German Business Etiquette

When it comes to engaging in business on an international level, knowing and practicing the rules of another country's business etiquette is essential. Understanding proper business etiquette across cultures will help you succeed in foreign business ventures, as well as help you form lasting, respected relationships with your international business colleagues.

For business people with the goal of expanding business in German markets, practicing proper German business etiquette is essential to gaining new partners and clients. By showing your German colleagues that you are willing to acknowledge their values, you will also demonstrate your respect for them and their culture.

The Role of German Culture in Proper German Business Etiquette

Familiarizing yourself with the values of German-speaking countries will help you understand the foundation of proper German business etiquette. Values that German speakers hold in high esteem include:
attention to detail
  • equality
  • formality
  • order
  • individuality
  • respect for authority
  • structure.

These values translate directly into the business world. German values manifest themselves in the following rules for proper business etiquette:

  • Exaggerations and high-pressure situations are considered offensive, and should be avoided if possible.
  • Dress conservatively with minimal accessories. Dark business suits are appropriate attire for both men and women.
  • Maintain eye contact when communicating with your German colleagues.
  • Stick to the agenda you established for your meeting. Try to avoid extending meetings past their established schedules, as Germans value precise planning.

German Business Meeting Etiquette

In Germany, proper business meeting etiquette is quite distinct from both American business etiquette and business etiquette in other European countries. To appropriately interact with your German colleagues, you should consider the following business etiquette tips:
  • Address colleagues according to title and surname. This formality is necessary until you are personally invited to address a German colleague by their first name. As Germans value formality and authority, titles are important.
  • Arrive at business meetings promptly, and call if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late. Punctuality is fundamental in the German business world, and last-minute cancellations are considered extremely rude – they could cost you a business relationship.
  • Communicate your own particular position and title when you formally introduce yourself. This will help you establish your authority and set a tone of respect for subsequent business interactions. If you do not speak German fluently, consider hiring a German translator for your meeting. This will help you demonstrate your professionalism, as well as help facilitate your discussions.
  • Write up meeting notes or decisions and give copies to your German colleagues. As German businesspeople value precision and thorough record keeping, taking and distributing notes will highlight your eye for detail and respect for structure.
Impress your German colleagues, by getting a German translation of all pertinent documents.
  • Knock before entering a room, and allow those in higher positions to enter first. For men and women of equal status, men should always enter a room first. Adhering to this rigid rule of German business etiquette will show that you respect authority and order.
  • Wait to sit until told to do so. The highest-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 often followed with strict precision.

Business Etiquette Tips for Specific German-Speaking Countries

Along with the common rules of German etiquette listed above, most German-speaking countries have other business meeting and business dinner etiquette practices that are distinct to their region. Here are some examples of proper business etiquette specific to particular German-speaking countries:
  • Austria: Austrian business people value eloquent written communication. Therefore, when dealing in Austrian business, you may want to prepare comprehensive, formal meeting documents and write up notes and minutes. You may also want to have any official business documents translated into German. This will ensure fluid communication, as well as highlight your aptitude for Austrian business etiquette.
  • Germany: Offer to shake hands before and after German business meetings – or at any point when you may be prematurely leaving the meeting. Brief, firm handshakes are appreciated, and given to everyone in the room.

Germans often exchange business cards at the beginning of meetings. Be sure to include a German translation of your card on the flip side, taking care to include your specific title.

  • Liechtenstein: When planning a business meeting in Liechtenstein, avoid scheduling during July and August, which are typical vacation months. Business people in Liechtenstein also often take time off for national holidays, over Easter and the week after Christmas.
In Liechtenstein, most business meetings are conducted over lunch.
 
If you are invited to a private dinner meeting at a colleague's home, it is proper business dinner etiquette in Liechtenstein to bring a small gift to the host. Chocolates, flowers or non-German liquors are all appropriate gifts for dinner business meetings in Liechtenstein.