Contents
List of Figure and Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Where to Locate Germany on the (Economic) World Map
Geography and Population
(Industry) Clusters and the Relevance of the Mittelstand
Regional Peculiarities
Chapter 2
What You Should Know About (Our) History
Be Aware of Biased Viewpoints
Patchwork Central Europe and the Power of the Church
“Great” Wars and the (First) German Nation
Nazi Germany and the Preliminaries of the Second World War
The Two Germanys of 1949–1990 and Beyond
Chapter 3
What You Should Know About Our Economy
Labor Market and Employment
Things We Are (Especially) Good At
Talents We Might Lack
“Made in Germany” and the Dual Education System
The Relevance of Chambers and Trade Associations
How We (Like to) Spend Our Money
Chapter 4
What (Else) Makes People in Germany Tick?
What We Vote for (in Life): Current Issues in Politics
What We (Like to) Take for Granted: Security, Structures, and Status
What We Trust in: Plans, Rules, and Clear-cut Directions
What We (Try to) Teach Our Kids: Manners and Common Habits
Chapter 5
How to Talk to Germans
How Culture Matters: Let’s (not just) Cut the Small Talk
Be Aware: Things (that) Could Get Lost in Translation
Chapter 6
What to Expect in Typical Business Encounters
What You Should Know About German Trade Shows
How to Arrange for (Sales) Meetings
What to Consider for Face-to-Face Presentations and Online Meetings
RFPs, Quotes, and Negotiations: How to Close the Deal with Germans
Chapter 7
How to Maintain (Cordial) Business Relationships
What the Average German Understands by “Good” Relationship
Varied Interpretations of the Term “Hospitality”
References
Index
About the Author
