Image generated by Gemini AI By Vedant Talekar · March 26, 2026

How you address people in professional and academic settings reveals a lot about a culture’s relationship with hierarchy. From the classroom to the office, expectations around formality vary significantly across the Netherlands, Germany, the USA, and China. Here’s what to expect in each.

China: Titles Are Non Negotiable

In China, hierarchy is respected and acknowledged at all times. You would never call a professor or senior colleague by their first name. It simply isn’t done.

Titles matter immensely. It’s not just “Teacher Wang”, it’s “Professor Wang” or “Director Zhang.” Age and position command automatic respect, and language reflects that.

Even among colleagues, seniority affects how you speak to someone. Using a superior’s first name, especially in front of others, would feel deeply uncomfortable and disrespectful.

When meeting someone for the first time, it’s common to ask for their title and surname to ensure proper address. This isn’t about stiffness, it’s about showing respect for their position and experience.

Netherlands: The Flat Country

The Netherlands has perhaps the flattest hierarchy you’ll encounter in professional settings. Bosses are viewed as colleagues with different responsibilities rather than authority figures. Professors expect to be addressed by their first name from day one.

The Dutch language reinforces this. There’s no strong formal “you” distinction like in many other languages. Everyone is je or jij, reflecting a belief that hierarchy shouldn’t create unnecessary distance.

In practice, students openly challenge professors during seminars, and employees give direct feedback to managers. It’s not disrespect. It’s efficiency.

Germany: The Formal Middle Ground

Germany occupies a middle position between Dutch casualness and Chinese formality. The formal “Sie” versus informal “du” distinction remains important.

You use “Sie” with professors, bosses, and strangers unless explicitly invited to switch.

This invitation (das Du anbieten) is a recognised social ritual. Usually, the older or higher-ranking person offers it, signalling that the relationship has shifted from formal to familiar.

Until that happens, you stick with “Sie” and last names. This isn’t coldness, it’s professionalism.

USA: The Illusion of Flatness

America presents an interesting contradiction. On the surface, everything is informal. Professors often say, “call me Steve” on the first day. Bosses go by first names.

But the hierarchy hasn’t disappeared, it’s just less visible.

That boss who says “call me Steve” may still expect deference in decisions and meetings. The language is flat, but the power structure isn’t.

Americans navigate this by being casually professional: first names + awareness of authority.

Practical Takeaways

• China: Use titles and last names. Always. When in doubt, be more formal.
• Netherlands: First names for everyone. Don’t overthink it.
• Germany: Start with “Sie” and last names. Wait for the switch to “du”.
• USA: First names are standard, but hierarchy still exists beneath the surface.

Bonus: Who Pays the Bill?

• China: If you’re the inviter, expect to pay. Guests should offer, then accept refusal.
• USA: Ask “should we split it?” or use apps like Venmo. Taking turns is common.
• Netherlands: Everyone pays for themselves. Precision matters (hello Tikkie).
• Germany: Clarify early. If someone invites you, they likely intend to pay.