Business etiquette during business meetings

Along with the beauty of the spring and summer come pollens circulating throughout the air — today they’re from grasses, next month they will be from stinging nettle, rye, and linden trees, too. Sneezing during these months is a fact of life.

But what should you do if you sneeze during an appointment or phone call with English speakers, or if someone you’re meeting with sneezes?

If you sneeze (and also if you have to blow your nose), you should say “Excuse me”. If someone says “Bless you!” or “Gesundheit!” after you sneeze, respond by saying “Thank you”.

If you’re with a person who sneezes, be sure to say  “Bless you!” or “Gesundheit!”.

Mindy Ehrhart Krull
About the author

Originally from the US, Mindy Ehrhart Krull holds a master's degree in journalism and has been teaching English and working as an author, editor and proofreader in Germany since 2008.

At DELS, she leads a team of several English trainers and language professionals.

Cookie Consent Banner von Real Cookie Banner