GermanyEmmanuel Gbalazeh

Berlin

German & Christianity• It is a significant language in Germany and beyond,

with up to 100 million native speakers and about 80 million non-native speakers around the globe especially language students in France and Eastern Europe

• German has a long history that dates back to the early Middle Ages: The first texts in Old German come from the 9th century AD. The modern language in Germany didn’t develop until the 1700s.

• Linguistically, German belongs to the so-called West Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family.

• Christianity is the predominant religion in Germany, with 67 percent of the population

• Germany’s Christian population is mostly divided among Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox believers.

• One of the basic tenets of Christianity is the belief that the Bible is the revealed word of God written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)The 26-meter (85 feet) neoclassic sandstone gateway to Berlin city was completed in 1791. The basic structure of Doric columns on each side form passages for traffic, and the wider central passage is modeled on the Acropolis in Athens. The Brandenburg Gate has historical significance as the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. The gate is crowned by a statue of Victoria, the goddess of victory, riding a chariot into the city

Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace)The palace and its parks are one of Munich's best-known sights. Designed by Agostino Barelli and commissioned in 1664, it was extended to include two pavilions and stables in the south, an orangery (a greenhouse conservatory or plantation to cultivate oranges) in the north, and a ring of baroque mansions. The palace was for many years the summer residence of Bavaria's rulers.

National CuisineHeringsalatHerring is the most commonly eaten fish in northern Germany, especially on the coast, where it is often marinated in cream or wine sauce and served as an appetizer or deep fried as a main course. Heringsalat is most commonly a starter, and it usually means cured herring in a sour cream sauce with onion, herbs such as dill, and vegetables or apple.

WurstWurst means sausage, and there are many varieties in Germany, some regional, that are commonly served as meals. Well-known varieties include: Weiaywurst, a mild, white veal sausage usually boiled; a particular favorite in Bavaria and normally consumed with sweet mustard and bread or soft pretzel. Bratwurst, on the other hand, is a reddish sausage made from beef and an assortment of pork products, and normally pan-fried and served hot with boiled potatoes and caraway-seasoned sauerkraut

StereotypesStuck in the Past• The Germans are very talented people but they

seem ashamed of letting people know it. The past is past.

• One of the long-term casualties of World War II has been the severe wounds dealt to German pride. Even though it is generations since the Nazi regime foundered, Germans of all ages think they need to bear the burden of World War II and the Holocaust. The average German prefers to not speak of the war and concentrate on the future. It is only in the recent past that Germans have begun to acknowledge that they too suffered and died during the 12 years of Nazi rule. 

Beer Meisters• Germany lives on beer, and their cuisine is

mostly fat and meat. No wonder they are so overweight.

• The health food craze has not hit Germany and will probably bypass it altogether. The Germans like good, hearty food washed down with lots of beer. They rank high in the beer consumption tables, and cardiovascular problems are widespread.

SuperstitionsDoppelgänger

• It describes a clone-like shadow, which only appears to the person it physically imitates. It is also regarded as a ghost because it becomes non-existent when viewed in the mirror.

• The origin, as stated in various research studies around the world, is the cave allegory written by Plato, the famous Greek philosopher.  This fable illustrates that the untaught form assumptions without going through the process of using equations to solve problems.

• Shadows became a sign of danger. When a person saw his doppelganger, he either died a natural death or committed suicide. An ancient superstition held that a person would be able to find out if he would die if he stood vigil near the church door on the 24th of April during St. Mark’s feast day.

The Changeling

Different versions of the changeling (Wechselbalg) superstition can be traced to a number of cities in Germany. The origin of the superstition holds that a married couple worried about their baby’s enlarged head and underdevelopment in growth and speech.  They sought professional help and learned that dwarves had swapped their child for a changeling.

If the child started speaking, it meant the changeling was with them

Germans superstitions held many ways to prevent this from happening: such as, putting a key, a page from the Holy Bible, or a pair of pants owned by the father as an amulet near the infant and cradle immediately after baptism

Hand Gestures• "Thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or

agreement.

• Never use the "okay" sign (index finger and thumb jointed together to make a circle). This is considered a rude gesture.

Etiquette & Body Language• Greet your German counterparts with a firm, brief handshake beginning with the eldest or highest

ranked person in the room, and extending to everyone present, even children. Repeat the same gesture upon leaving.

• Because Germans are careful planners, punctuality is important. It demonstrates as much disrespect to be early as to be late. Right on time is the way to go. Be sure to plan meetings, including lengthy telephone conversations, at least three weeks in advance.

• Business cards are exchanged without ritual, but it is a nice gesture to have your card translated into German on one side. Be sure to include your full position and title, and any academic or professional titles you hold. Think of the business card exchange as an opportune time to share as much information about your credentials as possible.

• At the end of a meeting or a presentation, it is common for Germans to signal approval or gratitude by rapping their knuckles on the tabletop, rather than applauding.

Relationship Building • Germans like to get straight down to business with little small talk. They don't

need a personal relationship to do business, and they are mostly interested in your credentials and how long your business has been operating. Germans just take a little longer to warm up to the idea, and tend to build trust first.

• Germans are extremely private people who prefer to keep their strong demarcation between business and personal life in place. This may be a relief for visitors who are uncomfortable when visiting more outgoing cultures where making the extra effort to cultivate relationships is expected.

• It is essential to positive business relations that your German counterparts see you as an equal, or that they understand your level of accomplishment in relation to their own. Stay away from hyperbole and bragging, opting instead for factual representations and honest answers

Communication Styles in Decision Making

Face-to-face communication• First impressions are very important to Germans, and may impact upon the outcome of your business relationship with your

German counterpart. There are a number of verbal and non-verbal communication issues you should consider when doing business with a German.

Non-verbal Communication• Generous personal distance is found between speakers in a conversation. At least an arm’s length between two speakers is

generally expected.• Eye contact is expected and respected. Uninterrupted eye contact can be awkward for those not used to such etiquette;

however, eye contact demonstrates attention and interest in a conversation. Avoiding eye contact may be interpreted as conveying the opposite message while in Germany.

• Direct eye contact is especially true when toasting.

Verbal Communication• Do not call people at home after 10 p.m. unless you have asked them first if it is all right to do so.• Do not expect to reach anyone in the office after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and after 4 p.m. on Fridays.• When answering the phone in Germany, it is common to identify yourself by  your last name.• World War II and the Holocaust may be uncomfortable topics for some Germans, particularly elderly individuals. If such

matters come up in conversation try to speak sensitively and / or neutrally if you do not want to risk causing offence.

POWER STRUCTURE IN DECISION MAKINGGovernment and Political Structure

• Germany is a federal, democratic republic comprised of sixteen states Power is distributed between the federal and state governments.

• At the federal level, the German constitution divides power between the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judiciary.    

• Within the executive branch, the most powerful official is the Federal Chancellor, who acts as head of state, controls the federal government, and appoints Federal Ministers. In addition to the Chancellor, the German government elects a Federal President who acts in a mainly ceremonial capacity.

• The highest bodies in the legislative branch are the two chambers of parliament, the Bundestag (Federal Assembly) and Bundesrat (Federal Council).

BODY LANGUAGE Germany• Germans may appear reserved and

unfriendly until you get to know them better. • Never put your hands in your pockets

when talking with someone. • Making hands into two fists, thumbs

tucked inside the other fingers and making pounding motion lightly on a surface expresses "good luck." • Don't point your index finger to your

own head. This is an insult.

United States• Keep your distance when conversing. If an American feels you

are standing too close, he or she may step back without even thinking about it.

• People who like to touch really like touching, and people who do not like to touch really dislike being touched. You will need to watch your colleagues for clues on what they are comfortable with.

• Americans are generally uncomfortable with same-sex touching, especially between males.

• Holding the middle finger up by itself is considered insulting and vulgar.

• Americans smile a great deal, even at strangers. They like to have their smiles returned.

• friendship.

• Men and women will sit with legs crossed at the ankles or knees, or one ankle crossed on the knee.

Communication StylesGermany• Germans tend to say exactly what they

mean and do not value superfluous “fillers” within conversations.

•  In both cultures, a lack of eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of weakness, dishonesty, and poor self-esteem.

• In Germany, formal speech is preferred unless speaking to children or close friends.

United States• Americans, on the other hand, usually

include these fillers without even realizing. Due to this cultural difference, Americans often see Germans as impolite and harsh.

•  In both cultures, a lack of eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of weakness, dishonesty, and poor self-esteem.

• In the United States, it is very common for young people to address adults by their first names.

Power Structures Germany• Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht

(half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat); Federal Court of Justice; Federal Administrative Court

• civil law system

• bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or Bundesrat

• Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by the president on the recommendation of the chancellor

• Head of government Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)

United States• Supreme Court (nine justices; nominated by the president

and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; appointed to serve for life); United States Courts of Appeal; United States District Courts; State and County Court

• common law system based on English common law at the federal level; state legal systems based on common law except Louisiana, which is based on Napoleonic civil code; judicial review of legislative acts

• bicameral Congress consists of the Senate

• Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval

• Head of government President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

INTERNET PENETRATION & POPULAR NETWORK SITES

2012 2013 2014 201570.00%

71.00%

72.00%

73.00%

74.00%

75.00%

76.00%

Series 1

• In 2012, 71.8 percent of German population was accessing the internet

• In 2013, 73.3 percent of the German population were accessing the internet.

• In 2014, 7. percent of German population was accessing the internet.

• At present time, 74.9 percent on Germany's population are accessing the internet.

• More than 75% of all Germans (over 14 years of age) use the internet in some way.

The most popular networks in Germany are:

• Facebook (more than 20 million German users in July 2012)

• Google+

• Xing

Individualism• The fundamental issue addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence a society

maintains among its members. It has to do with whether people´s self-image is defined in terms of “I” or “We”. In Individualist societies people are supposed to look after themselves and their direct family only.

• The German society is a truly individualistic one ( Score 67). Small families with a focus on the parent-children relationship rather than aunts and uncles are most common. There is a strong belief in the ideal of self-actualization.

• Loyalty is based on personal preferences for people as well as a sense of duty and responsibility. This is defined by the contract between the employer and the employee

• Communication is among the most direct in the world following the ideal to be “honest, even if it hurts” and by this giving the counterpart a fair chance to learn from mistakes.

LARGE POWER DISTANCE • This dimension deals with the fact that all individuals in societies are not equal –

it expresses the attitude of the culture towards these inequalities amongst us. Power distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

• Germany is not surprisingly among the lower power distant countries. (Score 35) Co-determination rights are comparatively extensive and have to be taken into account by the management.

• A direct and participative communication and meeting style is common, control is disliked and leadership is challenged to show expertise and best accepted when it’s based on it.

Strong Uncertainty Avoidance

• The dimension Uncertainty Avoidance has to do with the way that a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen?

• Germany is among the uncertainty avoidant countries (score 65). The score is on the high end, so there is a slight preference for uncertainty avoidance.

• In combination with their low Power Distance, where the certainty for own decisions is not covered by the larger responsibility of the boss, Germans prefer to compensate for their higher uncertainty by strongly relying on expertise.

Masculinity• A high score (masculine) on this dimension indicates that the society

will be driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined by the winner / best in field – a value system that starts in school and continues throughout organizational behavior.

• With a score of 66 Germany is considered a masculine society. Performance is highly valued and early required as the school system separates children into different types of schools at the age of ten.

• People rather “live in order to work” and draw a lot of self-esteem from their tasks. Managers are expected to be decisive and assertive. Status is often shown, especially by cars, watches and technical devices.

IndividualismUnited States• The American premise of “liberty and justice

for all.” This is evidenced by an explicit emphasis on equal rights in all aspects of American society and government.

• Americans are accustomed to doing business or interacting with people they don’t know well. Consequently, Americans are not shy about approaching their prospective counterparts in order to obtain or seek information.

• In the business world, employees are expected to be self-reliant and display initiative.

Germany• The German society is a truly individualistic one

(score 67). Small families with a focus on the parent-children relationship rather than aunts and uncles are most common. There is a strong belief in the ideal of self-actualization.

• Loyalty is based on personal preferences for people as well as a sense of duty and responsibility. This is defined by the contract between the employer and the employee

• Communication is among the most direct in the world following the ideal to be “honest, even if it hurts” and by this giving the counterpart a fair chance to learn from mistakes.

Power Distance

United States• The U.S have a fairly low score on

Power Distance(40)• The fact that everybody is unique

implies that we are all unequal. • One of the most salient aspects of

inequality is the degree of power each person exerts or can exert over other persons; power being defined as the degree to which a person is able to influence other people’s ideas and behavior.

Germany• Germany is not surprisingly among the

lower power distant countries. Co-determination rights are comparatively extensive and have to be taken into account by the management.

• A direct and participative communication and meeting style is common, control is disliked and leadership is challenged to show expertise and best accepted when it’s based on it.

Uncertainty Avoidance United States• The US scores below average, with a low score of

46, on the Uncertainty Avoidance dimension.• There is a fair degree of acceptance for new

ideas, innovative products and a willingness to try something new or different, whether it pertains to technology, business practices or food.

• Americans tend to be more tolerant of ideas or opinions from anyone and allow the freedom of expression.

• At the same time, 9/11 has created a lot of fear in the American society culminating in the efforts of government to monitor everybody through the NSA and other security organisations

Germany • Germany is among the uncertainty

avoidant countries (65); the score is on the high end, so there is a slight preference for uncertainty avoidance.

• In combination with their low Power Distance, where the certainty for own decisions is not covered by the larger responsibility of the boss, Germans prefer to compensate for their higher uncertainty by strongly relying on expertise.

MASCULINITYUnited States• The score of the US on Masculinity is

high at 62, and this can be seen in the typical American behavioral patterns.

• This can be explained by the combination of a high Masculinity drive together with the most individualistic drive in the world.

Germany• With a score of 66 Germany is considered

a masculine society. Performance is highly valued and early required as the school system separates children into different types of schools at the age of ten.

• People rather “live in order to work” and draw a lot of self-esteem from their tasks. Managers are expected to be decisive and assertive. Status is often shown, especially by cars, watches and technical devices.

Current EventsAnti-Islam protesters march in Dresden, Germany (Jan 2015)• Anti-Islam protesters gathered in the German city of

Dresden, with some carrying banners with the names of those killed in the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris.

• It is the 12th march in Dresden called by the protest group Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the West, or PEGIDA, since October.

• On it’s Facebook page, PEGIDA says citizens should "wake from their slumber" and recognize the "danger in the Islamic ideology." "Stop the radical Salfists' Islamization," it urges. They sated that "As a society, we should give people the chance to integrate, but we should not allow ourselves to be Islamized thereby losing our freedom and democracy!"

Germany To Send 500 Troops To Drill in Lithuania (March 2015)

• Berlin will send more than 500 troops to Lithuania for military exercises this year to underscore its NATO commitments.

• A company of soldiers will be deployed to the formerly Soviet-ruled Baltic state from April to July, and separate units will arrive for exercises in July and November

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