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Started By
Message
Germany for work and vacation
Posted on 1/24/17 at 9:57 am
Posted on 1/24/17 at 9:57 am
I'll be in Germany for a grand total of 12 days.
First and foremost, I'll be in Berlin with some members of our company for 5 days for work. During this time, we'll predominantly be spending it with German pharmaceuticals for the majority of the time. We'll have an itinerary planned and arranged for us.
After that, we are extending the work trip into a vacation with our wives and family. I have never been to Germany. If you have 7 days to travel, where would you go, what would you do and see? Also, please remember, that the initial 5 days in Berlin will be 90% of the time centered strictly around work. We won't have much opportunity (I'm assuming) to see any attractions in the city.
Also, most importantly, what customs, norms, mannerisms should I expect to be interacting with? For work purposes, are their any hard-fast, professional customs, greetings that I should expect? What about eating? Do they have any unique customs? Should I expect a big breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Any little tips would be greatly appreciated.
First and foremost, I'll be in Berlin with some members of our company for 5 days for work. During this time, we'll predominantly be spending it with German pharmaceuticals for the majority of the time. We'll have an itinerary planned and arranged for us.
After that, we are extending the work trip into a vacation with our wives and family. I have never been to Germany. If you have 7 days to travel, where would you go, what would you do and see? Also, please remember, that the initial 5 days in Berlin will be 90% of the time centered strictly around work. We won't have much opportunity (I'm assuming) to see any attractions in the city.
Also, most importantly, what customs, norms, mannerisms should I expect to be interacting with? For work purposes, are their any hard-fast, professional customs, greetings that I should expect? What about eating? Do they have any unique customs? Should I expect a big breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Any little tips would be greatly appreciated.
This post was edited on 1/24/17 at 9:59 am
5
Posted on 1/24/17 at 2:52 pm to Forkbeard3777
If you don't see anything during your work days, you should plan to spend a few days in Berlin. Lots of sights if you are into history. Afterwards you could go east to Poland, south to Prague, west to Hamburg, or southeast to Munich. All are just 3-4 hours by train.
For business... are they customers, partners suppliers...?
There aren't any crazy customs. They are more formal, put more importance on title (are you a Dr?), and put a lot more importance on the specific wording in presentations and are more precise about meeting minutes. But they are familiar with international customs and aren't really offended by much. For food and dining, not much too worry about. They hold their fork in their left hands and make fun of Americans that cut everything up first and then eat the pieces. But being the pharmaceutical industry, they won't be too parochial.
Have fun and enjoy the beer!
For business... are they customers, partners suppliers...?
There aren't any crazy customs. They are more formal, put more importance on title (are you a Dr?), and put a lot more importance on the specific wording in presentations and are more precise about meeting minutes. But they are familiar with international customs and aren't really offended by much. For food and dining, not much too worry about. They hold their fork in their left hands and make fun of Americans that cut everything up first and then eat the pieces. But being the pharmaceutical industry, they won't be too parochial.
Have fun and enjoy the beer!
Posted on 1/25/17 at 8:14 am to Forkbeard3777
This post was edited on 11/8/20 at 2:07 pm
Posted on 1/25/17 at 10:51 am to Forkbeard3777
quote:
Do they have any unique customs?
If you are invited to anyone's home, take your shoes off at the door. There will usually be a mat or area like a mud room for said shoes.
Bring a gift for the host or hostess. Flowers or imported wine are good choices.
Be punctual.
Don't jay walk. It is considered bad form.
Do NOT walk in the bike lane. You WILL get run over.
Don't ask an opinion if you don't want a brutally honest answer. Many, if not most will be completely honest with you and tell you that yes that shirt does indeed make you look fat.
As another has said, do not use a first name unless prompted to do so.
That lady sitting at the toilet door is not just there to say hi. She/he expecting a tip for keeping the loo clean. Usually .50 to 1 euro.
Chit chat and small talk just wastes everyone's time and is generally not done.
DO eat Brotchen with every meal.( This is more of a personal thing for ma as I miss that crusty little roll from heaven like the flowers miss the sunshine.
)This post was edited on 1/25/17 at 2:09 pm
Posted on 1/25/17 at 11:42 am to Forkbeard3777
Posted on 1/25/17 at 12:30 pm to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
Neato.
I'm looking for more than just "where should I go, what should I see and do"...
I'm looking for more than just "where should I go, what should I see and do"...
Posted on 1/25/17 at 1:12 pm to Forkbeard3777
Lots of good points given above. 100% agree about personal questions. You aren't their friend, so don't ask personal questions! If you ask someone how they are doing, they may talk about their back pains and sinus issues.
Hotel breakfasts are great - lots of cold cuts, yogurt, granola, sausages, pastries... Good stuff.
Also, they typically dress more formal. We had a "business casual" event, and apparently that means black suit, white shirt, no tie. I was in chinos and a patterned button down.
When will you be there? That may affect the travel plans.
Hotel breakfasts are great - lots of cold cuts, yogurt, granola, sausages, pastries... Good stuff.
Also, they typically dress more formal. We had a "business casual" event, and apparently that means black suit, white shirt, no tie. I was in chinos and a patterned button down.
When will you be there? That may affect the travel plans.
Posted on 1/25/17 at 3:14 pm to Forkbeard3777
First off, Germans come across as not the most warm and inviting people. They aren't typically inviting, flirtatious, or overly friendly when you first meet them. However, after they warm up to you, it becomes more laxed.
Be punctual. Germans, unlike a lot of Europe and the US, are extremely punctual. They are also extremely efficient. There is no lolly-gagging or half-assing around.
Germans do not understand the idea of "small talk". It simply doesn't exist. If you come up and act warm and friendly, they will come off as rude. It is simply a cultural misunderstanding.
Address people by their title....Professor, Doctor, Attorney, etc.
Public transportation is one of the best. It's efficient, easy, and on-time.
No jaywalking. Basically, that discourteous shite we do in America doesn't fly there. Follow the rules! People will get really angry and think of you as an a-hole. Follow the rules. Everyone else does it.
Breakfast, as others mentioned, will be a variety of breads, cold meats, and cheeses. You'll probably find some cereal, nutella, and other jams/spreads as well. I've found lunch to be a bigger deal than the other meals. When the clock strikes 12:00, people take lunch. It's typically a hot meal. Supper could be more of a cold or hot meal. It just depends.
Drink great lagers. Eat the currywurst. Follow the rules. Be respectful, but not that annoying Southern loudmouth that we all know and hate. When meeting someone, act as if you're meeting your future father and mother in-law. Be on time - they will not wait around for stragglers. Be more neat and well-kept than you'd initially think.
Be punctual. Germans, unlike a lot of Europe and the US, are extremely punctual. They are also extremely efficient. There is no lolly-gagging or half-assing around.
Germans do not understand the idea of "small talk". It simply doesn't exist. If you come up and act warm and friendly, they will come off as rude. It is simply a cultural misunderstanding.
Address people by their title....Professor, Doctor, Attorney, etc.
Public transportation is one of the best. It's efficient, easy, and on-time.
No jaywalking. Basically, that discourteous shite we do in America doesn't fly there. Follow the rules! People will get really angry and think of you as an a-hole. Follow the rules. Everyone else does it.
Breakfast, as others mentioned, will be a variety of breads, cold meats, and cheeses. You'll probably find some cereal, nutella, and other jams/spreads as well. I've found lunch to be a bigger deal than the other meals. When the clock strikes 12:00, people take lunch. It's typically a hot meal. Supper could be more of a cold or hot meal. It just depends.
Drink great lagers. Eat the currywurst. Follow the rules. Be respectful, but not that annoying Southern loudmouth that we all know and hate. When meeting someone, act as if you're meeting your future father and mother in-law. Be on time - they will not wait around for stragglers. Be more neat and well-kept than you'd initially think.
Posted on 1/25/17 at 5:38 pm to LSUbase13
I have done a lot of work in Berlin, and I recommend spending at least two days there. I really liked the Cold War tour that includes the Wall.
If you know your history, the WW2 tour is great as you need to visualize a lot.
But you can walk around Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, etc.
I really like staying in East Berlin because still lots of Cold War reminders.
As for the rest of Germany, I would do 2 nights minimum in Nuremberg, 3 nights in Munich for my first trip to Germany.
If you know your history, the WW2 tour is great as you need to visualize a lot.
But you can walk around Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, etc.
I really like staying in East Berlin because still lots of Cold War reminders.
As for the rest of Germany, I would do 2 nights minimum in Nuremberg, 3 nights in Munich for my first trip to Germany.
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