TradePost Archives > April 23, 2009 > this article

Cultural tips for global business: Germany

DO's:

• DO be punctual to dinner or lunch dates, and bring a small gift: wine (imported from Italy or France) or flowers (don’t bring red roses, carnations, lilies or chrysanthemums).
• DO keep your hands (but not your elbows) on the table while eating.
• DO look someone in the eyes while shaking their hand, and keep your other hand out of your pocket.
• DO wear understated, formal, and conservative business dress. 
• DO leave a tip if you appreciated the service.  In Germany, service staff is always paid by the hour, but tipping is still considered polite.  It is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% at a restaurant or pub if the service was good. (Leave a larger tip around holidays like Christmas).
• DO open a gift when it is received.
• DO shake hands with everyone upon entering a room, including children.  A quick, firm handshake is traditional. 
• DO arrive on time for everything: punctuality is very important. Call your host if you will be later than 15 minutes.
• DO send a handwritten thank you note in appreciation of hospitality.
• DO have all printed material written in both English and German.
• DO get immediately down to business and don't engage in too much small talk.

DON'Ts:

• DON'T eat with your fingers. 
• DON'T wear flashy jewelry and accessories.
• DON'T give German wine.  Giving a gift of German wine can be viewed as meaning you do not think your host will serve a high quality wine.  If you wish to bring wine, it should be imported, such as French or Italian wines.
• DON'T ever, under any circumstances, show the "Nazi salute," shout "Heil Hitler," or show swastikas or other symbols of the Third Reich, even if you are kidding!  Using these signs is a criminal offense and punishable up to five years imprisonment.  Foreigners are not exempt from this, so don't do it. 
• DON'T make business appointments on Friday afternoons, because many businesses close early on Fridays.   10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one-hour lunch are the usual business hours.
• DON'T sit until invited and told where to sit (in business meetings).