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Guten Tag - Hello | Danke schön - Thank you | Vielen dank - Many thanks | Bitte schön - You're welcome | Sprechen Sie Englisch? - Do you speak English?
Does your company do business in Germany? Are you planning to travel or relocate to Germany for your business? If you would like to learn more about German customs, history, language, business etiquette, and the logistics of running a business in Germany, this is the website for you!
Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Federal Republic of Germany
Led by Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, Germany is a center-left Democratic Republic located in the heart of Europe. There are over 82 million Germans, and the majority (67.3%) are between the ages of 15 and 64. Religion in Germany is dominated by the Protestant (34%) and Roman Catholic (34%) churches, although a variety of religious and spiritual beliefs can be found in the country. The Euro is the accepted form of currency in Germany, and the German economy has recently experienced a wave of unexpected growth. German workers are protected by powerful unions and a large number of federal regulations and standards. These factors may cause problems and/or inconvenience for many business owners. Wages are also higher in Germany than the U.S., with the average German worker earning about $25 an hour. Although the economic conditions in Germany are expected to decline somewhat in the near future, the economic climate in Germany is among the finest in the world for businesses.
Quick Facts
GENERAL
Population: 82,536,000 (as of Sept. 2003)
Government leadership: Chancellor Gerhard Schroder (Social Democratic Party)
Religion: Protestant (34%), Roman Catholic (34%), Muslim (3.7%)
Major Cities: * Berlin (3.4 mil.), Hamburg (1.7 mil.), Munich (1.2 mil.)
* capital
ECONOMY
Currency: Euro (1 EUR = 100 cents)
Exchange Rate: 1 EUR = 1.30 USD
Major Stock Exchange: Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Unemployment Rate: 10.6% (2003)
Gross Domestic Product: 1,724,840,000,000 ; Grew +1.7% in 2004
Per Capita Disposable Income: $26,000
U.S. Imports from Germany : $59 Billion
U.S. Exports to Germany : $30 Billion
German Exports: Motor Vehicles, Aircraft and Associated Equipment, Nonelectric Engines and Motors
BUSINESS
Advantages of Doing Business in Germany :
Disadvantages/Challenges of Doing Business in Germany :
Other things you need to know:
Resources
The Europa World Year Book . London : Europa Publications, 2004.
This resource provides information on more than 250 countries and territories, and profiles over 1650 international organizations. In addition to basic country data (location, climate, language, etc.), this resource includes information concerning government, defense, economic affairs, education, public holidays, and recent history. This book also includes a range of basic statistics, a directory listing for government and politics, society and media, and business and commerce.
BuyUSA.gov
http://www.buyusa.gov/germany/en/
This resource is a U.S. commercial service that focuses on information regarding doing business in foreign countries. Each country web site has a basic country profile with statistics, an economy and business practices overview, information on the business infrastructure of the country, market research reports, and more.
EIU Country Databases
Electronic Access available through UNC Libraries: http://eresources.lib.unc.edu/eid/description.php?EIDID=1105
The UNC library system has access to six EIU Country databases. Collectively, they provide general country profiles and country reports, as well as information about country commerce, finance and monetary policy, trade data, forecasting, exchange rates, commodity prices, and economic and political developments. Select the appropriate database based on your information needs.
In most aspects, Germany is a relatively conservative business environment. Hierarchy and titles are highly respected, and strong, decisive leadership is prized. In Germany, business is a serious matter, and long range planning is the major focus. This means that decision-making involves considering and planning every detail, and risk-taking is not as highly valued as it is in many other business environments. Punctuality and consistency are of utmost importance in the German business culture.
As in any business setting, it is important to understand and respect the customs of the culture in which you are working. The following links will provide you with more detailed information depending on your specific situation.
Germany - German Business Etiquette, Manners, Cross Cultural Communication and Geert Hofstede
(published by the MBA International Management Studies at University of Texas - Dallas)
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/germany.htm
A brief listing of business etiquette tips, this website also includes a great list of links to other resources about Germany.
Germany Business Etiquette, Culture - Doing Business in Germany
http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Germany.html
This is the website for anyone in a high-level position who will be spending a great deal of time in Germany . The "Germany Business Culture Guide" discusses everything you need to know, including what to wear, how to communicate, and how to wheel and deal.
Mole, J. (2003). Mind Your Manners: Managing Business Cultures in the New Global Europe (3rd ed.), London; Yarmouth, ME: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
This book contains extensively detailed chapters about doing business in various countries in Europe . The chapter on Germany describes basic history, culture, and etiquette as they relate to the business environment, with great tips for the business traveler.
Global Etiquette Guide: Germany - Advice for jobs overseas from Monster.com
http://workabroad.monster.com/articles/germanetiquette
Monster.com writer Dean Foster has written this brief feature article explaining the basics of doing business in Germany . Includes a link to a culture quiz to test your cultural sensitivity.
Logistics of Starting a Business in Germany
The following is a list of resources that deal with the logistics of starting a business in Germany. There are regulations, laws, definitions, taxes, and opportunites in Germany that may differ from the United States. These resources provide information necessary to start a business, educate on programs available to assist your endeavor, and list important contact addresses and phone numbers.
German Embassy in Washington , D.C.
http://www.germanyinfo.org/relaunch/business/doing_business/doing_business.html
The German Embassy provides basic information on topics like distribution channels, foreign trade regulations, import regulations and customs, labor laws, labor and residency laws for foreigners, legal aspects of import contracts, legal protection of industry property rights, the distinction of German law between different company types, and social security. Most important, this site includes contact names, addresses, and numbers for further information.
(1996). Doing Business in Germany . New York : Price, Waterhouse Center for Transnational Taxation.
Davis Library HG4538.P75 G37
This is a series that is kept up to date with occasional supplements. It a good source for information on auditing, accounting and taxation. Topics include audit requirements and practices, accounting principles and practices, basic information on the tax system, and taxation of corporations, foreign companies, shareholders, foreign operations, and individuals.
The U.S. Commercial Service
http://www.buyusa.gov/germany/en/
The US Commercial Service offers valuable assistance for those interested in starting a business in Germany . You can find market information on a specific industry, financial information and credit reports on German companies, how to find office space, and tariff information.
Trade Information Center : International Trade Administration
http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/tic/
The Trade Information Center (TIC) is operated by the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The TIC provides: referrals and information on all U.S. Federal Government export assistance programs, country-specific export counseling, sources of international market research and trade leads, lists of opportunities and best prospects for U.S. companies in individual markets, import tariffs/taxes and customs procedures, and U.S. government and foreign contact information related to sources of export assistance.
Business Guide: Invest in Germany
http://www.invest-in-germany.de/en/
This website of the federal agency Invest in Germany GmbH offers services, assistance, guides, and lots and lots of legal information. If you click on "Business Guide" under "Research," there is information on litigation, industry relations and labor legislation, intellectual property, and taxation.
http://german.about.com
Sprechen Sie Deutsch! Learn Some German or have fun trying.
http://www.germany-tourism.de/ or http://www.visits-to-germany.com/ (the American equivalent)
German National Tourist Board's official website, this comprehensive travel site has great links to special events, festivals, exhibits, travel tips, and maps.
http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/germany/
This website from the Global Gourmet includes food customs, a menu guide, and recipes, as well as some detailed information about Oktoberfest!
http://www.travelsthroughgermany.com/website2/beer.htm
Links to more German brand beer websites than you could ever hope to explore, also featuring links to breweries, German beer games, and more...
http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/
The official Oktoberfest website, what more can you say....?
http://www.mediaspec.com/castles/
A tour of "The Castles of Germany" with great pictures and historical background.
Last Modified 4/26/05 by Karin Shank, Alan Unsworth, and Larisa Good
Created for INLS 227, Business Information
at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill