Working Across Cultures:

Germany

presented by:

Maria G. CaroneFox Valley Technical CollegeJune 2, 2016

Some Geography…Where is Germany located?

1. Size of Montana, but with 80 times more people (population approx. 83 million).

2. The Northern part of the country is exposed to the Baltic and North Sea (whose beaches are a popular tourist destination).

3. Germany shares its borders on the West with the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and France; in the South with Switzerland and Austria; and East with the Czech Republic, and Poland.

4. Consists of 16 federal states.5. National Anthem: Music written by Austrian

composer Joseph Haydn in 1797 for the birthday of his Emperor Francis II. In 1841 new words were set to the music by German poet Heinrich Hoffmann in his poem “Das Lied der Deutschen”. First chosen as national anthem in 1922 with the title “Germany over all”, it was reinstated after the war in 1950 and in 1990 upon German reunification, it was confirmed as the national anthem.

Some History…How old is the German nation?

From Empire to RepublicOriginally a confederation of German

principalities.

It became a nation-state in 1871 under Prussian Prime Minister Bismarck. The German Empire was to last until the end of WWI in 1918.

After WWI Germany became a federal republic: the so-called Weimar Republic.

Divided Germany 1961: West and East

After WWII, Germany was divided into the capitalist Federal Republic (FRG), and the communist Democratic Republic (GDR). Berlin was also divided into West and East, and Bonn was selected as capital of West Germany.

The Berlin Wall: 1961-1989

The Berlin Wall: Past

Present: East Side Gallery

Political SystemThe reunited Federal Republic of Germany is a democratic multiparty republic. There are two legislative houses: the Federal Council (“Bundesrat”), and the Federal Diet (“Bundestag”). The President is the chief of state, while the Chancellor is the head of the government.

CDU/ CSU – FDP (conservative)SPD – Die Grünen (progressive)Die Linke (socialist)

“Die Grünen” (The Greens): Germans profess a strong love for nature, and feel such a deep connection to the environment that they have a political party with seats in the national legislature.

German Chancellor and President

Angela Merkel (2005-Present, CDU)

Head of the Government.

Joachim Gauck (2012-Present, independent )

Chief of State.

German Characteristics“Men in bathtub” by German humorist Loriot

“Hell is the place where Italians direct the traffic, British do the cooking, and the Germans tell the jokes.”

While you watch this video clip try to identify some traits that from your American point of view describe and distinguish Germans!

SeriousnessFormality1. Use formal etiquette when meeting your German

counterparts: shake hands, use last names.

2. Do not joke around or get too relaxed until the business is coming to a close.

3. Maintain eye contact to show that you are listening and are honest.

4. Dress formally: wear a business suit.

5. Maintain a serious demeanor and a formal posture.

Germans:A “seriously” happy people

Germans reserve their smiles for specific events. They will not smile at you on the street, and less so during business: business is a serious affair!

Just because Germans may not look happy, doesn’t mean that they are actually unhappy: they are just more serious looking.

Dress Code: Leather pants?

Directness

1. Critique doesn’t hurt! Don’t follow the US business habit of saying something positive before saying something negative. Concerns need to be addressed directly to make sure that they are understood and solvable.

2. “No problem” means “no problem”!

3. No small talk please!

Prove it!

1. Analytical: data data data! To win over your German business partner, make sure you have facts, figures and data that support a solid argument.

2. Process vs. result oriented mindset: get it right the first time!

Trivia1. What is an appropriate topic to begin a business meeting?

weather – family – straight to business

2. What do most Germans wear at work?

jeans – a sports coat or blazer – a suit

3. How should you demonstrate your efficiency at work?

leave work on time – always work late – work late in an emergency

4. What is the largest bank in the German-speaking world?

Deutsche Bank – UBS – Credit Suisse

5. Where is the European Central Bank based?

Frankfurt – Stuttgart – Berlin

6. What credit card is most widely accepted in Germany?

Visa – Eurocard – Diner’s Card

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

Prost! Enjoy some beer (or wine) and kick off a charming conversation about life, hobbies, travel or politics.

Just be careful not to get too personal too quickly! Joke with them, share something about your culture with them, drink with them. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can always drink yummy “Alkoholfrei” beer or sparkling wine.

Food and Entertainment

Spätzle in South Germany

Klößchen soup

Eisbein is a Berlin favorite

Finkenwerder Scholle from Hamburg

Leberkäse: Bavarian speciality

Rote Grütze: Northern dessert

German Fast Food Culturethe “Imbissbude” (snack stand)

Curry-Wurst with “Pommes”

Sauerkraut (side dish)

Trivia1. What should you do on entering a restaurant?

wait to be seated – ask a food server for a table – find a table yourself

2. What is the correct way to attract the attention of a waitress?“Fräulein!” – “Frau!” – “Frau” plus her surname

3. What should you not ask directions for if you need to relieve yourself?

Badezimmer – Toilette – WC

4. How much mineral water do Germans drink per person per year?

47 liters – 71 liters – over 100 liters

5. What should you do when consuming alcohol in Germany?

hide bottle in a brown bag – don’t drink in public – say Prost!

5. What sign should you look for in the event of an emergency?

Ausgang – Einstieg - Notausgang

Carnival

Kölle Alaaf!

Festivals like Carnival or Oktoberfest are all occasions when people let loose in Germany!

Your business partner may seem serious, unemotional, and uninterested in you personally, but that isn’t true. It really is simply a communication style reserved for business and the value of being efficient at doing their work.

Germans do like to socialize, party, and enjoy. However, they believe there is an appropriate time for fun, and that is usually after work or outside of work or on weekends.

Therefore, don’t forget to socialize with your German business partners as it will add to your working relationship tremendously. You may need to be the one to initiate this socializing.They will greatly appreciate it once you get them out of the office on a bike ride, for a walk, to a nice outdoor café or a special restaurant you’ve heard is good!

On Saturday, September 20th, the “Schottenhamel” tent is the place to be, if you want to catch the official opening ceremonies. At noon, the Mayor of Munich will have the honor of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Once the barrel has been tapped, all visitors will then be allowed to quench their thirst! It pays to arrive early in order to experience the festivities up close, and it's quite common for visitors to come around 9AM to secure good seats. The festival will last until October 5th.

Schottenhamel Tent in Munich, Bavaria

TriviaIn 1948, Adi Dassler started a now-famous company. In 1954, Mr. Dassler’s company garnered tremendous publicity when Germany’s entire soccer team wore his product and won the World Cup for the first time.

TRUE or FALSE? His company made sneakers.

TRUE! Adidas does not really stand for “All Day I Dream About Sports/ Soccer”. The brand is a combination of the first three letters of his names.

Tor!!!Have you ever been to a soccer game in Germany? This is a spectacular event! You will be amazed to see your serious, process-oriented, and direct business partners turn into emotional, informal, celebratory people. They will smile, cheer, and maybe even put their arm around you – and if you start calling it “football” instead of soccer, they’ll definitely put their arms around you

Curiosities1. Why do they say “Scheisse” so much: isn’t that a swear word?

In Germany, “Scheisse” is used to describe anything that someone doesn’t like or isn’t happy with. For instance, if it’s raining outside, one might say: “Scheiss weather”; or if someone sees a bad movie, they may say: “it was scheisse”. Another way it is used is to express exasperation if you are running late or missed a train, you may say: “Scheisse”. Translated literally into English the word means “sh***”. However, it doesn’t really have the same meaning. In Germany “Scheisse” has a different connotation. It can be translated as “crap”.

2. Why don’t they have air conditioning?German companies don’t use it. You don’t need cool air in Germany 11 months out of the year, and the one month you do need it, it’s usually during summer vacation. Germans also have windows that open, which is legally mandated so there is a natural flow of fresh air. Blowing air from the ceiling is an nuisance: Germans believe it can cause a stiff neck or give a cold.

3. Why does eating and drinking take so long in Germany?There is a concept in Germany called “Gemütlichkeit” which his described as “sitting and enjoying”. When you go out to eat in Germany, you may have several courses and will sit at the table for a few hours lingering over the rest of your meal or a drink after the meal. “Gemütlichkeit” is a time for interesting discussions and simply enjoying each other. Participating in it will bring you closer to your German business partners.

Trivia

1. How many states are there in the whole of Germany?

2. The most important head of the country is a Prime Minister, a President, or a Chancellor?

3. What colors are the German flag?

4. What is considered popular fast food?

5. What sport is the most popular in Germany?

6. What is the speed limit on the “Autobahn” (highway) in Germany?

65 – 90 – no mandated speed limit

Trivia7. Where should you go to buy a prescription medicine?

Drogerie - Apotheke – Supermarkt

8. What is a “handy”?

mobile phone – personal organizer – recycling bin

9. Which of the following is not illegal in Germany?

carry a weapon – prostitution – mow your lawn on Sunday

10. What is the international dialing code?

11. What is the internet code?

Do’s and Don’tsDo’s1. Greet people in your building when you see them. Usually a greeting

includes Herr or Frau followed by the title and the family name (not the first name!). “Herr Doktor Schmidt”

2. Bring along a small gift when invited to someone’s home. Flowers, a bottle of wine or a small souvenir from your homeland are considered appropriate.

3. Always look people in the eyes when you speak to them! Failure to meet a German’s gaze will give the impression that you are untrustworthy.

4. Practice a firm handshake! Shake hands at both the beginning and the end of a meeting.

5. When with senior executives behave in the most formal and reserved manner possible.

6. Privacy is very important to Germans. Doors are kept closed! Always knock on a closed door and wait to be admitted.

7. Drive in the far-right lane on the highway unless you’re trying to pass or going at very high speed.

8. Do learn to appreciate the glories of beer if you can!

Do’s and Don’tsDon’ts1. Don’t be the first to switch to the “Du” form or to first names. Always let the

German counterpart take the lead on this one.2. To get someone’s attention raise your hand, palm out: do not wave or

beckon!3. Never talk to a business partner while chewing gum.4. Do not prop your feet on anything other than a footstool.5. Don’t initiate a discussion on the two world wars. Sports are generally a good

conversation topic!6. Avoid personal questions or topics of conversation. Family is kept separate

from work in Germany!7. Don’t be overtly friendly to strangers. Germans will assume that you’re trying

to get something out of them or that you’re a little unstable.8. Don’t give a birthday present before the actual day. If you can’t be there, it’s

best to give it after the day. Giving a present before a birthday is considered an act of tempting the fates.

9. Do not ask for a “box” at a restaurant to save the leftovers from your lunch or dinner.

10. Don’t ogle at or approach people engaged in public nude bathing.

Useful WebsitesTraveling to Germany: http://bit.ly/9y6XpL

German Business Law: http://www.germanlawjournal.com/

Driving in Germany:

http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/driving.html

German Beer:

http://www.germanbeerinstitute.com/

German Food:

http://www.kitchenproject.com/german/

Soccer Rules: http://bit.ly/8Zi73H

References

Flippo, Hyde. When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do. 2002.

Lamson, Melissa. No Such Thing as Small Talk. Seven Keys to Understanding German Business Culture. 2010.

Lord, Richard. Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette. 2008.

Morrison, Terri et al. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. 2006.

Questions and Comments?