Country guide

Germany Business etiquette and meeting customs

Europe/Berlin

What kind of meeting?

Strict punctuality

Arrive on time or a few minutes early — being late makes a poor impression.

Meeting Culture

Recommended duration30-45 min
Communication StyleDirect and structured
Greeting StyleFirm handshake

Daily Schedule

Work Hours08:0017:00
Breakfast07:0008:00
Lunch12:0013:00
Dinner18:0019:30
Sleep23:0006:30

Tips for Meetings

For the kind of meeting you chose above.

Dress Code

Business formal

Tone

Direct, structured, data-driven

  • ·Always circulate a detailed agenda beforehand
  • ·Come with facts and data to support proposals
  • ·Never schedule meetings after Feierabend

General Tips

  • ·Always be punctual — even a few minutes late is noticed
  • ·Prepare a detailed agenda
  • ·Decisions are methodical and data-driven
  • ·Feierabend (end of workday) is firmly respected

Cultural Notes

  • ·Strict punctuality expected
  • ·Work ends promptly at 17:00
  • ·Feierabend (end-of-work) is respected

Meeting someone from Germany?

Find the best time

Cultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.

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