-
If you don’t speak German, don’t address
Germans in English because many will feel offended.
-
They are not expected to be greeted by
strangers.
-
Firm, handshakes when you greet or leave them
are standard in business and social settings.
-
In general, Germans like third-party
introductions whenever possible.
-
Dress in corporate business formal, dark and
conservative suits for men and women.
-
Khakis are very inappropriate.
-
Germans tend to dress in more muted colors and
“dress up” just to talk the dog or go shopping.
-
An informal invitation means wear tastefully
coordinated clothes and not jeans and a T-shirt.
-
First names are for
family members, or close friends or colleagues.
-
“Small talk” with
strangers does not have a significant social function.
-
Be prepared to introduce
yourself first.
-
The concept of “mingling”
is not well known in Germany.
-
Bring plenty of business
cards.
-
Germans will arrive well
prepared and expect the same from you.
-
Expect their business
communication to be very agenda-based.
-
Germans tend to be
analytical thinkers, and require a lot of facts and examples.
-
Contracts are final after
signing.
-
Don’t
put your left hand in your lap when you eat.
-
Do not whine about the food. Try everything
served to you.
-
Make
sure you say “das schmeck”-it tastes good.
-
Eat with your fork in your left and your knife
in your right.
-
To get the attention of the waiter say, “Herr
Ober!”
-
Don’t expect ice to come with your drink, you
have to ask.
- There are no
free re-fills on drinks.
Source
A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com |
