The table-manner rule is about where your hands rest
In traditional German dining etiquette, keep your hands visible rather than putting them in your lap. During the meal, that usually means resting your hands or wrists near the edge of the table while keeping your elbows off it. The distinction matters: visible hands are considered polite; leaning on your elbows is the discourteous posture.
A small detail that signals consideration
The rule is easiest to follow at a formal meal: sit upright, keep your hands above the table when you are not using them, and avoid propping yourself up on your elbows while eating. It is a matter of conventional manners, not a special dining technique, and expectations can be more relaxed among family or friends.
For a visitor, the practical cue is simple: keep your hands in view, but let your chair—not the table—support your upper body.
