Business Meeting Etiquette in Germany
Germany has the fifth-largest economy in the world, and the largest in Europe, according to a 2010 report by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The CIA says Germany is a leading exporter of vehicles, chemicals, machinery and household appliances. The large economy makes the country a popular destination for international trade and business meetings. Successfully doing business in the country could hinge on your understanding of the appropriate meeting etiquette.
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Appearance
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Dress conservatively for business meetings in Germany, according to international business etiquette website Cyborlink.com. Men should wear dark suits, white shirts and conservative ties. Women should dress similarly, with dark suits and white blouses.
Behavior
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Punctuality is important. Being late for your meeting, even by only a few minutes, is considered an insult. The U.S. Embassy in Germany advises that you call your host--before the time your were expected--if you believe you will be late. However, that will not absolve you of all embarrassment.
Shake hands at the start and end of your meeting. It is customary to bow slightly during the handshake, and it is especially important to respond with a bow if your German counterpart bows. Not doing so would be considered impolite. Make a point to look directly into the person's eyes while engaging in a handshake. When being introduced to a woman, wait for her to extend her hand first.
Remain business-like throughout the meeting and avoid veering off into other topics. Germans view business seriously, and there is seldom room for unrelated humor during business meetings.
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Presentations
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It is often acceptable to make your presentation in English, but you should confirm this beforehand. Avoiding being offended in the question-and-answer segment if the questioning seems blunt and direct. That is customary for Germans, according to the German Business Portal. The website also suggests that you distribute copies of your presentation or agenda in advance of the meeting. Germans review that as an increased level of transparency and it caters to their desire to be straightforward, well-prepared and direct.
Dining
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Pace yourself during business dinner meetings if you choose to drink with your German counterparts. According to Cyborlink, Germans are known to drink large quantities of beer in the evening, but public drunkenness is considered unacceptable. According to the website Mind Your Matters, proper German etiquette allows you to refuse a drink or to even order drinks for your host while refraining from drinking yourself.
In restaurants, it is not uncommon to be seated at a table with strangers. However, you should focus your attention on your German business partners and avoid conversation with strangers at the table. While you eat, keep your hands on the table and not in your lap or under the table. Don't start eating until everyone has been served, and make eye contact with others when toasting. Don't excuse yourself from dinner early; leave when your companions leave.
Considerations
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Respect the personal space of your German counterparts. According to Cyborlink, Germans stand or sit a slightly farther away from each other than most North Americans do. Take notice of the personal space your German hosts appear to be providing each other, and then adjust accordingly. Also in business meetings, it is considered common courtesy to allow older people to enter conference rooms or other meeting settings first.
Telephones
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As is the case in many countries, it is considered impolite to accept or make telephone calls during a business meeting. Leave your cell phone on silent or turned off. Interruptions caused by your phone could suggest that you are disinterested in your business partners.
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References
- Photo Credit meeting image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
