German US Communication Differences

German and US Communication Differences

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Catherine Mercer BingManaging Director,ITAP Americas, Inc.

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Communication Styles

GERMAN• Opinions tend to be expressed

directly and in specific terms, focusing on facts

• Linguistic eloquence is seen as “admirable”

• Conflicts tend to be confronted, not avoided

• Compliments and praise are given sparingly

SOURCE: TWIST Consulting/ITAP Germany

US AMERICAN• Opinions are expected and are

presented even when missing supporting facts

• “Short-hand” talking is typical

• Conflicts tend to be considered a personal threat and create a defensive reaction

• Compliments are sought and desired

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GERMAN• Direct comments stating facts,

offering criticism are being socially responsible

• Reasoning style: analytical/deductive

• Conversation topics: weather, current events, travel, politics, sports

• Taboo topics: personal questions too soon

US AMERICAN• Direct comments are

considered demanding and challenging/micro-managing

• Reasoning style: more opinionated

• Conversation topics: weather, sports, TV, current events, travel, “small talk”

• Taboo topics: religion, politics, money


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GERMAN• Asking critical and incisive

questions is part of creating a better society

• Priority is given to getting to the truth of a matter (not saving face)

• Critical questions are a sign of interest in a topic not rejection of the speaker


US AMERICAN• Asking critical questions is part

of showing how smart you are

• Priority is given to getting your point across and competing to win

• Critical questions are considered criticism and taken personally (defensive response likely)

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What Causes Misunderstandings?

Directness of Germans…• honesty highly valued• used when stating facts, offering criticism, issuing direct

commands• related to desire for clarity and dislike of ambiguity• honesty and clarity gains one respect and credibilityGerman verbal habits reinforcing directness:• use of “upgraders”: definitely, absolutely, totally• use of unqualified yes or no statements• direct contradictions• frequent use of “have to” (müssen) and should (sollen)• use of direct imperatives


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German

• The perfect solution is sought

• Negative issues are examined in great detail

• Mistakes are seen as negative

• Regulations determine what you are permitted to do

US American

• A fast appropriate solution is sought (Just do it!)

• Negative issues are reluctantly brought into the open

• Mistakes are seen as growth opportunities

• Regulations determine what you are not permitted to do

Contrasting Problem-solving Styles

SOURCE: Moosmueller, Alois, Kulturen in Interaktion: Deutsche und US-Amerikanische Firmenendsandte in Japan, Waxmann Verlag, Münster, 1997

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©2013 ITAP International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Projects: Different Viewpoints

Germanstend to…

Americanstend to think…

Americanstend to…

Germanstend to think…

Project idea … collect information “Why are they doing this?”

…chat informally about an idea

“Why aren't they doing anything?”

Project Meetings … get down to business “They are cold and unfriendly”

…begin with small talk “They are wasting time.”

… present detailed plans

“How can they discuss details at this stage?”

… begin with brainstorming

“They are not prepared for the meeting.”

…express criticism openly

“They don't like each other/me”

…be enthusiastic about all ideas

“They are not sincere.”

Project Process … work individually on the task assigned to them

… believe clearly defined milestones guarantee success

“They don't communicate or work as

a team”

…hold frequent meetings; change tasks as circumstances change

… believe continuous contact guarantees success

“There are too many meetings; we can't get our work done.”


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Catherine Mercer Bing CEO, ITAP International, Inc. [email protected]

ITAP International353 Nassau Street, First FloorPrinceton, NJ 08540 USA(W) 1.215.860.5640(M) 1.609.937.1557http://www.itapintl.com

Q & A

…thank you…

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German US Communication Differences

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