Proper Business Etiquette in Germany By: Lauren Mitchell 16 The Business World Proper Business Etiquette in Germany By: Lauren Mitchell 16

Cool Facts About Germany Capital: Berlin Population:82,424,609 Government: Federal Republic Ethnic Makeup: German 91%, Turkish 2%, Other 6%

Business Greetings Greetings are formal A quick, firm handshake is acceptable Shake hands with everyone individually Let host or hostess introduce you

Business Dress Business dress is understated, formal, and conservative. Men should wear dark colored business suits Women should wear business suits or dresses Do not wear outrageous jewelry or accessories

Business Cards

Business Cards They are given after the meeting is finished Only give your business card if it is asked If you want someone’s business card ask them after the meeting is finished

Business Introductions The eldest or highest ranking enters first Men enter before women Titles are quite important they denote respect

Business Introductions Cont’d Do not call anyone by their first name unless they tell you to You should say Herr or Frau and the person's title and their surname.

Table Manners/ Restaurant Etiquette Remain standing until invited to sit down Don’t begin eating until the hostess starts Don’t rest your elbows on the table Do not cut lettuce in your salad Cut your food with your knife Compliments the chef saying his food is tender Finish everything on your plate

Restaurant Etiquette Cont’d The host gives the first toast The guest of honor returns the toast Most common toast is “Good Health” With wine it is “Zum Wohl!” With beer it is “Prost!”

Gift Giving Gifts are usually opened when received Gifts are important when invited to a home Yellow or Tea roses are always acceptable Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums They are used at funerals Do not give carnations They symbolize mourning Do not give red roses Shows romantic intentions

Summary  In many respects, Germans can be considered the masters of planning. This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day. Careful planning, in one's business and personal life, provides a sense of security. Once the proper way to perform a task is discovered, there is no need to think of doing it any other way. Work and personal lives are rigidly divided.

References Kwintessential http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global- etiquette/germany-country-profile.html Zazzle Business Cards http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Business+Cards+in+G erman&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F %2Fwww.zazzle.com%2Fgerman%2Bbusinesscar ds www.ask.com