German broadcaster's guide advises refugees to 'not grope women'

A German public broadcaster has released an online guide to help refugees adjust to German culture, which includes advice not to grope women's behinds and beat up your kids.

The simple 14-page illustrated guide released on Bayerischer Rundfunk's website comes with handy information such as "men and women greet each other and say goodbye by shaking hands".

"Always look the person you're talking to in the eyes," it adds.

The guide tells refugees that women "should be respected, no matter what they wear" and that "homosexuals are allowed to show their sexual preference in public".

It warns that arguments should not be solved using violence because it could lead to jail time and difficulties with the asylum procedure.

It also informs asylum seekers that it is not allowed to beat other people's children or their own in Germany.

Tensions have increased across the country following accounts of sexual assaults by refugees in the city of Cologne during New Year Eve celebrations.

The attackers in Cologne were characterised as being of "almost exclusively" Middle Eastern–looking men and have led to an increase in hostility towards Germany's large refugee population.

Last week, adult male asylum seekers were banned from a public indoor swimming pool in the German town of Bornheim following complaints that some women were being "sexually harassed".

Far-right groups have capitalised on the assaults to promote their anti-immigrant agenda.

Protests against German leader Angela Merkel, who pushed her government to accept more refugees fleeing war in Syria and Iraq, have risen across the country.

Protestors have carried banners and signs bearing offensive slogans, such as "Rapefugees not welcome".

A recent poll by ZDF published on Friday found an increase from 46 to 66 percent of Germans who feel Germany is unable to cope with the current influx of refugees.

Meanwhile, refugees in Cologne and other German cities are reported to be living in an increasing climate of fear following the anti-immigrant turn.

Last week saw a number of reported anti-immigrant assaults including a lynch mob in Cologne where 20 unknown assailants attacked six Pakistanis.

A number of attacks against other immigrants followed in the aftermath.