Every other week, DW's Kate Müser explores the quirks of everyday life and language in Germany. Originally from the United States, Müser has lived in Germany for over 13 years. Follow Meet the Germans on YouTube or at dw.com/meetthegermans.

Even though Germans may sometimes be direct, they also communicate in wordless facial expressions that aren't always clear to newcomers. Here's a brief guide: 

7 videos of German facial expressions that need explaining

When it comes to communicating with Germans (in German), it's crucial to know how to address them: with the informal "Du" or the formal "Sie." Using the wrong one could lead to a serious faux pas. Learn more in the Meet the Germans video below.