The German people have a strict notion of what should happen when, and a sense that there is a time and a place for everything. This shows itself in every aspect of its culture. There are times when formality is necessary, and times when a person can be more informal and things can be a little less structured. Understanding the rules that govern these matters of etiquette can help when someone who is not of the German culture is interacting with those that are.
Sense of Time
When communicating with someone internationally, it is important to know what time zone that person is in. There is nothing quite so awkward as calling someone only to realize that it is in the middle of the night where that person is. Germany is on Central European time, (CET), and observes daylight savings time, (CEST), from the end of March through to the end of October. (Global Etiquette). This means that the business day in Germany runs from the middle of the night to early morning in North America.
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A person needs to be aware of the time zones if working with someone in Germany because the German people highly value punctuality. It is considered rude to be late without letting the person you are meeting with know you will be late. (Global Etiquette). This goes for being early as well. You should not be overly early for an appointment or even a dinner party. (Global Etiquette). It is also considered very rude to cancel an appointment, whether formal or not, last minute. (Business Culture). Being on time is the first step to a successful meeting.
Communication
Knowing the etiquette rules for communication is as important as knowing the appropriate time for a meeting. In Germany, communication in writing is formal, particularly in a business setting. Verbal communication is not always so formal. when in the home rather than at work, for example, Germans can be less formal in their method of address and in their phrasing. (Global Etiquette). Be careful when addressing someone in either a formal or informal setting however, since the title that is used to address someone does make a difference. For example, in the past, some used Fraulein to address a young woman. This is now offensive, though, and the word Frau should be used instead. (Young Germany). As for nonverbal communication, this, too, can vary depending on setting. For example, while a handshake is always expected when greeting someone in a business setting, a family member or close friend can receive a kiss on either cheek. (Young Germany). Knowing when it is advisable to use formal communication and when it might be possible to get away less formally will go far in successful communication with those of the German culture.
Sense of Self and Space
As with communication, knowing when a person should act in a distantly formal way and when a little more informality can be achieved is important. At all times, it should be noted that if a door is closed, one should always knock and wait to be invited before entering. The closed door does not always mean that the person does not want company, just that they might want quiet. They will not likely take offense to a polite knock. (Young Germany). This extends to the workplace, where Global Etiquette notes that Germans do not typically have a “open door” policy. (Global Etiquette).
In contrast to the formally “closed” door, Young Germany notes that there is more nudity shown casually and on television than is common in many other countries. (Young Germany). This is an example of understanding the difference between formal and informal contexts when it comes to space and self.
Work and Work Habits
Given the German emphasis on punctuality and order, and the “closed door” environment of its businesses, it is not surprising that the German workplace is highly structured and formalized. Formal hierarchies are strictly observed at work and in business. (Global Etiquette). Many Germans tend to be very aware of where in the hierarchy they stand, and will react favorably when they understand where they stand in relation to the person with whom they are working. (Global Etiquette). Understanding the German people’s tendency toward formalized hierarchy is important to maintaining good communications in a work setting.
This adherence to a strict protocol also applies to the way in which a person does business. Most Germans do not welcome a change in an agreement without a very good reason. (Global Etiquette, Business Culture). In general German people need things to be spelled out, preferably in writing, and anything agreed to in this way needs to be consistently followed.
Values and Norms
When discussing the work ethic of many Germans, part of ensuring that an agreement is followed carefully and closely is making sure that agreement is followed with honestly and integrity. (Global Etiquette). Recently government programs in Germany have aimed at decreasing corruption in the civil service and business sectors. (Young Germany). Honestly is clearly highly valued in modern Germany.
Another value evident in the German culture is cleanliness. Whether at home or at work, a tidy environment is strenuously maintained. (Young Germany, Global Etiquette). Homes and public spaces are kept as clean and clutter free as possible. The people themselves like to stay neat and tidy as well, preferring to appear clean and well-attired.
Conclusion
Knowing the context in which a person will be communicating with another is important for understanding whether that communication should be formal or informal. This is particularly important in Germany, where the culture has strict rules as to what is acceptable under certain circumstances. The German people are hardworking, with a definite sense of what should be done when. Understanding those rules will go a long way to understanding the German culture and the richness and depth of the German people.
- Business Culture. “Business Etiquette in Germany: Punctuality, Gift Giving and Corporate Social Responsibility”. Businessculture.org. Web. Accessed 19 Sep 2016.
- Global Etiquette. “Germany Guide”. Commisceo.global.com. Web. Accessed 19 Sep 2016.
- Young Germany. “A Guide to German Etiquette”. Young-germany.de. (13 Mar 2013). Web. Accessed 19 Sep 2016.
