Book Release: Doing Business in Germany – How to Work Successfully with Germans

I am excited to announce the release of the 2nd edition of my book, Doing Business in Germany: How to Work Successfully with Germans. The book is published by Business Expert Press in New York, with a reprint for the Indian Subcontinent by Shroff Publishers in Navi Mumbai. It is now available on Amazon and in major bookstores worldwide.

Don’t let cultural misunderstandings cost you time, money, and opportunities—arm yourself with the knowledge to thrive in the German business landscape.

What the Book Doing Business in Germany is About

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a key player in international business. However, navigating its business culture can be challenging. Many promising relationships fail before they even begin. Misunderstandings caused by cultural differences often lead to frustration, lost time, and lost money.

This book is here to help. It is a practical guide for professionals, students, and expatriates working with Germans for the first time. It doesn’t just list “Dos and Don’ts.” Instead, it explains what drives German business culture and values. Through vivid anecdotes and clear explanations, readers will gain actionable insights.

Why read Doing Business in Germany?

Reading Doing Business in Germany, you’ll learn:

• Why small cultural differences can have a big impact.
• How to approach virtual meetings, trade shows, and face-to-face negotiations.
• Strategies to secure contracts and build lasting relationships.

The 2nd edition of Doing Business in Germany includes a new chapter, “How to Make or Break Your Career in a German Work Environment.” It reflects changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting economic conditions.

Whether you’re an executive expanding into Germany, an MBA student, or a professional seeking new opportunities, this book is your essential guide. It provides the tools you need to succeed in the German market.

Don’t let cultural barriers stand in your way. Equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in Germany’s unique business landscape.

Available now from Business Expert Press (if you live in the U.S.), Shroff Publishers (for readers in the Indian Subcontinent), and in any case on Amazon and all major bookstores.

Table of Contents

1. Where to Locate Germany on the (Economic) World Map
1.1 Geography and Population
1.2 (Industry) Clusters and Where to Find the Mittelstand Companies
1.3 Regional Peculiarities

2. What You Should Know About German History
2.1 Be Aware of Biased Viewpoints
2.2 Patchwork Central Europe and the Power of the Church
2.3 “Great” Wars and the (First) German Nation
2.4 Nazi Germany and the Preliminaries of the Second World War
2.5 The Two Germanys of 1949–1990 and Beyond

3. What “Made in Germany” Essentially Means
3.1 Things We Are (Especially) Good At
3.2 Talents We Might Lack
3.3 The Dual Education System
3.4 Chambers and Trade Associations
3.5 German Trade Shows

4. What You Should Know About the German Economy
4.1 German Economic Politics And the “Magic Square”
4.2 The German Labor Market, Employment and Income
4.3 How Germans (Like to) Spend Their Money

5. What (Else) Makes People in Germany Tick?
5.1 What We (Like to) Take for Granted: Security, Structures, and Status
5.2 What We Trust in: Plans, Rules, and Clear-cut Directions
5.3 What We (Try to) Teach Our Kids: Manners and Common Habits

6. How to Talk to Germans
6.1 How Culture Matters: Let’s (not just) Cut the Small Talk
6.2 Be Aware: Things (that) Could Get Lost in Translation

7. How to Secure Yourself a Pole Position for Winning Business in Germany
7.1 “Think Outside the Box” and Target the Right Accounts
7.2 What You Should Know to Prepare for a Successful Trade Show Visit

8. How to Master Business Encounters with Germans
8.1 How to Arrange for (Sales) Meetings
8.2 Don’t let Things get Lost in Translation
8.3 What to Consider for Face-to-Face Presentations and Online Meetings
8.4 RFPs, Quotes, and Negotiations: How to Close the Deal with Germans

9. How to Make or Break Your Career in a German Work Environment
9.1 Why You Should Prepare Yourself for Getting a “Culture Shock”
9.2 Why You Should Embrace the Rules of the Game for Getting a Job in Germany
9.3 How to Settle in and Get Along with Your (German) Colleagues
9.4 How to Uncover the “Hidden Rules” of an Organization
9.5 How to Tune in With the (German) Work Culture

10. How to Maintain (Cordial) Business Relationships with Germans
10.1 What the Average German Understands by “Good” Relationship
10.2 Varied Interpretations of the Term “Hospitality”

Why a Second Edition?

Was a second edition of Doing Business in Germany necessary just six years after the first? Yes and no.

Much of what I discussed in the first edition Doing Business in Germany: A Concise Guide to Understanding Germans and Their Business Practices (2019) still holds true.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought rapid changes to how we work and do business in Germany. Subtle developments have reshaped the business landscape, and I’ve updated the text to reflect these shifts. I’ve also added a new chapter on thriving in a German work environment and refined the structure for clarity.

To capture the expanded scope, the publisher and I updated the subtitle to How to Work Successfully With Germans. This edition also introduces Herr Dr. Müller, my cartoon character who adds a light-hearted touch while guiding you through each chapter.

About the Author of the Doing Business in Germany Business Book