German Business Etiquette Tips

Although conducting business always takes some degree of finesse, when it comes to engaging in international business, learning and applying the rules of another country's business etiquette will aid you in achieving success with your foreign business colleagues.

For those looking to successfully increase business in German markets, practicing proper German business etiquette is essential to gaining new partners and clients. By showing your German colleagues that you understand and respect their methods of conducting business, you also demonstrate your adaptability, deference and effectiveness in the business world.

German Business Meeting Etiquette

Proper business etiquette for German meetings is distinct from that in the United States and in many other European countries. Here are some German business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your German colleagues:

• Address colleagues according to title and surname until you are personally invited to use a first name or another form. Germans value formality and authority, so titles are important.
  Similarly, be sure to communicate your particular position or title. This will help establish your authority and set the tone for your subsequent business interactions. If you don't speak German, consider hiring a German translator to demonstrate your professionalism and facilitate communication.
• Be on-time or call if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late. Punctuality is paramount for German business meetings, and last-minute cancellations are considered to be extremely rude – they could even cost you a business relationship.
• Formally write up decisions or meeting notes and give copies to your German colleagues. Because German business people value precision and thorough record keeping, having these notes will highlight your eye for detail and respect for structure.
  Go that extra mile and impress your German colleagues by getting a German translation of all pertinent documents.
• Knock before entering rooms and be sure to allow those in higher positions to enter first. For men and woman of equal status, men will enter before women. These particularly rigid rules of German business etiquette show the German respect for authority and order.
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• Wait to sit until instructed to do so. The most senior-ranking individual in a German business meeting will typically tell each participant where to sit. This is another rule of German business meeting etiquette that is followed with strict precision.

Other helpful etiquette tips for German business meetings include:

• Avoid exaggerations and high-pressure talk/strategies, as all are considered offensive.
• Dress conservatively with minimal (if any) accessories. Dark business suits are appropriate outfits for both men and women.
• Maintain eye contact when speaking and listening to your German colleagues.
• Stick to a meeting's agenda and avoid extending meetings past their established schedules, as Germans value precise planning.

Values Appreciated in German-Speaking Countries

Being aware of the values that German speakers glorify will give you a better understanding of the foundations of proper German business etiquette. Values that German speakers hold in high esteem include:

• Equality
• Formality
• Individuality
• Precision
• Respect for authority
• Structure and order

Business Etiquette Tips for Specific German-Speaking Countries

Along with the more general rules of German etiquette listed above, some German-speaking countries have other etiquette practices that are distinct to their region. Here is a look at proper business etiquette specific to particular German-speaking countries:

• Austria: Be prepared for a large amount of written communication when conducting business with your Austrian colleagues.
  In addition to using formal language, be sure to get a German translation of any official business document, as it will ensure fluid communication and highlight your aptitude for Austrian business etiquette.
• Germany: Shake hands before and after German business meetings – or at any point when you may be prematurely leaving the meeting. Similarly, be sure to give such firm, brief handshakes to all men, women and (if applicable) children in the room.
  For business cards you plan on distributing in business meetings, be sure to include a German translation – with your specific title – on the flipside of the card.
• Liechtenstein: When planning a business meeting in Liechtenstein, avoid scheduling during typical vacation months (July and August) or during national holidays (particularly over Easter or in the week after Christmas).
• Another unique feature of business etiquette in Liechtenstein is that most meetings are conducted over lunch.
  If you are invited to a private dinner meeting at a colleague's home, be sure to bring a small gift to the host. Chocolates, flowers or non-German liquors are all appropriate gifts for dinner business meetings in Liechtenstein.

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