April 24, 2026, 8:12 am | Read time: 3 minutes
A rule of etiquette considered the bare minimum in Germany is viewed much more casually by the French and often Italians. However, this does not mean they lack politeness. Different countries, different customs: TRAVELBOOK explains the initially unfamiliar behavior Germans might encounter while on vacation.
You probably know the situation: Your conversation partner is elaborating on a thought, and you already have a response ready. But politeness dictates that you let them finish, even at the risk of losing your own insight. This scenario is more typical in Germany–in France, for example, it’s less common.
In France, it’s not rude to interrupt others
This might initially sound like a cliché. But what you may recognize from French films and perhaps find charming is rooted in genuine French communication culture. Conversations between French people are generally very lively, often with multiple people speaking at once.
“In conversation, it is (in France, editor’s note) generally common to interrupt your conversation partner to pick up and expand on their thoughts.” This is stated in a publication by the language travel agency “Sprachenmarkt.” It continues: “This active listening shows interest and attention.”
When different conversation cultures meet…
It’s a different perspective on conversation culture. Interrupting others is seen more positively–as a sign of lively participation in a discussion. However, many people who visit France as tourists or for work are unaware of this.
As the French job portal “Connexion Emploi” explains, mutual interruptions are also common in the French workplace. There, it is considered an expression of interest, engagement, and active participation in a discussion. However, employees from abroad are not always familiar with these conversational rules. The article provides tips on how to respond appropriately in such situations.
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In Italy, “interrupting” is also part of communication
The situation is similar in neighboring Italy. “I assure you, we Italians constantly ‘interrupt’ each other,” writes a user on “Reddit.” From his perspective, this is only considered an interruption from an Anglo-American viewpoint. In his culture, it’s normal to join a conversation when you want to react directly to something the other person has said. The same applies to the French, Spaniards, and Greeks.
At the same time, the user can understand that this way of conversing might be unfamiliar to Americans and sometimes perceived as rude. He regularly experiences this in his professional life at a U.S. company. Conversely, he had to learn the hard way to wait with his own comments until the other person has finished speaking.
Common, but not universally liked
The general tone of the “Reddit” discussion is nuanced. Even though mutual interruptions are more common and socially tolerated in countries like Italy or France, it doesn’t automatically mean they are considered pleasant. Several users write that they find it quite rude or disruptive, but they have gotten used to this form of conversation.