Flower Etiquette in Germany: What to Bring and What to Avoid

Giving flowers in Germany is easy and welcome, but a few customs are worth knowing, especially if you are a visitor or are sending flowers from abroad. None of these are strict rules, and a thoughtful gift will always be appreciated. They are simply the small details that make a gesture feel right.

When flowers are the right gift

Flowers fit almost every social moment: a dinner invitation, a birthday, an anniversary, a new home, a hospital visit or simply a thank-you. When you are invited to someone's home, a bouquet for the host is a classic gesture. It is usually given at the door or at the start of the visit.

Unwrap the bouquet

A traditional custom is to remove the outer wrapping paper before handing over the flowers, so that the host can place them straight in a vase. It is a courtesy rather than an obligation, and modern florists often make the wrapping part of the design, so use your judgement.

Think about the number of stems

Traditionally, an odd number of stems is preferred for a bouquet (3, 5, 7 and so on), and 13 is sometimes avoided as unlucky. Larger mixed bouquets are rarely counted, so this mainly matters for bunches of a single flower.

Be careful with colour

• Red roses send a romantic message. Save them for a partner rather than a host or colleague. See red roses when the message is romantic.
• White flowers suit weddings and calm occasions, and are also often used for sympathy. Check the context before choosing them for a birthday.
• Bright mixed bouquets are a safe choice for most social occasions. See hand bouquets and mixed flowers.

Flowers to think twice about

Chrysanthemums are commonly linked with cemeteries and remembrance, so many people avoid giving them as a cheerful gift. If in doubt, choose roses, gerberas, tulips or a seasonal mix.

Sympathy and funerals

For condolences, choose a calm, simple arrangement and keep the card short and respectful. Our sympathy and funeral flowers ranges are designed for this.

A note if you are sending flowers from abroad

You cannot hand the bouquet over yourself, so let the card do the work. A short message and, if you like, one German phrase such as Herzlichen Glückwunsch or Danke von Herzen makes a big difference. For a full walkthrough, read How to Send Flowers to Germany.

Related reading

• Flowers for Colleagues and Clients: What Is Appropriate?
• Sympathy and Funeral Flowers in Germany: A Respectful Guide
• Wine and Flowers: Gift Ideas That Always Work