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. Do you need Bilingual German Professionals for your Company? Visit Foreign Staffing, Inc 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.

Dinning Etiquette
Dining with Friends or Acquaintances
As in the US, if you have been invited to dinner at someones home, it is appropriate to bring a gift for your hosts. If you have brought along something typically American from your home state or city, that would be nice. Typical gifts include wine, flowers (no red roses, a sign of romance) or sweets. The better you know your hosts, the better you can select a gift. Remember to arrive on time! Germans dont do fashionably late.

Business Dining
If you are attending a business luncheon or dinner, the rules are much the same as in the US, but remember not to lapse into American first-name familiarity. In Germany, business is business even when dining. Shake hands (firmly) when greeting people! Otherwise, you can follow the table manners below.

German Table Manners: The Basics

Utensils (Besteck) | You certainly may continue to hold your eating utensils the American way, but Europeans find the American way of eating rather inefficient. (You may get some stares.) They find all that switching hands and picking up and putting down the knife a bit too complicated. Heres the German/European way: 1. Hold the fork in your left hand, the knife in your right hand. 2. Keep both in your hands while eating. Dont put the knife or fork down except to drink or pick up bread. The knife (in your right hand) is also used to help discreetly guide food onto your fork (in your left hand). 3. Do not cut up an entire piece of meat at once. Cut off a bite-size piece and eat it before you cut off another piece. 4. If there are more utensils than just a knife and fork (salad fork, dessert spoon, etc.), the rule is simple: Move inward from the outside for each course. Sometimes spoons are placed above the plate rather than on the side. 5. When finished, lay your knife and fork side by side on your plate pointing to the center, with the handles on the lower right rim (five o'clock position). Finger Foods? Nein! | Germans and other Europeans rarely eat with their hands! Especially in a fine restaurant or in a formal/semiformal dining situation, even pizza is eaten with a knife and fork. However, if you are at an outdoor Grillparty or eating informally, its okay to eat some foods with your hands. Beverages (Getrnke) | Germans dont normally drink tap water, even though its perfectly safe to do so. Sparkling mineral water (from a bottle) is the norm. If you prefer the non-fizzy variety (stilles Wasser), you can get that. Germans are big coffee and tea drinkers. (Decaf coffee may or may not be available.) Of course, beer and wine are usually also part of any dinner in Germany. After

dinner, brandy, cognac, grappa or some other digestif is often served. Sometimes a Kruterlikr (herbal liqueur), such as Jgermeister, may be offered instead. Napkins (Servietten) | Germans seem to make less use of napkins than Americans, but you should put the napkin in your lap while dining, and use it as needed. If you have to leave the table for some reason, put your napkin next to your plate (not on the seat of your chair). After the meal, place your napkin on the table next to your plate (not on it). This also applies to paper napkins, which will end up in the paper recycling bin.

Dining Out in Germany - Your guide to eating in a German restaurant

Cultural Differences - USA-Germany - Cultural comparison charts, including dining

Guten Appetit! | Wait for everyone to be seated and have food on their plates before you begin to eat or drink. It is customary for the host or someone to say Guten Appetit! (Enjoy your meal!) before anyone takes the first bite. Also see Toasting below. Note: In restaurants in Germany all the food may not arrive at the same time. Some guests may be served before others. In this case, it is OK to ask politely if you can begin eating, so your meal wont get cold. Toasting | If wine or beer is served (and it usually is), wait for the host or hostess to propose a toast and/or start drinking. For a special occasion, you may want to make a toast yourself. Most of the time a simple Prost! (Cheers!) or Zum Wohl! (To your health!) will suffice. Look the person in the eye with whom you are clinking glasses! Hands on the Table | Americans and the British keep their left hand under the table or in their lap. Germans keep it on the table (but no elbows!), partly because they also keep the fork in their left hand most of the time. But it is not a real faux pas to have your hand on your lap. Try New Foods! | Dont be afraid to try foods that are new to you. Refusing to even try is an insult to your hosts. If you have a food allergy of any kind, it is best to tell your hosts in advance. If you cant eat something for health reasons, politely explain to your hosts why. Clean Your Plate | Dont take more than you can eat. Its considered impolite to leave food on your plate.

When in Doubt | If you arent sure what to do, watch what others are doing. Also feel free, as a stranger in a strange land, to ask your host discreetly about what is appropriate. You arent expected to be James Bond and know all the rules.

Gifting etiquette
Business Gift Giving Guidelines
In Germany, a small gift is polite, especially when contacts are made for the first time. Substantial gifts are not usual, and certainly not before a deal has been reached if you don't want your intentions to be misinterpreted. Even small souvenir-style gifts to thank local staff for their assistance and hospitality during your stay at a company will not be expected but will always be appreciated. Avoid giving substantial gifts in private. The larger the gift, the more official and public the giving should be. [1]

Personal Gift Giving

If you've been invited to a German home, the German gift giving custom is to bring a host/hostess gift such as chocolates or flowers.

Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received. Providing a bottle of German wine is largely considered cheap.Imported wine from Italy and France is a more appropriate gesture.

The gift custom in Germany is to open a gift when it is received. Birthdays are important in the German culture and are taken seriously. Children often wake up to a table filled with flowers and gifts.[2]

Gifts to Avoid

Red roses, as they symbolize romantic intentions. Carnations, as they symbolize mourning. Lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals. Pointed items such as knives, scissors or umbrellas are considered bad luck as a wedding gift.

Unless you're a family member, money is considered to be in bad taste as a gift for the bride and groom.