Germany and Ireland - Business Culture

Similarities and differences

Germany Ireland

Welcome Topics of Conversation

Sports, particularly soccer [the national sport]

Travel, recent holidays

Current events, politics [if you know what you're talking about]

Work and professions

Topics to Avoid

World War II/the Holocaust [although sometimes you will be surprised at how openly and frankly Germans of all ages will make reference to or comment on their history]

Personal questions [especially salary, cost of personal objects] among people you don't know or know well, especially in a business environment [work and family life are usually kept separate]

Acceptable public conduct

Germans do not expect to be greeted by strangers, even when eye contact has been made

First names are usually reserved for family members, as well as friends and close colleagues. Moreover, in German business culture, it's not uncommon for colleagues who have worked together for years to remain on a formal, last name basis. This can reflect, on the one hand, a pronounced institutional hierarchy in German society which requires a degree of formality [much less than in, for example, East Asian and South America, but much more so than in very casual North America and Australia/New Zealand].

On the other hand, the formal “Sie” form of “you” can also be used to impose psychological and emotional distance between oneself and another person, if this is desired.

Giving compliments is not part of German business protocol and can often cause embarrassment and awkwardness. Employees would, of course, be appreciative of praise from superiors, but do not expect it. Compliments, especially from strangers or very casual acquaintances can, in fact, be taken with suspicion. Firm, brief handshakes at the time of arrival and departure are standard in business and social relationships. Hugging and kissing on both cheeks are common only among good friends and family member. When arriving and leaving, take the time to shake hands with everyone individually in a group

. Making appointments

Never underestimate the importance of punctuality in German business culture. Arriving even five to ten minutes later than the appointed time is perceived as late, especially if you are a subordinate. Fifteen minutes would be considered a very serious faux pas and could mean a shaky start to any potential business relations.

If you must be late for any reason, it's important that you call and notify the person who is expecting you. Moreover, you should give a plausible explanation for the delay The preferred times for business appointments are between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Avoid scheduling appointments on Friday afternoons, as some offices close by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. Be sensitive to vacation and festival periods here. Germans generally have six weeks of paid vacation, which means someone is almost always “in Urlaub” [“on holiday”]. Therefore, be prepared to take this into consideration when making appointments or planning visits. For instance, Germans commonly take long vacations during July, August, December and Easter.

Gift Giving In general, gift giving is an important symbolic gesture practiced in all cultures For the company you are visiting, quality pens, tasteful office items with your company logo, or imported liquor are usually safe choices. Fine chocolates can also be an appropriate gift when you are invited to a home. If you decide to bring alcohol, a good imported liquor is the safest choice. You can also bring a wine of excellent vintage from your home country or an exceptional imported red wine. A gift of German wine, however, should then be a more up market label

Gifts to Avoid

Red roses are for lovers; lilies are used in funerals. A general rule would be to avoid including heather in a bouquet as it is commonly planted in cemeteries. Clothing, perfumes, and other toiletries are considered far too personal to be appropriate gifts.

Welcome Topics of Conversation

The Irish are enthusiastic conversationalists and debaters. A wide range of topics may be open to discussion, including religion and politics. The best policy, however, is to wait for your Irish companions to bring up these two subjects; be prepared to hear very strong and often confrontational opinions and be aware that both subjects are highly contentious in Ireland Sport is a common topic of conversation in Ireland and the Irish tend to be receptive to sporting analogies

Topics to Avoid Your Irish companions will be quick to let you know if you have introduced a subject that 'crosses the line.' Topics that are currently controversial in Ireland include the Catholic Church, the English and immigrants. It is advisable for visitors to Ireland to avoid these topics of conversation unless raised by your host.