So, you're sitting in a German restaurant for the first time — what's the protocol? If you're visiting Germany and aren't familiar with the local customs, there are a few things to keep in mind. After all, dining out is one of the nation's favorite pastimes.

Interestingly, going out for dinner often means heading to an Italian spot; after local German cuisine, Italian is the absolute favorite. Also good to know: unlike in the United States, service staff in Germany earn at least the legal minimum wage. This means they aren't as dependent on tips as their American counterparts.