Jori Isohanni Raportti

AT10

Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu

Ryhmätyöprojekti: Kulttuuriraportti

Behavior Germans don’t greet strangers and they don’t expect to be greeted by strangers. If you are not a permanent staff member in German corporation, you probably will not be greeted at all or you are greeted very rarely.

Germans usually expect to be introduced to strangers by someone else. They make very little relationships straight to complete strangers. Also “smalltalk” is very difficult to Germans. They are really relaxed only with their family and closest friends.

Germans have strict hierarchy inside corporations and you have to watch how you speak to “higher rank” worker. The hierarchy is well observed.

Firm handshake is common in both, business and social relationships. When you arrive or leave, take time to shake hand with everyone individually. Hugs and kisses to cheeks are common only between family members and very good friends.

Eye contact with Germans should be maintained as long as he/she is addressing you. German’s eye contact is often very direct and Germans do not necessary smile. To foreign person this may result as mistaken perception of Germans as cold and unfriendly. Still, don’t expect an eye contact from German to greet the person or to have person’s acknowledgement. The German doesn’t expect anything from you either.

German people are precise. Everything is scheduled and planned. When German is working, the work is effective and precise. Even when shopping, if you have not planned your shop list and take your time in shop, you will have sour looks. Time is important. Meetings start exactly when informed and if you arrive after that time, you are late.

In business and social life Germans are very direct. If you are working on something and have a problem what you seem not to have solved, you will be criticized. Interrupting and giving own opinion is common and easy for a German.

Language Most Germans speak at least a little bit of English, some of them speak very good English. Still some of them may feel themselves offended if you don’t even try to speak German to them. Especially Germans over about 45 years generally doesn’t speak English so well and they feel insecure speaking or trying to speak English.