Greeting

Every business meeting begins and ends with a handshake. A handshake should be strong enough and short. It is rude to keep your other hand in your pocket while shaking hands.

During communication, maintain direct but unobtrusive eye contact.

The woman will extend her hand to greet you if she wants. If she does not, limit yourself to a slight nod of the head.

Try to avoid physical contact; kissing and hugging are not accepted in business circles.

Introduction

The usual forms of address are the polite titles Herr and Frau. Academic titles as well as professional and honourable titles are important. Be sure to use them when addressing German colleagues, e.g. Herr Professor Schmidt, Frau Doktor Krause.

The style of communication in Germany can generally be characterised as formal.

Germans, as a rule, use formal “Sie" + family name in communicating with foreign partners. Switching to "Du" even between close partners may never happen.

The host or hostess of an event usually introduces the guest to the group. At social gatherings, self-presentation is possible.

Exchange of Business Cards

The exchange of business cards is an indispensable part of business etiquette in Germany. They are exchanged quite often, so you should have a sufficient supply of business cards with you.

The business cards should be in German and/or English mentioning academic titles and degrees, honorary titles, professional qualifications and positions.

All materials you give to your (potential) partner in Germany should be in German (not English).

There is no ritual for exchanging business cards in Germany.

Small Talk: Overview

The German communication style is characterised as direct and clear. In some cultures, this style of communication may be perceived as harsh or even not very polite.

There is not much time for small talk in a negotiation or business meeting. Germans almost immediately start speaking about business issues.

While communicating, avoid active body language and physical touch, keep a certain distance between yourself and your partner, and maintain direct, non-intensive eye contact.

The key image word in this society is "nett", which means being nice, pleasant, courteous, well-mannered, polite. And serious at that! It is these characteristics that you should orientate yourself on when starting a small talk with a partner from Germany.

Preferred Topics

Show an interest in the realities of German and European life. This will be well received. Refrain from criticising Germany and the European Union.

Living abroad, travelling, cultural traditions of different countries are safe topics. Besides, Germans love travelling.

Sports is a real find for those who like to discuss this topic. Among other sports, football is probably the most important one, followed by tennis, golf, various championships and competitions. They are usually discussed vividly and with interest.

Exhibitions and fairs, both in Germany and abroad, can turn ordinary small talk into a most interesting exchange of views.

Germans themselves often organise events and at the same time take a keen interest in what is happening in other countries. Topics of conversation may include music, films, theatre, as well as festivals, holidays, parades, etc..

There is a special emphasis on protecting the environment. Your German partner will certainly be willing to support a conversation on this topic.

Taboo Topics

In German society, it is customary to separate work and personal space. Questions concerning family and private life will be treated as impolite and even rude.

References to the Second World War should be avoided. The Jewish Holocaust, concentration camps, Nazism, mass destruction of European cities, etc. will also be painfully perceived.

The achievements of other countries, in which Germany has traditionally been strong, should not be extolled in this society. Germans are proud of their engineering, cars, technology in general, as well as energy-saving and bio-technologies.

The attitude to humour and jokes during business meetings, presentations and negotiations can be described as rather negative. In the context of socialising, it is also best to avoid it. The best place for jokes is a meeting in a bar after all official or semi-official events.

Personal Space

Business and social events in Germany tend to be held in a serious, polite and probably even formal and reserved atmosphere.

In the process of communication - even informal communication, when people stand and talk to each other, the distance of comfortable communication is quite large, it can be up to 80-100 cm, which exceeds the usual norms in other cultures.

Physical contact during communication is not accepted in any of its forms, be it patting, hugging, etc. The exception is a handshake, which is exchanged at the greeting stage.

During communication it is important to maintain eye contact with the interlocutor, which in German society can be characterised as direct and rather intense.

Communication Specifics

Status in general is very important in Germany. In a business contact, it is important for a German to know your position in the company and how it compares to his or her position.

Germans are known for their direct and pragmatic communication style.

During a conversation it is important to listen attentively to the interlocutor without interrupting him.

Emotional behaviour in business settings would probably be misunderstood and not really appreciated. Restraint and politeness are much more important.

Watch the tone of your voice, you should not speak too loudly.

Do not allow familiarity in communication, formalities should be observed in any case.

Germans attach great importance to such modern business practices as networking. To improve their socialising skills, they often attend various courses, seminars and training courses.