Germany has long been famous for its culture. Germans are very careful, always on time and extremely polite people. To understand more about German culture, let's learn about special things about this country's culture with Phuong Nam Education.

German communication culture

In daily life, when the Germans meet each other, the person who comes after greets the person who comes first or the person who sees the other first says hello, which is considered as a specific German culture. In business, people greet each other hierarchically. People who already know each other greet first. Then, the inferior introduces his/her companions and the superior introduces his/her party members. After that, when everyone gets to know each other, they shake hands. Handshake gestures are short and gentle, people look directly at each other when shaking hands.

Notice your gestures when shaking hands in Germany

The Germans are greatly concerned about their forms of address. Those with a doctorate or higher degree are often called by the same name. For example, Dr. Zimmermann, Professor Schmidt. Lower academic degrees are not mentioned when addressing. The Germans are used to calling the name together with the position of the one who he is talking to. Official positions or titles such as ministers and mayors are also addressed such as Mr. Minister.  Especially with noble titles such as count and marquis so you need to pay attention: Sir Count; Dr. Count, sir; Professor Dr. Count, sir.

German behavioral culture

The “Ladies First” custom is only applied in daily life. In business, it is customary for inferiors to respect their superiors. Today, both men and women can be the ones to open doors or to help others put on robes, and no one can refuse that gesture. This distinctive German culture is appreciated professionally both in business and in daily life.

German creates friendly environment at work

When getting to know each other, focus on emphasizing similarities to create a friendly atmosphere, do not talk about politics or religions. Comments should be positive but not critical, people should not drag or be dragged into a big deal.

Compliments

It’s not excessive to use compliments, but use it carefully and not too crude. Both in work and in daily life, when you compliment someone, avoid mentioning specifically about appearance, dress, etc as much as possible. If you want to praise someone, talking about their achievements, their personality strengths, and their cooperative spirit are the best ways.

German party culture

The Germans highly value time. Therefore in order not to be considered as being rude, you should arrive at the party on time. If you're late, call to let them know and explain the reason. The Germans also pay great attention to rituals. Therefore, on the day after the party, you should send a thank you letter for the gracious hospitality of the host. You need to be mindful of this since it is also a typical culture of the German.

Knowing about table etiquette is necessary in German culture

When entering the parties, if you have not been invited, you should not sit down at the table. When invited to sit, you must sit in the assigned position. You also need to pay attention to the use of utensils in the meal: left hand for fork and right hand for knife and do not eat when the host has not yet invited you. This specific culture of the Germans is also shown at larger parties, wait for the hostess to put a napkin in his lap then you can do the same. Never put your elbows on the table while everyone is eating. With dishes like spring rolls or bread, you can use your hands to rip them apart. Try to eat up all the food on your plate. If you want to signal to the waiter that you have finished your meal, place your fork and knife parallel to the right side of the plate, the fork will be slightly higher than the knife. When toasting, let the host raise the glass first.

German business culture

Germans suppose that polite people always arrive on time. So are the bosses. If you deliberately come late to show your rank, it will backfire.

Remember to bring your business cards when doing business in Germany

Guests are the first to hand over business cards. If cards are given to a group of people, the superior receives first. If you do not know the hierarchy of the partner, give the cards to everyone, start with the person next to you. Having a look at the business card before putting it away is also considered as a professional characteristic of the Germans in business.

Respecting women

The “Ladies First” custom is only used in daily life. In business relationships, it is customary for inferiors to respect their superiors. Today, both men and women can be the ones to open doors or to help others put on robes, and no one can refuse that gesture.

Behaving on the phone

Callers often have to say hello and introduce themselves. The person being called should at least state his or her name, never use the third person to answer, such as “This is Mr. Schmidt”. When calling from public telephones, do not give specific names to avoid eavesdropping.

Exchanging cards

Guests are the first to hand over business cards. If cards are given to a group of people, the superior receives first. If you do not know the hierarchy of the partner, give the cards to everyone, start with the person next to you. Having a look at the business card before putting it away.

Private zone

In the office, in the hallway or when meeting each other, pay attention to keep your distance. A distance of 60 cm is considered a zone for close friends. In business, it is advisable to stand about 1 meter apart for two people, for groups, the distance is from 1 to 2 meters. To show trust, it is best to use appropriate gestures, speech and word choice.

Accuracy, punctuality

The Germans suppose that polite people always arrive on time. So are the bosses. If you deliberately come late to show your rank, it will backfire.

Tags:  German culture, German lifestyle, German business, Germany, German, travel German, doing business in Germany, German working style