On the internet, forums, and casual conversations, you can sometimes hear a surprising claim: in Germany, it is supposedly considered normal to fart at the dinner table. Even more, it is sometimes elevated to the status of a compliment to the cook — a way for guests to show that the meal was tasty and well-digested. How true is this claim? Where did this myth come from, and what is the actual state of German table etiquette? Let's sort it out step by step.

Where did this myth come from?

The myth about German tolerance for intestinal gas at the table is one of many persistent stereotypes about Germany, on par with "Germans have no sense of humor" or "Germans wear leather pants every day." Like any stereotype, it has some basis in reality — but that basis lies more in history and folklore than in modern everyday life.

The historical source of this belief is often traced to a phrase attributed to Martin Luther, the great church reformer. According to legend, after a hearty meal, Luther asked his fellow diners: "Warum pfurzet und ruelpset ihr nicht, hat es euch nicht geschmecket?" — that is, "Why are you not farting and burping? Did you not enjoy the meal?" This phrase, despite its dubious historical status, became firmly embedded in German folklore and was passed down through generations as an example of coarse but sincere folk humor.

However, it is important to understand that this is not an instruction on etiquette, but a curious historical anecdote. Only someone completely outside the norms of propriety could afford such a liberty at the table — similar to how today, only an outrageous blogger might belch loudly in a restaurant, but not an ordinary guest.

How bodily functions were viewed in different eras

Attitudes toward farting and other natural functions have indeed changed throughout history — and not only in Germany but across Europe. In the Middle Ages, etiquette norms were noticeably more relaxed. For example, in many European countries, burping after a meal was considered a sign that the guest was full and satisfied with the meal. This was a practical rule: in an era when the concept of "personal space" was quite different from today, bodily functions were not surrounded by as many taboos as they are now.

However, by the 19th century, the situation had changed dramatically. In the German language, the word Bäuerchen (literally "little farmer") appeared, which refers to an infant's burp after feeding. Linguists note that the word itself reflects the fact that in Germany, bodily functions in the presence of others were considered a crude peasant habit, unbecoming of a well-mannered person. By the 20th century, the idea that farting at the table is improper was as firmly entrenched in German society as in any other European country.

What modern Germans and residents of Germany say

Setting aside historical anecdotes and looking at the real situation, the picture becomes completely unambiguous. No source discussing modern Germany confirms that farting at the table is considered acceptable there.

Forum users living in Germany unanimously debunk this myth. One of them, who has lived in the country for over 25 years, states bluntly: "It is not customary at the table, and in many other situations it is also not. But if a person cannot control themselves, it sometimes happens. They will definitely apologize, and those around them will pretend not to have noticed." This, in fact, is the universal rule of behavior that applies in any European country, including Russia.

Another user, who lived in a hotel with Germans, notes that in a room, in an informal setting, such an occurrence might indeed happen — just as it probably would in a group of Russians left without prying eyes. But "in the dining hall... that never happened." That is, even in relatively informal conditions, people observe basic decency when in the presence of others.

Modern etiquette guides also confirm that "in contemporary German society, observing norms of propriety and etiquette is becoming increasingly important. When visiting a restaurant or inviting friends for dinner, it is better to follow generally accepted rules." There is no talk of any encouragement of "acoustic compliments."

Caution: sources of the myth are often unreliable

Interestingly, many sources that propagate this myth are either clearly joking or have no relation to the real Germany. For example, some websites claim that farting at the table in Germany is "no different from us yawning or sneezing, that is, it is a normal thing." However, such claims are often based either on old wives' tales or on outright fabrications.

Here is a typical example: one forum user writes that "in the old days, according to etiquette rules, if a lady farted at the table, the gentleman sitting next to her was supposed to apologize as if he had done it himself." This sounds more like a curiosity from medieval books on manners and has no bearing on modern Germany.

One cannot discount the fact that some of these myths arise from simple linguistic and cultural differences. As The Guardian noted in an article about German swear words, the German language does use a lot of "fecal" vocabulary in insults — but that does not mean Germans are more interested in defecation processes than others.

And, of course, one should not confuse farting with burping. Some cultures do indeed encourage burping after a meal as a sign that the guest is full. But this is not accepted in Germany, and it certainly does not apply to farting.

Conclusion: is it true that Germans fart at the table?

So, let us return to the main question. Is it true that Germans consider it normal to fart at the table?

No, it is not true. In modern Germany, as in any other European country, farting at the table is bad manners. It is considered improper, uncultured, and disrespectful to those around you.

Of course, accidents happen — no one is immune from sudden flatulence. But in such a situation, a German, a Russian, and an American will all act the same: either try to pretend nothing happened, or quietly apologize if the incident was noticed. This is precisely the behavior described by people who actually live in Germany.

The myth about the "German tradition of farting at the table" is a historical curiosity based on old tales, folk anecdotes about Martin Luther, and misinterpretations of cultural differences. Like many stereotypes, it has a tiny grain of historical truth, but it does not reflect reality at all.

So if you are planning to visit a German family or a German restaurant, you need not worry: no one expects an "acoustic compliment" from you. The same rules of politeness apply at the table as in any other European country. Enjoy your meal — and without any awkward moments.

Permanent link to this publication: