Ten tips for German business etiquette

Germany is known for its strong work ethic, precision, and professionalism in business settings. Understanding and adhering to German business etiquette is crucial for successful interactions and collaborations. Whether you're a visitor or a business professional in Germany, here are ten essential tips to navigate the nuances of German business culture effectively.

These rules are for traditional office and business environments, but they could be embarrassingly out of place in, say, an urban start-up run by twenty-somethings. If in doubt, use the golden rule: do as those around you do.

1. Be on time

Being late in Germany is a cardinal sin, seriously! Turning up even five or ten minutes after the arranged time - especially for a first meeting - is considered personally insulting and can create a disastrous first impression. Minimize reputation damage by calling ahead with a watertight excuse if you're going to be held up. Arrive on time or even a few minutes early for meetings, appointments, or any professional commitment. Being punctual reflects reliability and respect for others' time.

2. Use titles and surnames

German workers tend to stick to roles rigidly and rarely step out of strict office hierarchies. Stay in line and always address colleagues and business associates using their title and surname, unless or until they invite you use first names. If you find yourself hosting, introduce your highest ranking guest to everyone else taking care to use full names and job positions. Maintaining a formal and professional demeanor, especially in initial interactions, is a sign of respect and seriousness.

3. If in doubt, shake hands

As well as shaking hands in greeting, Germans also shake hands with everyone in a room before and after a business meeting or conference. Maintain a brief but strong grip to convey confidence and sincerity. If you have to leave early, shake everyone's hand again, starting with the most senior person present and working down. There isn't a strict gender-based rule regarding who to shake hands with first, but it is not uncommon to offer a handshake to a female colleague first. The general practice is to offer a handshake based on the situation and the individuals present, without gender bias. The German handshake is firm and brief, said to convey confidence and reliability. A weak handshake will suggest you are unsure of your abilities. Greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact.

4. Dress like an MP

German business attire is reserved and conservative, with both men and women typically donning dark suits and few, if any accessories. Men are advised to avoid flashy ties and women should keep make-up and jewels simple and low-key.

5. Business, not personal

Don't expect your German colleagues to be natural sharers, and don't take it personally if they seem distant, even after some time. Keep small talk light and non-specific, as most prefer to keep the details of their home life or political and religious views out of the office. Most co-workers will brighten at the prospect of talking shop, however, which is almost always acceptable, even during meals. NB: Never discuss your or anybody else's income - a taboo in German workplaces where wages vary

6. Knock first

Earn German colleagues' respect by respecting their privacy. If you find yourself faced with a closed door, especially to a private office, always knock before entering. Equally, never call a German colleague at home after working hours unless it's really an emergency - of catastrophic proportions. The boundaries of work-life balance, especially during vacations must be respected. Germans typically value their holidays and time off, aiming to fully disconnect from work-related communications. This means that they often avoid taking phone calls or responding to work-related emails during their vacations. The expectation is that colleagues and clients will also respect these boundaries and not disturb individuals on vacation with work-related matters. This practice is seen as a way to prioritize personal time and rejuvenation, ultimately enhancing overall well-being and productivity when they return to work.

7. Keep your distance

Germans don't tend to be the touchy-feely types. Observe the personal space of others and avoid patting shoulders, arms or generally any physical contact beyond that all-important handshake.

8. No sugar coating

In negotiations, Germans tend to be direct and frank about what they want and they will expect you to do the same. If you are pitching a project, remember making a decision can be a long process, so don't bother with the hard sell, just present all the facts as thoroughly as you can. Likewise, if Germans are presenting you with a proposal, stock up on coffee and be prepared to be shown a barrage of figures, graphs, tables and pie charts.

9. Plan ahead

Germans tend to keep full, relatively inflexible calendars, so be sure to schedule meetings well in advance. Surprises are generally frowned upon, so don't expect to be able to change or cancel an appointment at short notice without annoying your German associates. Last minute cancellations are an even worse sin than being late.

10. Guten Appetit

If attending a business lunch or other meal, wait for the host to initiate most things - drinking, eating and conversation. Make sure to wish everyone "Guten Appetit" (or Mahlzeit depending on which region) before digging in. When toasting chime in with Prost! or Zum Wohl!, and look other guests in the eyes when clinking glasses. Hopefully, the meal will follow the German (Bavarian) toast ""Erst mach dei Sach', dann trink und lach!" in plain English it means "First take care of business, then drink and laugh!".