Top Culture and Business Etiquettes in Germany

Business District in Frankfurt, Germany (Photo by Noppasin Wongchum from Getty Images)

Willkommen! (Welcome!)

In Germany, social interactions and business negotiations require a different etiquette than is customary in many other countries. To ensure that you make the best impression possible when interacting with Germans or engaging in business within German culture, it’s important to be aware of certain key practices and understandings.

This article will provide an overview of the basics for interacting with people from German culture, including topics such as gestures, dress codes, business meeting etiquette, dining etiquette, gift-giving, and successful negotiation tips. With these pointers in mind, you can make the most positive impression possible while conducting business in Germany. So let’s get started!

Communication Style

• Communication in Germany is direct, honest, and to the point. Germans appreciate clarity and precision in conversations, but criticism usually is delivered in a vague manner so as to remain polite and not cause offense.
• When delivering difficult news, it’s important to be polite and discreet. With Germans, honesty is key, and they appreciate open discussions about what matters to them. So, when asked sensitive questions, be honest and avoid being evasive. Remember, German culture values directness, so be straightforward instead of beating around the bush!
• Sometimes, when foreigners encounter the German communication style, they might think it’s a bit blunt or brash. But it’s just their way of making sure things are crystal clear.
• They value facts and logical arguments, so be prepared to back up your statements with solid evidence.
• Germans usually speak up when they’ve got something important to say and have already thought it through. They don’t feel the need to fill the silence with useless or pointless comments.
• Regarding humor, Germans have a great sense of irony, wordplay, and innuendos, but their jokes often don’t translate to English very well. Tip: Self-deprecating jokes aren’t common in Germany, so be careful when making them because they might be interpreted as a lack of self-confidence.

Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication

In Germany, non-verbal communication is as important as the spoken word.

• Eye contact is crucial as it conveys sincerity and trustworthiness. Avoiding eye contact might give the impression you’re being dishonest or lacking confidence. Conversely, holding it for too long can make people feel a bit uneasy. Moreover, if you’re talking to a group, remember to make eye contact with everyone equally!
• Personal space is respected, and physical touch during conversations is minimal unless you share a close relationship with the person. A light touch on the shoulder or arm can be used to emphasize a point, but be mindful of not making any unwanted advances specifically to the opposite gender.
• If you accidentally bump into someone or make unwanted physical contact in Germany, it’s polite to apologize by saying “entschuldigung” (excuse me).
• Gestures: Don’t use the okay sign in Germany because it can be misunderstood. The gesture for “hoping for something” or saying “good luck” is made by squeezing the tip of your thumb between your index and middle fingers (daumendrücken). Just remember, don’t let your thumb stick out too much between the fingers because that can be a rude gesture! Keep only the tip visible.
• When pointing, most Germans use their index finger, although some may opt for their pinkie finger.

Dress Codes

When it comes to attire, Professional Germans lean toward conservative and formal, especially in business settings.

• Businessmen typically opt for solid, dark-colored suits with white shirts and conservative ties.
• Businesswomen normally wear dark business suits and white blouses.
• Women should refrain from wearing heavy makeup or lots of jewelry.
• Always wait for your German counterpart to remove their jacket or tie before you do the same.

Business Meeting Etiquette

• Punctuality is not just appreciated in German culture – it’s expected. If you are going to be late, it is imperative to let your German counterpart know in advance.
• People will enter a meeting based on hierarchy with the highest-ranking individual arriving first. Introductions follow the same protocol.
• You should wait to be told where to sit if you are not the host of the meeting.
• Germans will get down to business quickly with only a short time for small talk.
• Meetings usually start and end on time, and agendas (including the time frames and meeting goals) are adhered to strictly.
• Everyone present is expected to equally contribute to the discussion.
• Discussions are fact-based, and decision-making is methodical.
• Germans are great listeners but they are not easily persuaded. You’ll have your work cut out for you!
• When an agreement is reached, the plan of action will be written down in detail so there can’t be any misunderstandings.
• And how do they end meetings? Well, when you hear someone knock on the table with their knuckles, the agreement has been approved and they’re closing the meeting.

Dining Etiquette

• Always wait until the host says “guten appetit” before you begin eating.
• If alcoholic beverages are served, you must wait until the host makes a toast, commonly saying “prost” (cheers) — make sure to make direct eye contact with everyone during the toast.
• Platters of food will be passed around the table, and everyone takes what they want.
• During the meal, ensure that your hands are always above the table, but do not place your elbows on the table!
• If you would like a second helping of food, all you need to do is ask!
• Always finish all the food on your plate which indicates you liked the meal, because if you do leave food on your plate, it is considered wasteful.
• Tip: Take the time to learn a little about the food you will encounter in Germany, such as German breakfast dishes, German seafood dishes, German meat dishes, German vegetarian dishes, and their amazing German desserts and sweets. You might like to read up on German alcoholic drinks and German non-alcoholic drinks too!

Gift-Giving

• Gift-giving isn’t a common practice among German business associates. However, gifts are given and received at social events.
• Give a small, good-quality gift that has a sensible price, such as quality pens with your company’s logo or small bottles of liquor.
• If you’re invited to a German home, it’s customary to bring a small gift like wine, chocolates, something from your country, or flowers.
• If you choose flowers, here are some tips: Give an odd number of flowers because it is considered lucky, but avoid giving 13, because that’s seen as unlucky! What flowers should you avoid? Red roses (they represent love/romance), carnations (mourning), or chrysanthemums and lilies (both commonly used in burials).
• Gifts are opened upon receipt.

Tips for Successful Business Negotiations

• When negotiating in Germany, preparation is key. Germans appreciate thoroughness, so ensure you have all your facts and figures at hand.
• Be clear, concise, and stick to the agenda.
• Remember, Germans value honesty and directness, so avoid exaggerations and superlatives.
• Germans are all about finding the most efficient approach. They like to plan things out meticulously, taking the time to carefully analyze and consider every factor before making a decision.
• Once your German colleagues have made their final and best decision, they won’t be very flexible. From that point on, they generally expect everyone to stick to the agreed-upon plan with precision and consistency.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid being late, as it’s seen as a sign of disrespect.
• When dealing with Germans, if you come across as overly emotional, make exaggerated claims, or offer promises that seem too good to be true, it might make them a bit hesitant or suspicious about doing business with you.
• Germans will be a bit reluctant to collaborate with individuals who tend to take shortcuts, as they tend to be quite diligent when it comes to following regulations and rules for any given task.
• Show appreciation for Germany’s rich history and cultural heritage, but steer clear of sensitive topics like World War II unless it’s brought up by your German counterpart.

Conclusion

Understanding and respecting German culture and etiquette can pave the way to successful relationships. Germans are known for their efficiency and directness, so embrace these qualities, and you’ll navigate German society like a pro.

So there you have it, your ultimate guide to the cultural and business etiquette of Germany. I hope this serves as a valuable compass for your interactions with the delightful people of Germany.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of German cultural and business etiquette tips. So if you have any great points to add, just include them in your comments!

Viel glück! (Good luck!)