German Cultural Standards

How Germans are perceived by other cultures: For Germans logic and reason have priority over emotion and mercy, they come to the point immediately, they are analytical and conceptual in information processing.

Suggestions for people working with Germans

Be prepared for Germans to act mainly task-oriented and remain on the objective level (direct communication style, E.T. Hall). Start with a little small talk, but it should be of short duration (a maximum of 5 minutes). Do not ask about your business partners private life. Make your presentation in a logical order (data, facts and arguments) and concentrate on essential points.

Rules orientation and self-control

In Germany there is a strong connection between laws/regulations and practices (universalist culture, F. Trompenaars). Rules and discipline give stability to life and reduce uncertainty. Working life seems to be over regulated. Being attached to rules is seen as professional in doing business. In general Germans act obedient towards authorities, they are reliable with a strong sense of responsibility and expect responsibility also from others. Mostly they try to keep serious in business. As they don't laugh very much, Germans are seen as not very relaxed or easy going.

Suggestions: Take rules seriously. This enhances your reputation. Consult your superiors about problems: they expect this.

Leadership

Delegation is clear, precise, and preferably written. Employees obey instructions: but they prefer to carry them out without interference (individualistic culture).

Sense of time

Germany is one of the most monochronic culture in the world: nowhere is punctuality more important. There is time and place for everything, and careful planning allows for both work and leisure. Arriving just a couple of minutes late can be insulting.

An appointment is required for every thing. Life is dictated by a schedule planner. Germans are not spontaneous, so even leisure time is planned down to the last detail.

• Punctuality, always on time
• Agendas are strictly followed
• Work steadily, efficient
• Short working hours

Suggestions, if you work together with Germans: Be on time for every appointment. If you think you will be late, please call your business partner to inform him or her. Take into account that meetings will begin without you. Stick to the arrangement that you have made. Take agendas seriously. Germans will have undivided attention once you have an appointment with them. It is considered rude to be doing something else at the same time.