{"id":1117,"date":"2019-09-20T11:10:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-20T11:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodada.com\/blog\/?p=1117"},"modified":"2025-01-14T12:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T12:58:37","slug":"exporting-to-germany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodada.com\/blog\/exporting-to-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"Exporting to Germany – Advice and Top Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exporting to Germany – Overview<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Exporting to Germany – Germany is the biggest economy in the European Union and is regarded as an industrial powerhouse which drives the European Union. So, last year, Germany became the 3rd largest economy in the world, according to the IMF<\/a>.<\/span> It has a stable government, a strong rule of law and an effective regulatory system. Secondly, the population of Germany is 84.19 million people, with only 62.5% of the population between the ages of 15-64 years of age (source cia.gov<\/a>). \u00a0Germany has challenges with an ageing population, and it has become dependent on migrants to support its economy, especially from Turkey and Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Germany is a founder member of the European Union trading block. So, it makes its international trade deals through the European Union. It is the largest consumer market in the European Union and accounts for 24.29% of its GDP.<\/p>\n

German Business Culture<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The official language in Germany is German. Additionally, English is widely spoken. But, it is good manners to ask beforehand if English can be spoken.<\/p>\n

German businesspeople are experienced and adaptable in international business and trade negotiations.<\/p>\n

In Germany, business relations are very formal, reflecting the German values of order, privacy, and punctuality. So, the use of formal titles and surnames is more common compared to the use of first names. The dress code is conservative, understated, and formal. Men should wear suits and ties, while women should wear suits.<\/p>\n

Secondly, punctuality is essential. It is advisable to arrive at a meeting 15 minutes early. In case of any delay, it is imperative to inform your contacts in advance. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times. Additionally, when meeting someone for the first time, give a short and firm handshake and maintain eye contact, but avoid staring for uncomfortably long periods.<\/p>\n

Business cards are exchanged quite soon after the commencement of a meeting. They should be in English; unless you have already set them up in Germany, having them translated into German is unnecessary. You should include any higher degree or honours with your name.<\/p>\n

Germans usually prefer to get down to business and only engage in the briefest of small talk. You should avoid any form of irony and should not interrupt the participants. Germans are direct to the point of bluntness.<\/p>\n

German customers can be very price-sensitive. However, even though price is important, other factors such as quality, delivery times and service are highly regarded.<\/p>\n

If you have Quality Problems with a Supplier in Germany, please read this blog about how to solve quality issues in Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Setting up in Germany<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI)<\/a> have information for companies considering setting up in Germany.<\/p>\n

Therefore, companies wishing to enter the German market can consider a variety of route-to-market options, including:<\/p>\n