Dining in Deutschland: Zu Hause und im Restaurant

What is it like to go to a restaurant in a German-speaking country?

If you want to "eat like a German," here are a few tips:

In Germany it is customary to wish others at your table Guten Appetit (good appetite - enjoy your meal - similar to Bon Appetit in French) prior to eating.
German table manners dictate that the hands stay on top of the table at all times - not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table. Hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right. The fork is generally held upside down.
Don't cut potatoes/dumplings with a knife (to do so might suggest they are not tender).
If you are taking a pause during the meal, but plan to continue eating (to take a drink perhaps) simply put your utensils (facedown) on the table on opposite sides of the plate.
If you are taking a break and want more food - cross the fork and knife on your plate with the fork over the knife.
Toasts are an important in German social life. If making a toast you might normally say Prost or Prosit or Zum Wohl or Zum Wohlsein.
When finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the right side of the plate (on the plate). The Napkin (die Serviette) should be folded and placed to the left side of your plate - never on the plate.

Activity 1

Activity 2

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