Millions of Germans sat rapt in front of their TV sets on a recent Saturday evening to see the nation's favourite quiz show host ask leather-clad motorcyclists whether it is proper to kiss a lady's hand in the park.

Germany's manners have been on the decline since the Kaiser

It was "Die Grosse Benimmshow" (The Grand Manners Show) and it got the highest ratings of the week. It reflects a growing trend in this country for good manners.

It appears that Germans have suddenly discovered they are ill-mannered. They are signing up for etiquette courses in record numbers.

Magazines and newspapers now suddenly run columns on etiquette, and TV and radio programmes offer cash prizes for answers to such compelling questions as: "Is it considered polite to wear a flavoured condom on a date?"

The answer, according to Bild newspaper, is: "Not on the first date. On subsequent dates, yes. But only tasteful flavours such as banana or strawberry."

While some are frivolous, like the one above, many others seriously address the issue of how Germans treat each other, with implications for their relations with other nations.

*quote1*The whole surge in the interest in etiquette comes amidst soul-searching among Germans about a slow-poke economy, an educational system that has lost its edge and a general feeling that "Made in Germany" is becoming a synonym for mediocrity.

When a major newspaper asked prominent Germans why this nation was no longer excelling in such areas as sport and manufacturing and science, a number of respondents blamed it all on selfishness and lack of consideration for others.

"If there's one thing wrong," said top TV news anchorman Ulrich Wickert, "then it's lack of consideration. If somebody tries to back out of a parking spot, other motorists start honking. Everyone believes he or she has the right-of-way and everyone else should yield the right-of-way," said the author of a book on virtues.

TV anchorman Ulrich Wickert: "Germans are raised to be high-handed."

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