Hungary🕣
State in Central Europe. Official name – Hungary. Population – 9.6 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Budapest. Official language – Hungarian. Government type – parliamentary republic. Main religion – Catholicism.
Hungary
Greeting
During introductions, for example in a first business meeting, you should shake hands with everyone present. It is important to maintain direct eye contact and remember to mention your surname. A handshake not only starts but also ends every business meeting.
If you are introduced to a woman, wait for her to extend her hand to greet you. If she does not, just nod your head slightly.
During introductions, Hungarians first say their surname and then their first name, e.g. Javor Péter.
Recently, it has become common practice for colleagues to call each other by their first name regardless of their status. Usually the head of the unit sets unspoken rules of behaviour.
It is common for men to shake hands even at family reunions. Kissing and hugging (usually between a man and a woman or between women) are rituals of greeting in the family and between close friends.
Introduction
In Hungarian culture, the usual order of introduction is: first the surname, then the first name. However, a foreign guest should, when introducing himself or herself, start with the first name, followed by the surname.
The style of communication in Hungary can be generally characterised as formal. It is established and maintained as such within companies, obliging employees to address...
Exchange of Business Cards
The exchange of business cards is part of business etiquette in Hungary. They are exchanged quite often, so you should have a sufficient supply of business cards with you.
On a woman's business card you can see 2 surnames, e.g. Dr Javorné, Szendrey Júlia, where the first one is the husband's surname with the suffix -né and the second one is the maiden name of the cardholder.
Th...
Small Talk: Overview
The Hungarian communication style can be characterised as polite, reserved and friendly.
In many cultures, such questions as How are you? How are you doing? are perceived in many cultures as a greeting question that does not imply an answer. However, your Hungarian partner could probably see it as your sincere interest in his or her affairs. Hungarians can sometimes be quite frank, sha...
Preferred Topics
Hungarian food, groceries and wine are a source of pride for Hungarians. Saying something nice about any of them will help to melt the ice in the conversation and initiate the development of personal relationships.
Nature of the country, places of interest.
Art, theatre, antiques.
Sports topics, especially the Olympic Games.
Current events, business news, economi...
Taboo Topics
Political topics are an absolute taboo. Especially painful will be any statements referring to Hungary's recent socialist past. Any value judgements should be avoided as they may be misinterpreted by your partner.
The historical events that Hungary was involved in during the 20th century, in particular the First World War and the Treaty of Trianon, which resulted in the country losing...
Personal Space
Comfortable speaking distance in Hungary is usually an arm's length or a little more. This is the usual comfort zone of speaking people in most Western European countries.
Physical contact during communication is not accepted in any of its forms, be it patting, hugging, etc. The exception is the handshake, which people exchange when greeting or saying goodbye.
During communic...
Communication Specifics
Relationship building is important in Hungarian business culture. A polite, discreet, attentive, serious, sincere line of behaviour will be appreciated by your Hungarian colleague and will lay the foundations for effective cooperation.
Business meetings are usually quite formal, but not tense, rather relaxed and even casual.
It takes time to build trust in a relationship, as we...
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