10-04-2005, 09:21 AM
Hi,
as I am a German and since I am living only about 1 hour from Stuttgart I feel an obligation to answer this. ^_^
Regarding customs there are lots of small and not so small differences between typical German and US customs, especially when it comes to negotiations/discussions. But in my experience Germans are quite tolerant when facing other customs, so you may only need to be prepared to cope with a different style (e.g. pain points/problems are often addressed very bluntly by Germans; a German having a very stern and concerned expression does not mean anything (that's normal! :lol: )).
In a restaurant I usually tip about 10%, more if the service was outstanding, nothing at all if the service or the quality of the food was lacking. I never tip in hotels I reside in for less than a week.
If I meet up with German customers (I am working for a large German IT business) I usually ask (e.g. via email) for an expected dress code before meeting up, in case it is not obvious (meeting with senior management usually requires a formal dress, not jeans and t-shirt... ;) ). Generally I would suggest to bring a formal dress in any case.
Regarding the food: You will have a much easier time in finding good Italian, Greek, Yugoslavian, Chinese, Turkish, ... restaurants than a good German one.
HTH,
ergates
as I am a German and since I am living only about 1 hour from Stuttgart I feel an obligation to answer this. ^_^
Regarding customs there are lots of small and not so small differences between typical German and US customs, especially when it comes to negotiations/discussions. But in my experience Germans are quite tolerant when facing other customs, so you may only need to be prepared to cope with a different style (e.g. pain points/problems are often addressed very bluntly by Germans; a German having a very stern and concerned expression does not mean anything (that's normal! :lol: )).
In a restaurant I usually tip about 10%, more if the service was outstanding, nothing at all if the service or the quality of the food was lacking. I never tip in hotels I reside in for less than a week.
If I meet up with German customers (I am working for a large German IT business) I usually ask (e.g. via email) for an expected dress code before meeting up, in case it is not obvious (meeting with senior management usually requires a formal dress, not jeans and t-shirt... ;) ). Generally I would suggest to bring a formal dress in any case.
Regarding the food: You will have a much easier time in finding good Italian, Greek, Yugoslavian, Chinese, Turkish, ... restaurants than a good German one.
HTH,
ergates