Behave+yourself+in+Berlin

Here are our recommendations to ensure a smooth trip to the German capital.


 * Meetings and greetings**

• Always try to be on time or, if possible, early to appointments, and arrange for meetings or interviews well in advance. Germans, however, may play the “Deutsche Akademisches Viertel” (“German quarter-hour”) card, which allows them, not you, to be late.

• Shaking hands is customary when meeting a business partner, and again when saying goodbye. It is usual to keep it up at every future meeting.

• Germans like to be called by titles, such as doctor or professor, and will prove much friendlier if you appear to appreciate their educational credentials. Should they hold more than one title, use all of them.

• Like many Germans, Berliners tend to be earnest and straightforward. It is best to say exactly what you mean and to keep attempts at humour out of business meetings. Irony can be taken the wrong way.

• This straightforwardness does not mean pushiness, however. Germans are consensus-oriented, and prefer to arrive at agreement through (sometimes lengthy) discussion to avoid later misunderstanding. The American and British tendency to barrel through seemingly simple business can be considered rude.

• On the other hand, Berliners are known for their Schnauze and can be quick to ridicule anything they see as pompous. Don’t be aghast at this acerbic wit, and tread carefully when responding.

• Be prepared for all matters to be written down and copied—this forms the basis for future meetings and will constantly be referred to. No deal will be struck on a handshake; it will be a lengthy protocol.

• Female executives should know that German boardrooms remain bastions of male power. Many male executives have little or no experience of women as professional equals.

• Should you use the German language, expect to be corrected if you make a mistake. Many Germans will also insist that you correct their English.

• Do not be offended if a German appears reserved about his or her private life. Many Germans see a stark division between the public and private spheres, and can be slow to open up. Control your urge to talk about last night's football match; many business people here consider chat about sport the preserve of the uneducated.

• However, when on familiar terms, you can expect questions that may seem overly personal or prying, for instance about salaries. Try not to be offended—Germans tend to be direct.


 * Eating and drinking**

• It is considered impolite to start drinking before everyone has raised glasses together, a procedure you usually repeat with each round. (According to German superstition, if you don’t look into another person's eyes when clinking glasses, seven years of bad sex will follow.) Sticking to non-alcoholic drinks during the day is acceptable, but you will be expected to have at least a sip of wine at an important dinner.

• For a truly unique Berlin drinking experience, try a Berliner Weisse, which is a beer with syrup added—either deep red (raspberry) or virulent green (woodruff)—often served in a large glass. It's more palatable than it sounds.

• Pets are often found at the dinner table, fully accepted.

• Non-smokers who make a point of their rights are still considered a little gauche.

[|From The Economist]

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