AMD 6: Business in Germany

Hallo!

Here are just some interesting business etiquettes rules I found in Germany:

-NO open door policy. Knock and wait

-Germans WILL be direct and blunt

-The eldest or highest ranking person enters the room first

-At the end of a meeting, some Germans signal their approval by rapping their knuckles on the tabletop

Germany is home to some of the largest companies in the world. It is a huge hub for business.

I would love to visit to take in the business minded culture there.

-Sripriya

Kultur 10

I really like reading about the division between the citizens of Germany. Even though the wall has long been gone, the effects of the split are still existent. I thought it was interesting how in one of the articles: Germany's Real Divide, they suggested that the real divide in Germany is between the south and north. I think this type of divide in countries is a phenomenon that occurs in many different nations. The differences are really similar to the differences between the North and South in the US. This also occurs in countries like India where there is a divide between the two sides.

I think it is great that the Germans are still talking about the "Mauer I'm Kopf" even after 14 years. It is clear that Germans are active citizens and that they care about fixing the divide.

Kultur 10

German traditions and culture is always really interesting to me.

After reading the article " The challenge of spending money in Germany", I had a greater appreciation for the German lifestyle. I personally think it would be great if people didn't have the responsibility to keep shops and stores open for obscene amounts of time. It would definitely urge people to be more efficient with their time.

The other article called "Booze Brothers" made me consider the true meaning of father's day. Here in America, it is all about spending quality time with the father figure of your life. It is interesting that Father's day in Germany is totally different. I don't understand why they even call it that. It seems like just another day for Germans to get totally drunk.

-Sripriya

Kultur 9

I really enjoyed reading about Vienna and Austria. It is interesting to read about these different German speaking countries as they are so closely linked to Germany. I would love to visit the mountains of Austria.

I wish that our society here in America was as organized as Germans. More people should be conscious of their bills and certificates here. I think that the fact that Germans enjoy documenting and organizing their lives is very cool, and it is something the rest of the world should look to.

It is really weird/sad to see that Germans aren't patriotic. Even though World War II ended over 60 years ago, it is still obvious that Germans are somewhat still ashamed of their past. They might not show their patriotism through appreciation of their national flag, but they do show it through sports and things like the world cup.

Kapitel 8 Kultur

Hallo,

So after reading about the German school systems in Vorsprung, I was very surprised at the numerous options that German students have. It was very clear through the articles that Germans try to place their students in the right path whether it is trade and apprenticeship or higher studies. I found it interesting that they have to sometimes restrict how many spots are open for each field of study. This is very similar to countries like India, where your profession is dependent on your exam scores and school experiences. It makes me thankful that here in America, we as students have full choice on what we want to pursue.

On the issue of Germans and sickness, I think the articles are ridiculous. They are all just broad generalizations about the German population. Although the German health system has made dramatic changes in the previous years, Germans have not developed an aversion to medicine because of it.

-Sripriya

Kultur 7

Hallo,

I found the article about the German style of shopping very interesting. It seems to be that German shopping is totally different then American shopping. When I have gone to my hometown's local grocery shops like Meijer or Krogers, there are always many options and varieties. The article conveys that Germans tend to shop more in small convenience stores. Although the article says that these shops are not consumer friendly, I feel like a small store with a few good options would be nice. When I go to big stores like costco or walmart, I am very easily overwhelmed with the choices available. Therefore I don't think I would mind the "hostile environment" that German shops can sometimes create.

-Sripriya