[wink]

Same here in Germany (but I graduated a few years ago).

It's kind of the same as in any workplace (by default, with exclusion of the IT sector and maybe some more, also construction sites) - you'll always use Mr/Mrs (Ms not so much anymore, I think that went away in the 80s :P) until you or someone else offers you the possibility to be on a first name basis [0] (example link in case you've never heard of this particularity of German speaking countries).

[0]: http://www.dw.com/en/the-du-sie-dilemma-in-german/a-16494631

There are exceptions, of course, but in general (exceptions see above) I'd say using the first name in a formal/business setting is totally more uncommon than in the US.

In general I really do wonder about mentioning social media and text messages as a possible reason. We had text messages in high school in early 00s. We also had social media when I was still studying, I simply refuse to believe that everything has deteriorated this much in just 10 years. (Oh wait, I'm getting old and 'Get off my lawn', right?) :)