Germany – people, culture, language
A guide for businesses The country
Germany today: Germany is the world's third largest economy after the USA and Japan, despite its recent economic and unemployment difficulties and the problems caused by the re-unification of East and West Germany in 1990. It has Europe's biggest population (83.5 million people) and a land area of 357,021 kilometres (137,828 square miles). It is a founder member of the EU and of NATO. Growth sectors: Germany's economy is famous for its industrial output in the automotive, machine tools, white goods and engineering industries, as well as textiles and finished goods. Environment: Germany has three main geographical areas, the lowlands in the north, the uplands in the centre and the mountains in the south. Politically and socially, Germany is quite regionalised and is organised in sixteen states or “Bundesländer” with the federal capital in Berlin. As a result, each major city has its own character and the cities and villages of Bavaria are quite different from the north. Germany has a temperate climate with average rainfall of 600-700 mm (23-27 inches) per year.

The people
Federalism: The Head of State is the President, elected every five years. The Chancellor, currently Angela Merkel, is the Head of Government, elected every four years and leader of the winning party in the election. The two main parties are the SPD (Social Democratic Party), and the CDU (Christian Democratic Union). North/South divide: Like many parts of Europe, Germany preserves a cultural difference between its Lutheran north and its Roman Catholic south (Frankfurt and below). Rules: Germans tend to stick to the rules. Jaywalking is an offence and there are many restrictions about what you can and can’t do at home, or on a Saturday or Sunday (car washing, use of laundry facilities, noise after 11p.m). This is seen as good civic sense rather than obedience to authority for its own sake. Environmental awareness: There are rules about recycling rubbish and using biodegradable packaging for products. The Green Party has real influence in politics.

Did you know..?
The name Germany (Germania) was awarded by the historian Tacitus, a Roman, to the tribes defeated by Marcus Aurelius in the 1st century AD. The final battle was presented in the 2000 film ‘Gladiator.’ Some of the world’s greatest composers and writers were German. They include Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Wagner, and Schiller and Goethe, as well as the modern German novelist G nther Grass. Most federal capitals have their own subsidised opera house and company.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin. Brandenburg Gate is the most famous place for tourists to visit, it is a symbol of the division of Berlin and the unity since November 1989.

2out of 3 World Trade Fairs are based in Germany. The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest beer festival in the world. The first rocket to reach space was launched in Peenemünde.

Information correct on 6th March 2006.

Language
Official language: German English: English and German are both Germanic languages. German has different roots to French but many German words have been adapted in English. Many short words are German (Anglo-Saxon) in origin. Finding translators/interpreters: in the UK, you can search for local, quality-assured providers on BLIS Professionals (www.blis.org.uk/professionals). In Germany, translators and interpreters are readily available – the best place to enquire is at the British Embassy.

Business culture and etiquette
Formality: Germany is a surname culture. In business meetings, Germans will address each other by surnames alone or as “Herr” or “Frau”. Efficiency: For Germans, efficiency is important. They will always look for a clear organised system and will look for order and clarity in all dealings. Two German values are ‘Klarheit' (clarity) and ‘Ordnung' (order). Greetings and friendship: Shaking hands at the beginning and end of business meetings or at the end of a business day is de rigeur. Germans get offended if you DON’T shake hands. Germans have a much more rigid definition of 'friendship' than we do. A friend is a close friend for life and the relationship will be initiated from the German side. If you speak a little German, never use 'Du' (personal you) to a colleague until invited by them to do so. Keep to the formal 'Sie' (plural form) and address in “Herr” or “Frau”. Directness: Germans are quite direct in their speech and writing style. This can easily cause offence to the politer and more indirect British. It is important to realise that the 'aggressive' style of German business is often just a desire for clarity and directness. Germans tend to find the British style long-winded and unclear. Hierarchy: German companies can be quite hierarchical. Be careful not to step outside the ‘chain of command’ when doing business. Negotiating: Germans prepare thoroughly for meetings, keep strictly to agendas and expect you to do what you promise. They are very aware of the prices of products and services and expect you to keep within a fair margin of a recognised ‘fair price’. Germans seek common ground in meetings. Presentations: Germans expect technical detail in presentations and are prepared to concentrate for longer in order to hear it. Aggressive questioning is a sign of interest rather than disapproval. Building a successful working relationship: German companies will typically build the relationship gradually by starting with a small project and building to bigger ones if the approach is a success.

Basic German phrases
The positive impression you will make by learning to speak a few basic German phrases cannot be overestimated. Below are some commonly-used phrases – if you are interested in learning the German language, you can search for quality-assured trainers and courses at www.blis.org.uk.
Hello Good morning Good evening Goodbye Yes / no Please Thank you Excuse me I am called… I don’t understand Good bye German Guten Tag Guten Morgen Guten Abend Auf Wiedersehen Ja / Nein Bitte Danke Entschuldigung Sie bitte? Pronunciation Gooten tark Gooten morgern Gooten arbend owf veederzane Jar / Nine Bitter Danker Ent shuld e gung zee bitter Ikh hiesser…. ikh fehrshtayer Nikht Owf veeder-zane

Ich Heiße.. Ich verstehe nicht Auf Weidersehen

Signposting and resources
BLIS Professionals (www.blis.org.uk/professionals) – an on-line, quality-assured database of translators, interpreters, language trainers and cultural consultants in your area. You can search for BLIS providers offering German language services in the East Midlands. International House is one of the largest language and cultural training organisations in the world, with 200 centres in 40 countries. They are members of BLIS, training UK business in modern languages and international culture. Contact them on www.ihlondon.com/culture.

Sources:
Research and text: Tomalin, Barry (2003) CultureSmart! Germany, London; Kuperard Publishing. Mole, John (2003) Mind your Manners, London; NB Publications Other resources: UKTrade & Investment www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Information correct on 6th March 2006.

RLN East Midlands: promoting a greater capability in language and cultural skills for business and employment. Tel: 0115 854 1399 Fax: 0115 854 1617 www.rln-eastmidlands.com

Please note: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the Regional Language Network does not take responsibility for the content of this briefing. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Regional Language Network or of CILT, the National Centre for Languages.