First impressions
German
people is too much organized and value order, privacy and punctuality. They plan everything carefully to take advantage
of this, and it is the generalized manner to do everything. People from Germany are hard working people, industrious and they are thrifty. Germans respect perfectionism in all areas of business and private life. In Germany, there is a sense of community and social conscience and strong desire for belonging. To admit inadequacy is not comprehensible by a German, even if it is in jest.
Generally, the
communication between german people is formal, and it is extrapolated to
interactions with new people. When german people meets another person, greetings
are formal and usually they offers a quick and firm handshake as a traditional
greeting, and it is also the way when you are leaving. Moreover, when you enter to a room, German people shake hands to everyone individually, including children if there are presents. It is important not to have the other hand in your pocket when you shake hands.
The title of a person is very important, so they use the person’s
title followed by their surname until the people invite to use their first name.
You should say Herr or Frau and the person's title and their surname. In case that you are not sure of the person's title, you may err in favor of a higher title, and when a person has more than one title, you may use the highest one. You must never use more than one title, except if you are writing a letter. Also, when
you are new in a group, generally you may wait for your host or hostess to
introduce you to the group. When you are introducing yourself, never use your title. If you are alone, you must introduce yourself only using your last name. For Germans, a doctor may refer only to a medical doctor, but also it can be related to a persons who hold a PhD title.
Germans
do not have an open-door policy, so people often work with their office door
closed. When you need to talk to someone, you may knock and wait to be invited
in before entering.
Custom practices
Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. While you are talking to a German, never put your hands in your pockets. Some common practices must be kept in mind before doing. For example, "thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or agreement. Making hands into two fists, thumbs tucked inside the other fingers and making pounding motion lightly on a surface expresses "good luck." Never use the "okay" sign (index finger and thumb jointed together to make a circle). This is considered a rude gesture. Don't point your index finger to your own head. This is an insult.Business
When
you are doing business with a German, there are some rules you may follow. For
example, appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
If you have to write something, letters should be addressed to the top person
in the functional area, including the person's name as well as their proper
business title.
If
you write to schedule an appointment, the letter should be written in German. Punctuality
is taken extremely seriously.
If
you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is
extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could compromise
your business relationship.
Like
everything with Germans, meetings are generally formal. Initial meetings are
used to get to know each other. They allow your German colleagues to determine
if you are trustworthy. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting
and ending times. And when you are speaking to a German you must maintain direct eye contact.
Although
English may be spoken, it is a good idea to hire an interpreter so as to avoid
any misunderstandings. At the end of a meeting, some Germans signal their
approval by rapping their knuckles on the tabletop.
Likewise,
there is a well-known protocol to follow when you enter in a room. The eldest
or highest ranking person enters the room first, and men enter before women, if
their age and status are roughly equivalent.
