BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN GERMANY

Business is taken seriously and German values such

as fairness, loyalty, punctuality, professionalism, and reliability should be reciprocated.
In general, German business mentality means that negotiations are fair and agreements
are rarely changed or disrupted at the last minute. Ethics are central to daily German
business practice, as is corporate social responsibility.
SHAKING HANDS
Shaking hands is a typical gesture in good German business etiquette. It is expected
that you shake hands with any client, colleague, employer, or employee at the first
meeting. Depending on where you work, it may even be commonplace to shake hands
with customers. Examples of this may be at an estate agency or car sales showroom.
When you shake hands in Germany, shake with your right hand but ensure your left
hand is not in your pocket, which may be seen as rude. It is also important to maintain
eye contact during the handshake.
It's not just in the business world or business relationships where shaking hands is
common, it's also common amongst friends and even family, especially men. It is
common amongst both genders when meeting someone for the first time. Unlike the
more touchy-feely cultures of other European countries like Spain, France, or
Italy, personal space in Germany is safeguarded. If you have ever been to Britain, for
example, you will find the German shaking hands culture is very similar.
COMMUNICATION
Communication in German business culture is direct and unambiguous. Germans value
clear, concise, and fact-based discussions. They appreciate honesty and
straightforwardness and expect the same from their business partners.
BUSINESS DRESS CODE
In Germany, there is a formal dress code in place in the majority of workplaces. Men
generally wear dark suits and ties, whilst women wear simple trousers or skirt suits.In
young or emerging sectors companies such as PR agencies or tech start-ups,
especially those located in the more cosmopolitan cities like Berlin, it is common to find
people dress informally to work.
PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY
Punctuality is very important to Germans and is especially vital in business. Always
attempt to arrive early and allow plenty of time to get to where you need to be.
If you think you may be running late for work or for a business meeting, always call as
early as you can to let your manager or the person you are meeting know in advance. In
Germany, punctuality is a sign of reliability and you may be judged harshly if you are
late, even once.
FAIRNESS & LOYALTY
Germans tend to operate fairer business practices than you may experience in other
countries and cultures. This sense of fairness includes equal pay, good working
conditions, and fair disciplinary practices. It also means that employees are not
generally expected to work more than their contracted hours. Most offices close at 5 pm
Monday to Thursday and 4 pm on a Friday. One's personal life is highly valued, and
there is a strict separation between people's personal lives and work life.
SLOW AND STEADY
Work flow tends to go at a steady pace. Projects are expected to be completed on time
and accurately. However, more priority is given to accuracy than speed. If you need to
change the deadline, notify coworkers early and provide a good explanation.
WORKING TIMES
Work-life balance plays a main role in German business culture. Personal life is cared
for, and there is a clear distinction between personal and professional lives. They enjoy
a baseline of twenty-four holiday days per year and generous medical and family leave
policies. The workday starts much earlier, around 7:30, however, it ends at around
15:00. Just as they are punctual when work starts, they are punctual when work ends. If
people need to work overtime, it is usually a known and planned-for event.
MEETING AND GREETING
The protocol for meeting and greeting in German business culture is formal and
structured. When introducing oneself, it is customary to use one's full name and title.
When greeting a German business associate, it is important to use their correct title and
surname.
BUSINESS DINING
Business dining etiquette in Germany is formal and follows certain customs. The host is
usually the one to initiate eating, and it is considered polite to wait until the host has
started eating before beginning your meal.
RESPECT AND THE CHAIN OF COMMAND
Hierarchy is respected in Germany. The chain of command is closely followed when it
comes to workplace decisions. Defer to your direct manager when it comes to decision
making. He or she will bring your question up to the next level of management if needed
and so on.

When introducing a group of colleagues always start with the most senior coworker.
PROPER BODY MOVEMENT
In general, Germans tend to be protective of their personal space; this is especially true
in the workplace. When speaking with your German colleagues, remember to stand at
least a foot or two away from them. A friendly touch on a co-worker’s arm or shoulder
during a conversation might be perfectly acceptable in some cultures, but it is not
advisable in the German business world.
SHOWING APPRECIATION
Rather than giving them around of applause, Germans will rap their knuckles on the
table gently to say that you did great.
ADDRESSING SUPERIORS
Stay formal when addressing others. Use peoples‘ title and last name until given explicit
permission to do otherwise. In Germany, men are addressed as Herr (pronounced Air)
instead of Mr. Women are addressed at Frau (pronounced frow) instead of Ms. or Mrs.
IMPORTANCE OF PERFECTION
Quality is crucial in Germany. Business negotiations and agreements will also depend
on high-quality—down to the details. It’s important to be very thorough in all work
product, contracts, and deals. Nothing will be agreed to until all details are in place.
Nothing will change once those details are agreed upon.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Adhere to German laws and regulations, especially in areas such as labor rights and
data privacy. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, damage to reputation, and loss
of trust among customers. Therefore, it's essential for businesses to stay informed
about the latest regulations and implement data protection practices to ensure
compliance and maintain customer trust.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE FRANCE

French business etiquette tends to be quite strict and begins with professionalism. The
French strongly value formalities, politeness, adhering to the rules, and structure. In a
French business context, introductions are always made using your first and last name.
Sometimes, you may hear others introduce themselves with their last name first,
followed by their given name. This is also acceptable in French business culture.
PROPER GREETINGS
You need to use proper titles when you address your French business partners. Use
“monsieur” for men, and “madame” for women. “Mademoiselle” is reserved for
unmarried women, but in a professional environment, “madame” would be more
appropriate.
PROPER SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENT
Appointments or Scheduled Meeting should be set two weeks in advance. Try to avoid
scheduling meetings in August since many workers take their summer vacation during
this month. In addition, avoid setting meetings for a day right before or right after one of
the country’s 11 public holidays. Showing up for meetings unannounced is unacceptable
in France. Give plenty of notice about your intentions for a meeting, and respect the
time you have been given.
ALWAYS FOLLOW UP
The French appreciate a follow-up call, visit, or letter. Whether you’re pitching for a new
contract or applying for a grant, you should always make an effort to contact them
afterward. This shows your dedication and enthusiasm.
BE PUNCTUAL
Although the French have a reputation for being late, always be punctual. Especially for
a business meeting. It’s considered one of the most basic principles of business
etiquette in France. Your French partners expect you to be punctual, and being late may
cause offense.
PROPER GESTURED
Using the right strength of handshake is crucial for good first impressions. The French
usually use a light handshake for business. A strong American handshake may make
you seem aggressive.
The typical French double kiss greeting called bise is reserved for long time business
partners and friends. Only use this when your French business partner initiates it.
Hand gestures are an important part of communication. And specific hand gestures
don’t necessarily mean the same thing in France. For example, the “OK” sign in France
means “zero” or “worthless”. So don’t wave your hand around approving a proposal,
because you may cause unnecessary confusion.
DRESS CODE
Fashion in France is unique. And dressing for business is crucial to make a good first
impression. When you’re dealing with French business partners, always dress smartly.
A little bit of chic can set you apart in France. Although this is not necessarily a part of
French business etiquette, know how to dress for business in France can give you an
advantage. There’s also no “casual Friday” in France, so always dress well.
FRENCH DINING
The French love their food. And it’s not uncommon to tie business meetings together
with lunch in France. When you’re dining out with your French business partners always
follow the proper etiquette.
This means keeping your hands above the table, chewing with your mouth closed, and
using a knife and fork properly. Make express interest in French cuisine.
QUALITY OVER DEADLINES
In the United States, you need to deliver. The deadlines are immovable, and everyone
should get the job done in the given time. However, French people value good quality
work the most. Even if it takes longer. Deliver in time is less important than delivering it
well.
This is why you should always pay attention to the type of deadline in France. A target
deadline is a suggestion, and a final deadline is a goal.
EXPECT INTERRUPTIONS
While interrupting someone may be rude in America, in France it’s not against the
business etiquette. Their questions and interruptions show enthusiasm, so don’t take it
as a sign of disrespect. The French often talk over each other in everyday speech. They
probably don’t even notice they’re doing it.