The Devil is in the Details

25 Etiquette Tips for Business Professionals in Germany

In professional or business situations correct manners and appropriate behaviour are essential. Do you know how to handle yourself tactfully and confidently in every situation that may present itself?

Politeness, consideration, and social charisma are increasingly becoming the keys to good manners. Anyone who interrupts his business partner while he is talking, comes to a business function inappropriately dressed, has bad table manners or incorrectly addresses his colleagues is just building unnecessary barriers between himself and success.

Correct conduct with colleagues and customers, how to master difficult situations, the correct tone to use in letters and e-mails, table manners - these are a few important things that you can find tips on in this article. These will help you to avoid uncomfortable situations and to tactfully deal with unpredictable situations in all social circles from the second you get off the plane.

1. Introductions - who introduces whom?
2. Ranking order: Who shakes whose hand?
3. Greetings: What should I say?
4. Addressing someone: Should I use "Du" or "Sie"?
5. Gifts
6. German Idioms and Sayings
7. Telephoning in Germany
8. Appropriate Business Attire
9. Giving a Presentation in Germany
10. Business Dinners
11. Travelling by train in Germany
12. Keeping your distance in Germany
13. What exactly does a German mean when they say...
14. E-mail Etiquette
15. German Stereotypes
16. Dealing with Conflict
17. New strategies for job applications
18. The application form
19. The job interview
20. Questions & Answers for the interview
21. The reference certificate
22. Successful negotiations
23. On the job: Meeting with your boss
24. Unwritten rules in German companies
25. Farewell

We wish you success with your German speaking business partners Gretchen Schaupp und Joachim Graff.

>>> Comments are welcome! Please write to business-etiquette@businessgerman.com