Trying to learn about German history, economy, and business culture? Here is my list of the Top 5 best books on Germany to put on your reading list.
Doing Business in Germany: How to Work Successfully with Germans
Year of Publication: 2025
Author: Andra Riemhofer (myself), a seasoned intercultural business consultant with extensive experience helping international professionals navigate the complexities of German business culture. My expertise lies in bridging cultural gaps and fostering successful business relationships.
In a Nutshell: Germany is a key market in the global business landscape, but intercultural misunderstandings often derail partnerships before they even begin. Doing Business in Germany: How to Work successfully with Germans dives deep into the cultural nuances that shape German business practices. This book goes beyond the typical “Dos and Don’ts,” offering engaging anecdotes and practical advice to help you navigate German work environments effectively.
The updated second edition of Doing Business in Germany: A Concise Guide to Understanding Germans and Their Business Practices (2019) reflects post-COVID business practices and includes a new chapter on career success in Germany. Whether you’re attending trade shows, negotiating contracts, or building a professional network, this guide ensures you’re fully prepared.
Target Group: International business professionals, expatriates, students, and anyone working with Germans.
Perfect for Business Travelers: This book is an essential toolkit for anyone planning a business trip to Germany. It covers practical etiquette, negotiation strategies, and cultural insights that can make or break first impressions.
Compared with the other four publications on Germany introduced in this article, Doing Business in Germany: How to Work Successfully with Germans stands out as the most comprehensive business guide on German culture. It offers actionable strategies specifically for business travelers and students aiming for success in German markets.
Good to know: A greyscale reprint is available for readers in the Indian Subcontinent, published by Shroff Publishers & Distributors.
Of course, I am first highlighting my publication when people ask me about the best books on German history and books about German culture. Still, I would like to emphasize that I couldn’t have written Doing Business in Germany: How to Work Successfully with Germans without benefitting from and being inspired by the work of other authors who have written excellent books about Germany from different perspectives.
Xenophobe’s Guide to the Germans
Year of Publication: 2008
Authors: Stefan Zeidenitz & Ben Barkow.
In a Nutshell: If you prefer your cultural education served with a side of humor, Xenophobe’s Guide to the Germans is your perfect match. This lighthearted yet insightful book playfully explores German habits, quirks, and cultural norms. From punctuality obsessions to the love of bureaucracy, Zeidenitz and Barkow paint an affectionate but honest picture of what makes Germans tick. Ideal for travelers or anyone who enjoys witty cultural commentary.
Target Group: Casual readers, travelers, and anyone looking for a humorous take on German culture.
Lighthearted Prep for Business Trips: While not a formal business guide, this book offers entertaining cultural insights that can help break the ice in casual conversations with German colleagues.
While not as in-depth as my book or Schroll-Machl’s works, this book excels at offering a fun, accessible introduction to German culture, perfect for casual travelers.
The German Genius: Europe’s Third Renaissance, The Second Scientific Revolution, and The Twentieth Century
Year of Publication: 2011
Author: Peter Watson, a British intellectual historian, journalist, and author known for his extensive works on cultural history and the history of ideas. His deep research and engaging narrative style make complex historical subjects accessible to a broad audience.
In a Nutshell: Peter Watson’s The German Genius is a sweeping narrative that highlights Germany’s profound impact on modern thought, science, and culture. Spanning philosophy, psychology, chemistry, and physics, the book showcases Germany’s intellectual giants—from Goethe and Kant to Einstein and Planck. This is a dense but rewarding read for anyone who wants to grasp the historical roots of Germany’s global influence.
Target Group: History buffs, students, and anyone interested in German intellectual contributions.
Great for Context, Less for Business: While this book offers deep historical context, it’s less focused on modern business etiquette. Still, understanding Germany’s intellectual roots can enrich your conversations.
Unlike the practical guides in this list, Watson’s book offers historical depth rather than business advice, making it ideal for academic readers rather than business travelers. Together with Germany: Memories of a Nation of my personal top favorite books on German history.
Germany: Memories of a Nation
Year of Publication: 2016
Author: Dr. Neil MacGregor, a renowned British art historian and former director of the British Museum. Known for his storytelling approach to history, MacGregor has a talent for weaving together art, culture, and national identity through tangible artifacts.
In a Nutshell: Published with a major exhibition at the British Museum, Dr. Neil MacGregor’s Germany: Memories of a Nation offers a fresh perspective on German history through a collection of 100 objects—from Gutenberg’s printing press to the Berlin Wall. It’s a beautifully curated journey that reveals how collective memory shapes national identity. Perfect for readers who enjoy history told through artifacts and personal stories.
Target Group: History enthusiasts, art lovers, and cultural explorers.
While not a business manual, this book offers rich cultural context that can help you engage in deeper discussions with German partners.
MacGregor’s work blends history and culture, making it more narrative-driven compared to business-focused books. It’s a great read for cultural explorers but less relevant for direct business applications. If you love to learn about German history, buy it together with The German Genius.
Doing Business with Germans: Their Perception, Our Perception
Year of Publication: 2013
Author: Sylvia Schroll-Machl, a German psychologist and intercultural trainer with extensive experience in cross-cultural communication. Her work focuses on helping international professionals understand German cultural values and work practices.
In a Nutshell: In Doing Business with Germans: Their Perception, Our Perception, Sylvia Schroll-Machl dives into the psychological and cultural differences that can either make or break international business relationships. This guide helps non-Germans decode how Germans approach work, decision-making, and negotiations. Backed by extensive research and real-life examples, this book is a good read for anyone looking to bridge cultural gaps and build lasting professional partnerships.
Target Group: Business professionals, intercultural trainers, and expatriates.
Deep Dive into German Work Culture: This is a practical guide for business professionals who want to go beyond surface-level etiquette and truly understand how Germans think and work.
Schroll-Machl’s book heavily draws from the theory of cultural standards, such as—if we look at Germany—appreciation for rules, regulations, and structures or time management. Compared to Doing Business in Germany: How to Work Successfully with Germans, less information about history and economy is offered. Still, one of my top picks when it comes to developing a deeper understanding of German business culture.
Bottom line
Whether you’re diving into Germany’s intellectual legacy, planning a business venture, or simply curious about the culture, these are the best books about Germany I could find on my bookshelf. They offer a blend of humor, history, and hands-on business advice—perfect for anyone wanting to better understand Germany.
If your focus is business success, Sylvia Schroll-Machl’s book and mine are your go-to resources. For those seeking cultural depth and historical insight, Peter Watson and Neil MacGregor deliver masterful narratives. And if you want a lighthearted cultural primer, Xenophobe’s Guide to the Germans hits the mark.
Need more practical advice and guidance?
If you need hands-on assistance getting access to German buyers and business prospects, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am helping international B2B technology companies understand the German market, generate qualified leads, and close deals.
I work as a German market entry consultant for tech companies, supporting international businesses with practical, hands‑on business development in Germany.