What is behind "Would you like a cup of coffee?" in your country?
To clarify my question a bit,I'd like to present here a story out of my personal experience.
Once,I was working with my colleague for my client.He, the client, was German by nationality, and work took place at his home.There was nothing special- the quiet and usuall routine.We talked in German and were very delighted and pleased by ourselves.Just like good old friends.Then, after a while, the client asked us:"Would you like a cup of coffee?" Haven't been paying much attention or letting myself any solid deliberation,I just answered:"Sure.Why not?"..And we got our treats.The same procedure occured twice during our work...
How was my embarrassment when I unintentionally overheard complain to his suddenly coming back wife:"They drank the whole four cups of our coffee!!!And yet,by doing so, they said:'Schmeckt gut!!!'(Taste good!!!)";)
As enlightened me later, in such situations I must have politely refused his proposals,but who did know then? Is it conflicts of mentality? Funny enough,because in Russia it means a false hospitality. Either treat your guests(if you wish), or do not mention it at all. What does mean this question in your country? Is it a part of etiquette to ask or it is your real intention?