How to Follow Proper Business Etiquette in Germany
Doing business in Germany means more than learning a few German phrases. Follow these proper business etiquette techniques for a successful deal.
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You Will Need
- Politeness
- Punctuality
- Conservative dress
- Written requests
- Translator
Steps
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Step 1
Use titles
Be polite and use titles when addressing, introducing, or writing to a businessperson. This includes calling men "herr" and women "frau" before saying their title and last name.
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Print any degrees you have above a bachelor's on your business card. Academic degrees are highly touted in German culture.
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Step 2
Watch the clock
Watch the clock when you are scheduled for a business meeting with German colleagues. Punctuality is very important. Being too early could be considered just as rude as being late.
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Step 3
Dress conservatively
Dress conservatively for meetings with German businesspeople. If you are a man, do not remove your jacket unless your German counterparts do so.
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Step 4
Knock on doors
Knock on a person's office door before entering, always. German companies generally have a closed-door policy. This is to maintain privacy.
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Step 5
Put everything in writing
Put everything in writing. Germany businesspeople rarely do things through verbal requests.
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The German car company Volkswagen began selling the Beetle in the United States in 1955.
