation lived through the times of occupation and violence themselves and the young, on the other hand, grow up in a cosmopolitan climate, there are, however, great differences in mentality between the generations. It says here:Avoid sensitive topics, initially remain cautious, listen and observe! In the course of the weeks you will settle in more and more and you will probably even learn to love cultural peculiarities in the Czech Republic that initially seem unusual.
Avoiding uncertainty and avoiding conflict
After centuries of oppression and a long process of transformation after 1989, many Czechs long for routine and stability. According to allcountrylist, the “Bohemian Lifestyle” and the Švejk mentality certainly still play a role in the Czech psyche, but many Czechs also feel the need to preserve the prosperity they have fought for. Risks are preferred to be avoided and therefore established rules and Christian conservative values have increased in relevance. At first glance, strangers are met with a certain mistrust, which is why Czechs often seem a bit distant when they first meet them.
Many Czechs also find it uncomfortable to openly resolve conflicts, especially since this is often viewed as a hidden criticism of oneself. The need to avoid conflicts and not to mention unpleasant or problems by name is certainly also due to historical reasons. After all, it has been life-threatening in the Czech Republic for centuries, and even in the recent past, to express criticism or openly address problems.
Behavioral tips for the Czech Republic
As a general rule, everyone is different and just because someone is of Czech nationality does not mean that they generally avoid conflicts or that they always insist on being addressed with their academic title. It is important to always remain open and as free of prejudice as possible during your studies. Nevertheless, it is helpful to know which behaviors, which seem to be quite normal in Germany, should be avoided in the Czech Republic – at least until you get to know each other a little better.
Relations between Czechs and Germans go back a long way, are very complex and, unfortunately, not completely unencumbered – you should always be a little aware of this during your studies in the Czech Republic. Even if the younger generation did not experience these conflicts themselves, the years of terror and oppression under Nazi rule are anchored in the collective memory. Calling the Czech Republic “Czech Republic” should be absolutely taboo, because it brings back bad memories of the time. Since, above all, the older generation lived through the times of occupation and violence themselves and the young, on the other hand, grow up in a cosmopolitan climate, there are, however, great differences in mentality between the generations. It says here:Avoid sensitive topics, initially remain cautious, listen and observe! In the course of the weeks you will settle in more and more and you will probably even learn to love cultural peculiarities in the Czech Republic that initially seem unusual.
Dos & Don’ts
| DOS | Don’ts |
| Know something about Czech customs and traditions and show an interest in the country and its people | Calling the Czech Republic as “Czech Republic” – this term was used by the National Socialists |
| Humor and the ability to laugh at yourself | Politics, the communist era and criticism of the discrimination against Roma and other minorities in the Czech Republic are not suitable subjects for small talk |
| Respect for the elderly and the higher-ups and use the title when addressing them | Evaluate Czechs and Slovaks as one unit |
| Punctuality – this is also expected in the Czech Republic | Boastful and loud talking – that makes you very unpopular with Czechs |
| Modesty and restraint are considered virtues in the Czech Republic | With “Ahoj” you only greet friends and acquaintances, but not your professors or unknown people |
| Maintain the personal level and do not argue too objectively – criticism should only be expressed very diplomatically and indirectly | Calling the Czech Republic an Eastern European country – in fact, it belongs to Central Europe |