Communication Etiquette:
• Formal greetings
– Firm Handshake
• Titles are important
• Shake hands with everyone in the room individually
• Take good pride in their homes
• Host will give the first toast
– “Zum Who” is a toast with wine
– “Prost” is a toast with beer
•
Business Etiquette:
• In German Business they do not need a personal relationship in order to have a business relationship
– They are interested in academic credentials
– Time your company’s has been in business
• They do not have an open door policy
– They will work with their office door closed
• Their business communication is formal
• Appointments are to be made a few weeks in advance
• In negotiation do not sit until invited to sit and told where you should sit
– Strict agendas – start and finish time
– Make sure your printed information is in German and in English
• Business dress is formal and conservative
– Men – dark suits, and conservative suits
– Women – Either business suits or conservative business dresses