Business Travel to Germany

As Europe’s biggest economy, with an 82.67-million-person population and $4.2 trillion GDP, Germany is a major international business player. Being a world-leader in manufacturing, fashion and technology means there’s a lot more on offer than just great beer, schnitzel, cuckoo clocks and a beautiful landscape.

Germany’s current position as the world’s fifth largest economy and third biggest exporter is impressive considering it spent decades after World War II both physically and politically divided. It may have been through a lot but modern Germany definitely means business.

Your guide to doing business

If you’re heading to Germany for business, the first thing you should do is throw out any preconceived or stereotypical ideas about the country you might have. Less than 150 years ago the sixteen states that make up modern Germany (plus Austria and Switzerland) were separate nations and republics with their own individual identities, languages (250 of which are still spoken today) and customs. And while a collective identity may have been established overseas, within Germany the different states can be as distinct from each other as if separate countries.

But while they may be different, there are some commonalities beyond a shared love of well brewed beer. Germans tend to be direct and extremely organised in regards to how they do business. The separation between work life and private life is clearly defined and while in Australia we might get away with casual conversation in a meeting, this won’t fly in Germany. For example, you should never automatically call someone by their first name in a German business meeting unless you already know othem, otherwise wait to be asked.

To help you out, here are a few tips for navigating German business etiquette:

Make a plan

Business meetings in Germany tend to follow a strict agenda. Making a plan and sticking to it will make a big impact in a business culture that values structure. Surprises will not be appreciated, and even gifts are frowned upon.

Be punctual

German business is a serious thing, even in less-formal settings. Organise your meetings well in advance and whatever you do be on time! Time in Germany is managed very carefully so schedules must be respected.

Be direct and open

You’ll find that Germans have a direct conversation style. They’re not being rude; directness is just the best way to get to the point. Follow their lead and be as frank as possible, it’ll make you seem more trustworthy. Also, make sure to maintain eye contact when speaking to a German – it might seem weird but it’s a sign that you respect and are listening to them.

Be fair

German directness can actually work in your favour as they tend to lay all their cards on the table and their first offer is usually their best. What’s the point in wasting time haggling? Follow this lead and don’t haggle too hard, it could come across as being disrespectful.

Don’t use jargon

In the business world you may have to master the skill of doublespeak to understand what people really mean. But not in Germany, speak in facts – it’ll take you a lot farther.

Try not to be funny

Sometimes laughter is not the best medicine, and a German business meeting is one of those times. It might be hard, but try not to be funny.

When organising a business meeting it’s also important to determine what kind of meeting it is. If you’re there to talk about setting up potential business, then a business lunch is your best bet. But when it comes to doing actual business it should never take place over a meal, and instead occur in an office environment as work and pleasure should never meet.

Getting around

The transport system in Germany is VERY good. Every major city has an airport and a train network consisting of fast rail network (S-Bahn), trams and in many cases an underground system (U-Bahn). All public transport runs to a very strict timetable and in most cases is faster and easier than driving.

And if you are travelling between cities but are not keen to fly, the country is also connected by a series of highways (if you’re brave – there is often no speed limit) and train lines that make getting around easy.

Travel Essentials

Currency: Euro
Language: German
Time Zone: GMT +1
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 49
Business Visa: not required for Australians for a period of 90 days

Trade shows

Trade shows run all year round in Germany and are the perfect place if you’re travelling to establish the right connections for your business. Check out this website for a complete listing of what’s on.

Welcome to… three of Germany’s major cities

Every city in Germany is unique, with industries and cultural backgrounds varying across the country. And while every city has something to offer, both in terms of business and pleasure, here are three of the biggest to do business in.

Munich

As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is probably the closest you’ll get to picture-postcard Germany. Bavarians are proud of their distinct culture and heritage, even if the rest of the country makes fun of them for it. It’s the land of cobbled streets, baroque architecture, beer halls, cuckoo clocks, lederhosen, oom-pah bands and folk festivals such as Oktoberfest (thank you Bavaria).

Historically, Bavaria was an agricultural state but since WWII it has transformed into the industrial centre of Germany. Home to Audi, BMW, Siemens and a host of major insurance companies not only will Munich give you the ‘classic’ German experience, it’ll give ample opportunity to make those sought-after business connections.

Where to stay

Boutique

Cortiina

Not only are the rooms in Cortiina designed as if you’re staying in a (very stylish) apartment not a hotel room, it’s also home to the Grapes Wine Bar – one of the best restaurants in Munich with one hell of a wine list. Cortiina is also located in the middle of the Aldstadt close to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt and the river Isar.

Luxury

Louis Hotel

Also located in the Aldstadt, Louis Hotel is close to the best Munich has to offer. Only around ten years old, the hotel rooms are fitted out using elegant modern designs and furnishings that tie in with the Louis’ popular Emiko Japanese restaurant. And the rooftop terrace with views over St Peter’s makes it a hard place to beat.

Mid-range

Roomers Munich

Roomers is located just over a mile from Munich’s city centre, putting it within an easy distance of all the Central Business District. The hotel is what could be called ‘corporate cool’ with a lot of dark woods, leather, metallic surfaces, warm lighting and black marble in all the bathrooms. It’s also right across the road from the iconic Augustiner Brewery, home to traditional Bavarian fare.

Where to eat

Wirthaus Maximilian

If you’re looking for a Bavarian experience that isn’t too cheesy, Maximilian is the place for you. It manages to stay true to the kitschy Bavarian culture while staying up-to-date and cool, with a modern twist on the décor and menu.

Brenner

For a business lunch, you can’t go wrong with Brenner (make sure to book in advance). Once the stables of Munich’s royal residence, the Mediterranean-style restaurant overlooking the state opera is now one of the best in the city.

Where to drink

Die Goldene Bar

Everything about Die Goldene Bar is classically cool. From its wam-toned modernist interior and outdoor terrace to the vintage maps on the walls showing the origins of wines, spirits and tobacco, everything is well done. Located both next to the Haus der Kunst art museum and the Eisbachwelle (where people surf the Alpine ice stream waves), the bar hosts a mixed crowd of people linked by their appreciation for quality.

What to see and do

Marienplatz

Munich’s central square, Marienplatz, is home to a much-loved cuckoo clock dating back to 1908. Two or three times a day the 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures tell the story of the city’s history from the tower balcony of the Neues Rathaus. It’s seriously mesmerising and very Bavarian.

Mullersches Volksbad

These indoor pools are some of the most beautiful in the world. From the 100-foot heated pool under an Art Nouveau dome to the Roman steam baths, Mullersches Volksbad is a must-do in Munich.

Berlin

Berlin is the biggest and most well-known of Germany’s cities – it is the nation’s capital after all. It’s a very historical city which still bears the marks of WWII with many of its buildings crumbling and speckled with bullet holes. But since the fall of the Berlin Wall, it has transformed into a hub of art, music, nightlife and a bohemian lifestyle that is unlike anywhere else in the country.

It’s truly the city that never sleeps. Originally stemming from the subversive history of East Berlin, the whole city now sets the standard for cool of the rest of the world with the perfect balance of glamour and grit.

And while Berlin is certainly home to a huge amount of international businesses, there has been a recent shift towards tech start-ups that reflect Berlin’s individual and more laid-back style.