Doing business in Germany - 12 Tips

Be -on-time 
Punctuality is necessary. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late give a word. Last-minute cancellations are very unpleasant.
Try to arrive for a meeting exactly at the time determined.

Be formal
Address colleagues and customers with title and surname until you are personally invited to use a first name or another salutation.

Communication
In projects, if things took longer than planned, Germans want’s to get information about that, early.
For their demands of security it is important to change the plans they work on.

Behaviour
It is important to avoid exaggerations and not to apply pressure.
So, in communication it is better to keep a small profile.

One-on-one
Maintain eye contact when speaking and listening to German colleagues and customers.

Hierarchy
It is important to respect hierarchy - subordinates will only criticise superiors discreet in public.

Style of clothing
In business, Germans dress conservatively. Men will wear a suit and a tie.
Women will wear a suit and a suitable shirt.

Language
Most business people have good knowledge of English. Nevertheless, it is recommended to make first contacts in writing in German.
Even first calls, it is better to speak german.

Timeframe for decisions
Germans like to analyse problems in great depth and extensive planning before reaching a conclusion and are uncomfortable
with 'feelings' or 'assumption' in the business setting.

Planning
Instead of “hands-on”-mentality, germans expect deep informations. So the timeframe to buy or invest in something is often
more longer than in other countrys.

Secured investments
For Germans it is important, that their investments are secured. So they will examine the company’s background and
references before making a decision to buy.

Quality demands
Germans expect a high standard of quality.
Things could take time but have to have an high quality.

You need more help?

Do not hesitate to contact us:

7signals
Mr. Björn Krause
Germany - Hamburg
Eppendorfer Weg 219
20253 Hamburg
Tel.: +49 40 21054905
Mobil.: +49 163 / 4327783
E-Mail: info ( at ) 7signals.de