Business Etiquette for Germany
The German concept of Ordnung, or 'order', shapes the way that German professionals do business and negotiate professional deals. It's important to learn how Ordnung also fits into the business etiquette rules that most companies' professionals adhere to, in order to build lasting and profitable relationships.
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Business Attire
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Business dress for men and women is very conservative in Germany. Men are expected to wear black or navy blue suits with white dress shirts and low-key ties. Women should wear skirts and jackets to work with white blouses; skirts should not be above the knee, and heels should be no higher than one and a half inches. Although the attire is rather reserved, it is not uncommon for German men to wear white socks with a dark-colored suit to work.
Punctuality and Greetings
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It is very important to show up on time for every engagement while in Germany, whether the meeting is social or professional. Being late even by a few minutes is considered very rude, especially to German executives. Handshakes are an acceptable way to greet German professionals; it is customary to shake hands at the end of a meeting as well. When greeting a German woman, it is proper etiquette to wait until she extends her hand first.
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Professional Behavior
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When addressing professionals in a business meeting, it is proper etiquette to speak to the eldest person in the room first. It is also customary for older professionals to enter the boardroom for a business meeting before their younger coworkers, even if the younger employee is higher in professional rank. It is a nice gesture to print one side of the business cards that are submitted to German businesspeople in their native language--though most professionals do speak some English. Professionals in Germany are also very guarded about their private lives, and it is inappropriate to call a businessperson after hours or at home unless previous arrangements have been made.
Negotiations
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German professionals are very analytical, and will look over a business deal or proposal thoroughly before making a final decision. However, once the planning phase is over, execution of these business plans can happen very quickly and efficiently, and all professionals involved are expected to meet the determined deadlines. Once a business plan is in motion, German businesspeople do not like to be surprised with revisions to the original plan, even if the revision may be more practical, or will move the project along faster
After Business Hours
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When dining with German professionals, it is not uncommon to be seated with strangers, since most German restaurants do not have hosts that direct guests to their seats. It is also very common to have several glasses of beer with meals, although public drunkenness is frowned upon in the country.
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References
- Photo Credit Germany image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
