Office etiquette question?

[jennifer484]

If there are two other Germans at work and we all speak English, do I avoid speaking German to them at all times? if they ask me something in German, do I answer in English?

[runningmeg82]

I would say speak English incase there's someone else in the room that could/should be in the conversation. However if no one else is part of the convo, why not?

[NYC 29/39 yrs old]

Look it's really not that serious, just answer them in german, but when you speak to them speak to them in english so that no one is left out, It is good ediquette. my boss is french and he speaks french all the time while on the phone and with alot of his walk in clients. my co-worker is hispanic and so am I. we speak english and spanish at work but when all of us are in the same room at the same time talking we all speak english. I think we live in an extremely sensitive time where if you chew gum the wrong way it can offend and entire country, or religious belief,( lol) ( that was funny) so we must be cautious what we say and how we behave all the time. don't stress your situation to much i'm sure answering a question in another language is not gonna offend anyone right away, but do keep in mind that prolonged dialouge can alienate friends or co-workers. buena suerte - (good luck)

[Heidi]

agree with duffie - it's rude if there are other people around who can't understand you. when you're by yourselves, feel free to speak German if y'all prefer it.

[camilleyun]

If all the other coworkers speak English only, then I would only speak English as well.

[bcptm]

~Ask them which they would prefer.

[dddbbb]

People speaking other languages at work while others can not understand are being EXTREMELY RUDE whether they know it, or admit it, or not.

I work with many Hispanics who don't get this, and I will always choose to share the best projects with the non-hispanics who won't leave me out of their conversations. I avoid working with people who exclude me from their conversations at all costs. This has caused several hispanics to miss out on great opportunities because of their own ignorance and selfishness. Comprende?

[duffie_1999]

Speak English if there is someone else around who is being left out of the conversation. When the 3 of you are alone and want to speak German, that's fine. In my office there were 4 hispanic clerks and one caucausian. They all shared an office and spoke spanish to each other and excluded the other lady. I told them they were being rude and thoughless and told them exactly what I just told you.