Russia is a country that is still in a state of upheaval. For this reason, you will see different types of behavior depending on the region and situation. There is modern Russia, especially in the big cities, and there is modern Russia, mostly in the countryside, where the Soviet Union is still “present”. The same applies to the different generations. As in other cultures, “the young” differ from “the old”. Basically, however, the following tendencies are common to all:
Names and forms of greeting
Russian names
Russian names have the following construction: first name + patronymic (the father’s name) + surname. Example:
Ivan (first name) Petrovich (patronymic – the son of Peter) Sidorov (male surname).
Or Maria (first name) Petrovna (patronymic – the daughter of Peter) Sidorova (female surname).
As you can see, patronymics and surnames differ depending on whether it is a man or a woman. The feminine form of surnames can also be found in all other Slavic languages. Foreign female surnames are an exception, at least in Russia. So Angelique Kerber remains Kerber and is not changed to Kerberova. Patronymics are also not used for foreign names.
The names also appear in the Russian passports according to this scheme. However, there is a certain amount of leeway with the patronymics. For example, if you don’t know exactly who the father is, or the child is at war with the father, or the mother doesn’t want to tell the child who the father is (perhaps the father is married and has another family, which is not uncommon in Russia recently), you choose a patronymic that you like.
Name abbreviations
Every Russian name, whether male or female, also has abbreviations. “Official” names, as they appear in passports, are used in official contexts (in the office, in negotiations, with authorities, etc.) or when you are on a first-name basis with the person. In unofficial contexts, for example in the family or among friends, where you are on a first-name basis, short forms are used. Here are some examples:
For female first names:
Jekaterina – Katja
Tatjana – Tanja
Natalia – Natascha
Irina – Ira
Jewgenia – Zhenia
For male first names
Alexandr – Sascha
Mikhail – Mischa
Wladimir – Wowa
Dmitrij – Dima
When communicating with German business partners, the form “Mr. or Mr. Schmidt – Ms. or Mrs. Schneider” is used; when communicating in English, the first name is usually used (as is common in English-speaking countries).
Tip: If you are not sure how to greet your partner and in which language, stick to the formal version and then simply ask them if this is correct. Also explain to your Russian partners how it is customary in your country. Especially in an intercultural context, it is important to explain your intentions so that you are not seen as stupid or arrogant, but simply as “different”. By explaining your forms of greeting, you are also showing interest and signaling that you have dealt with the cultural issue, i.e. you are showing respect to your Russian partners.
To be on first-name terms or not?
Due to the high hierarchical orientation of Russian society and the seniority principle, it is not uncommon for older people to “address” younger people or those of higher rank to “address” those of lower rank and for younger people to “address” older people or those of lower rank to “address” those of higher rank. Examples:
An aunt and a nephew:
Aunt: “Maxim, please come here.”
Nephew: “Aunt Maria, what would you like to tell me?”
Or
The boss to the secretary: “Anja (short for Anna), please bring us some coffee.”
Secretary to the boss: “Gladly, Anatoly Sergeyevich, would you like some milk and sugar?”
This sounds strange to German ears, but it is a valid convention and has nothing to do with “class differences”.
Greeting: Handshake yes or no?
Men and women: How do you greet whom?
Traditionally, men greet each other with a firm handshake. However, when men and women greet each other, the men do not shake hands with the women, but simply say “Dobrij den” – “Good day” and nod in a friendly manner. If, for example, there are several men and women in the office, it is not uncommon for men to “take a turn” and greet, for example, 10 men with a handshake and not the women. This behavior, which is completely normal in Russia, even for women, often causes surprise, confusion or even annoyance for Germans. In Germany, we greet everyone equally, as everyone should be treated equally and respected. In Russia, on the other hand, women do not want to be treated as men. That would be disrespectful! They want to be treated as “ladies”, and there are historical reasons for this. This greeting ritual has nothing to do with discrimination, but shows respect and appreciation for women. After all, male colleagues have no intention of deliberately insulting or overlooking their female colleagues.
Soft handshake – does that mean insecurity?
Women don’t shake hands either, but simply say “Dobrij den”. In foreign companies in Russia, on the other hand, women know that a typical “Western” greeting is a handshake. Therefore, Russian women do shake hands with male foreign colleagues, but the handshake is usually very soft. This has nothing to do with insecurity. The handshake is an unusual form of greeting and is performed to the best of our knowledge and belief, but never in a “manly pithy” manner. Imagine this: You have to bow in Asia. Do you know exactly how to do this and when? Probably not – there is a risk that you will appear insecure or rude to Asians, even though you certainly don’t mean it.
Tip: He who asks, leads. Again, ask your Russian business partners how they would like to be greeted. Explain to them what is customary in your country and explain your intentions. This in turn shows interest and respect for Russia and Russian etiquette and is a first step towards establishing a good basis of trust for your business relationships. In any case, avoid embarrassing situations and it is not impolite to make yourself known at the first meeting.
