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Direct Communication

German communication styles tend to be direct and functionally focused on clearly conveying essential information. Germans believe this approach supports finding truthful answers efficiently. However, some cultures can interpret German directness as rude. Germans may also be perceived as arrogant or humorless by some foreigners due to their straightforward manner. It is important for non-Germans conducting business in Germany to understand these cultural norms surrounding communication and prepare thoroughly to ensure messages are conveyed and received effectively.

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Alina Cozaru
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92 views3 pages

Direct Communication

German communication styles tend to be direct and functionally focused on clearly conveying essential information. Germans believe this approach supports finding truthful answers efficiently. However, some cultures can interpret German directness as rude. Germans may also be perceived as arrogant or humorless by some foreigners due to their straightforward manner. It is important for non-Germans conducting business in Germany to understand these cultural norms surrounding communication and prepare thoroughly to ensure messages are conveyed and received effectively.

Uploaded by

Alina Cozaru
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Germans put truth and directness before diplomacy, believing that the fact is the important issue and

that personal emotions should not deflect the truth from being spoken.

This directness can be interpreted by certain cultures (U.K, Japan, Korea etc.) as rudeness. It should be
noted, however, that direct speaking is seen in Germany as a sign of respect and a fundamental in the
search for the correct answer to a particular problem.

This directness in communication style also manifests itself in a lack of self-deprecation and coded
language. A charge of arrogance is sometimes levelled at German businessmen and, although there is
great pride taken in German achievements, this perceived arrogance is more a misinterpretation of
direct speech. Germans will give a factual rendition of their own capabilities, which is not the same as
arrogance. You can generally take a German at his word on these matters whereas certain other cultures
will be far vaguer in their use of language.

Much is made of the lack of humour in evidence in Germany. It is certainly not true to say that Germans
lack a sense of humour. As with all cultures, they have a highly developed sense of humour. The
differences lie in positioning and style. There is a time and a place for humour in Germany and its place
is not so much during the serious business of business. The more serious a situation, the more
seriousness is called for. It is also important to remember that humour does not always or even very
often travel successfully. What is funny in one culture can come across as nonsense in another.

Presentations are expected to be supported with a lot more specific detail than might be felt necessary
in countries such as the US or the UK. Lack of supporting detail can severely weaken the credibility of an
argument.

One of the keys to success when doing business in Germany is an ability to understand German business
culture and the profound impact that the local business culture has when interacting with German
colleagues or clients. Lack of preparation could cost you dearly; inattention to detail could result in lost
opportunities. Do your homework before engaging in Germany – it’s a must.

Direct Communication: German communication styles are quite direct and


functionally purposed. People generally speak honestly, clearly and explicitly
to arrive straight to the point. Criticism may be delivered vaguely in order to
remain polite and avoid offence, but a German’s intention and meaning is
usually clear and apparent through their precise word choice. This
communication style can cause Germans to interpret others’ words literally.
It can also give some foreigners the impression that they are quite brash or
blunt. However, it is simply their way of ensuring clear communication.

Small Talk: As German communication is quite functionally purposed, people


tend to spend less time warming up conversation with small talk. It is not
considered rude to jump straight to the point of a meeting or conversation.
Germans are usually open to indulging in idle chit-chat when they notice
their counterpart wants to talk lightly; however, they are unlikely to initiate
it.

Honesty: While it is important to be polite and discreet when delivering


difficult news, it is also very important to be honest with Germans. They
generally speak openly about what is important to them. Avoid being evasive
when you are asked sensitive questions. Exercise discretion and be honest;
indirect behaviour is likely to be interpreted literally.

Humour: Germans often laugh about the irony of situations, wordplay and


innuendos. However, many of these jokes lose their hilarity when translated
into English. Furthermore, as Germans are quite direct communicators, they
may take jokes literally – for example, missing the sarcasm in the speaker’s
tone. This has seen the German people be stereotyped as humourless and
serious. Be careful when making self-deprecating jokes as they are less
common in Germany. If the German you’re speaking with is not familiar with
such humour, it can easily be misinterpreted as a real lack of self-
confidence. The same can be said of jokes that talk about another person’s
failing as the punchline.

Silence: Germans tend to speak once they have something of significance to


say and have already refined their opinion. As such, they do not always have
the compulsion to fill the silence.

Non-Verbal

Personal Space: Germans usually keep about an arm’s length distance


between one another when talking, and sometimes a little extra between
men and women depending on how well they know each other. Standing too
close to someone can be seen as an invasion of their privacy.

Physical Contact: People tend not to touch one another very much during
communication unless they are close friends. Touching someone on the
shoulder or arm to emphasise a point is generally acceptable, but can
otherwise be seen as a sexual advance. Women tend to be more physically
affectionate with each other than men. It is polite to apologise if you
accidentally bump into someone or make unwanted physical contact by
saying “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me) in Germany.

Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is expected, especially when speaking


about a serious matter. It conveys sincerity and approachability. Avoiding
eye contact may be seen as an indication of dishonesty or a lack of
confidence. It is appropriate to break eye contact now and again as holding
it for prolonged periods can make people uncomfortable. When talking to a
group, be sure to make equal eye contact with all people present. 

Gestures: Touching your index finger to your thumb in a circle to


demonstrate ‘Okay’ or ‘Good’ can be misunderstood. Instead of crossing the
index finger and middle finger to indicate hoping for something or “Good
Luck”, Germans squeeze the tip of their thumb between those two fingers
(Daumendrücken). Letting one’s thumb protrude too far from between the
fingers can be an obscene gesture, so only the tip should be visible.

Pointing: Most Germans use their index finger to point, but some may use
their little/pinkie finger.

Expression: Some Germans may have quite a serious exterior upon first


meeting people, reserving smiles for friends. Once they are familiar with
someone, they generally become very animated.

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