2. Values and attitudes

National characteristics. The Germans are usually seen as rigid, somewhat humorless and obsessed with order and formality. A smile doesn't come easily and business is taken seriously. They are particularly focused on detail. The Germans belong to low-context culture that values precise communication. The representatives of this culture focus on what is being said rather than on who is saying it. They are monochronic, that is, prefer to do one thing at a time. Time is divided into segments that are measured by the clock. Tasks are assigned to each of these segments and so are given a limited amount of time. Usually, each task is finished before the next task is begun. It is not easy for a monochronic person to return to a task once it has been completed. In a monochronic culture, future time is predictable and carefully planned. Scheduling events means that each segment of time is carefully arranged. If extra time is needed, schedules and deadlines affects future schedules and deadlines. This can have negative effects on relations with those people or companies who are asked to delay their plans and change their schedules. The German culture is one of the very high-risk avoidance.

Efficiency is imperative to the Germans. In business they seek order and clarity to achieve an organized system, and they expect a strong work ethic, reliability and honesty from their employees and partners, Formality, punctuality, fairness and obedience to authority are other German characteristics.

Almost all Germans profess a love of nature. Many Germans enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, bicycling, camping, and skiing. They also enjoy long vacations to take advantage of their country's scenic landmarks.

Many foreigners have described Germans as positively manic once they get behind the wheel of a car. Certainly pedestrians must keep an eye on the traffic, especially when crossing the street. However, even when driving, Germans tend to obey traffic regulations. Difficulties arise when foreigners do things that violate unwritten rules, such as jaywalking.

If your home region or country has any oddities, be prepared to discuss them. Germans are known for odd hobbies and enthusiasms. Many visitors remark on the difference between German business and domestic life. The friendliness and coziness of German homes contrast starkly with the utilitarian nature of many of their offices. The Germans still maintain a stronger separation between home and office than Britons or Americans do. “Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps” – “work is work and play (drink) is play” - is an important distinction in their culture.

Truth and duty are important values for Germans. They are brought up to believe that using their language correctly and precisely is a point of honour, and that to say what you mean and mean what you say is important. This leads to a degree of directness that can come across as rude or arrogant to foreigners, although this is rarely intentional.

Germans also have a strong sense of social responsibility and citizenship. This affects everything from their attitude to organization to their recycling habits. By and large they show tolerance to foreigners, but they're prepared to remind them of their social responsibilities, such as how to put out the rubbish, when to wash or not wash cars, and when to make noise. The Germans simply regard this as good citizenship. Doing things thoroughly and in the right way is also a German value.

Cultural orientation. Germans have historically been closed to outside information, and they did not freely share data among units of the same organization. However, the younger generation is becoming more open. Germans are analytic and conceptual in their information processing. They are strongly committed to the universal beliefs of their culture. Friendships are not developed quickly, but they are deep and highly selective.

Locus of decision-making. A desire to seek consensus and a widespread respect for order are German characteristics. This is reflected in the German phrase: “Ordnung muss sein” (There must be order!). Every German has a responsibility to follow the rules, both written and unwritten. Actions that disrupt this social order are seen as inherently wrong decisions must be made in reference to larger units: society, one's company, and one's family.

Curiously, the ability of Germans to compartmentalize allows for substantial Individual freedom. As long as an individual’s duties to society and employer are met, Germans have a wide latitude for private individual behavior. Decision-making is slow and involved, as all peripheral concerns must be taken care of in the process. Once a decision is made, it is unchangeable. Individual privacy is necessary in all walks of life, and personal matters are not discussed in business negotiations.

Sources of anxiety reduction. Germans have a fairly high index of uncertainty avoidance. As a result, Germans use laws and morality to give structure to their worldview. Germans tend to be risk-averse and cautious about making decisions. They also buy every conceivable sort of insurance: life insurance, fire insurance, theft insurance, travel insurance, personal liability insurance, and so on.

Universal rules and regulations combined with strong internal discipline give stability to life and reduce uncertainty. There is a high need for social and personal order, and a low tolerance for deviant behavior. There is very little show of emotion because of strong internal structures and control.

Germans are more oriented toward near-term issues. German skepticism about the future (economic, political, and social) can breed anxiety and pessimism. There is a sense of helplessness about humanity's ability to produce a desirable outcome in the long-term.

Issues of equality/inequality. Titles of nobility were gradually abolished after the First World War, but Germany still has a class system with very little flexibility. Business leaders tend to come from the upper class. Although equality is guaranteed by law, German businessmen sometimes denigrate women as “lacking self-confidence” and “unable to command male subordinates”. This is changing, as evidenced by the 2005 election of Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany. One thing is clear: Germans respect self-assurance. If you do not project it, whatever your gender, you will not be well-received in Germany.