Appointments in Germany are mandatory and meetings in German companies are generally scheduled well in advance.

The planning process is often very time-consuming. However, once this is over, a project will move very quickly and deadlines are expected to be honoured.

Letters should be addressed to the lead person in the functional area, including the person’s name as well as their proper business title. Rank is very important in German business. Never set up a meeting for a lower ranked company employee to meet with a higher ranked person.

If you write to schedule an appointment, the letter should be written in German.

Expeditious handling of correspondence is mandatory. Telephone calls and faxes should be returned promptly.

Although German is the preferred business language, most upper level managers are quite capable of carrying on a conversation in English.

Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could jeopardise your business relationship. (Business meeting etiquette, 2014)