What are common gestures used in German-speaking countries for communication

Common gestures used in German-speaking countries for communication include the “slicing” gesture, where the hand moves in a slicing motion often to emphasize a point or indicate decisiveness. Another frequent gesture is the shoulder lift, which can be one-sided or two-sided, and is used in interaction for disclaiming responsibility or signaling non-accountability. Germans also use hand movements to reinforce speech, including pointing or precise finger movements to mark specific ideas or directions. Politeness and greeting gestures in German-speaking Switzerland involve strict conventions, including nodding or slight bowing while greeting or parting. Across these countries, gestures are tightly integrated with verbal communication and follow certain cultural norms that emphasize clarity and directness. ^{11, 13, 19}

These gestures differ slightly between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland but maintain a core of shared understanding related to emphasis, politeness, and interaction management. German gestures are generally purposeful, aimed at support of verbal expression rather than replacing words entirely. ^{7, 13}

In summary, common gestures in German-speaking countries include the slicing gesture to emphasize points, shoulder lifts to signal disclaimers, specific greeting nods, and precise hand movements supporting verbal communication, all reflecting cultural preferences for clear and respectful interaction. ^{13, 19, 7, 11}

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