Germany Culture Analysis Research Paper Samples

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Abstract
Germany is referred to the leading countries of the world with the powerful marketing economy and well established trade relations. As for this informative letter report, it is focused on conducting a survey of Germany from the perspective of its geography, customs, religion, historical developments, entertainment, gender roles, and food etiquette. Moreover, the report incorporates some important information on national holidays, business ethics as well as the politics, educating, and, finally, advertizing.

Introduction

Germany is the federal parliamentary republic that contains sixteen federal states with the overall population of eighty-two million inhabitants. It has the temperate seasonal climate and attractive geographical location, allowing it leading huge-volume export and import on the international arena. That is why Germany can be referred to the leading countries of the world with the powerful marketing economy and well established trade relations. The county has a big transport hub that is characterized by the dense modern transport network, which is the third largest in the world. Being located in Western Europe, the state also tends to be the hugest business giant across the continent.

Historical Development

Considering the issue of historical development, it worth going back to 16th century when the search for geographical experience was mainly caused by the increase of trading. The biggest trading areas in Europe turned to be pioneers in the process of designing the maps, respectively. As for Germany, it is worth saying that it had quite beneficial location linking routes to the southeast and east. Owing to its location, Germany became one of the most distinguished centres; its significance in terms of trading as well as cultural development was consolidated since that time and up to now.

Peculiarities of German Mentality

Germans ground their relationships upon mutual trust, understanding, respect and diplomacy. Most of them also believe that fact is the important message and it should be devoid of emotions and any kind of appeal. Their directedness cannot be interpreted as rudeness, because they are always concrete in their views and proposals. In Germany many analysts regard the direct speaking to be a sign of respect and the opportunity to reach the common agreement. That is why it is possible to investigate the lack of self-deprecation and coded language. When doing business or just socializing, Germans are not arrogant, tending to provide the factual rendition of their own capabilities. Despite the fact that Germans possess the developed sense of humor, they do not resort to use it during important business events. When being present at negotiations, it is necessary to follow the dress code to show respect to German business partners. German businessmen are famous for their extremely serious attitude towards their business. That is why they are psychologically considered and recognized to be professionals all over the world. Finally, they are always punctual and expect the same from their business partners.

National Holidays in Germany

Every year Germans celebrate seven national holidays, which are New Year (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Labor Day (May 1), Ascension Day (May 24), Unity Day (October 6), Independence Day (December 6) and Christmas (December 24-25) (Germany National Holidays). Unlike public holidays, determined by the federal states, the national holidays are for rest and none of the business organizations does business on these days. Germans are very strict towards themselves when celebrating national holidays. They tend to follow all their ethnic traditions and customs, concentrating on each holiday. When the national holiday comes, all business structures are immediately closed, not taking into account whether all business questions are discussed and the decision is made.

Greeting Germans

First of all, when meeting Germans it is extremely important to greet them in a proper way. Most of German people are pedantic and pay attention to the way you meet them. It is necessary to be tactful in order to catch the fancy of Germans. It is also necessary to make mention that Germans draw much attention to dress code. As for women, it is believed that should not wear jewelry, for instance, when attending certain events.
Germans are punctual people and they do not like latecomers. Secondly, it is advised that when greeting Germans, it is necessary to be introduced properly, saying first and last name and your appreciation to meet a guest. When introducing, it is recommended to use the body language and smile as it makes fifty-five percent of the effective communication. Handshakes, eye contact and positioning of the head are important things as well. The handshake must be always firm, wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Germans believe that eye contact implies attentiveness, if the eyes are diverted, German people may treat it as lack of respect.
When arranging the appointment, it is necessary to inform the German side at least two weeks before the event, because Germans do not practice discussing such things on the go. Germans like when they are greeted in German. If you do not know the language, it is necessary to be ready to address them in English. During the speech, it is necessary to share facts that are grounded upon your logics. So being well prepared is a nice idea.

German Customs

Concerning the issue of German customs, it is necessary to mention that there is a variety of specifically German traditions (Wilson, 2009). Among German customs, one can name, for instance, Oktoberfest, which is celebrated all over the world. Nowadays, this holiday is mainly associated with drinking millions of gallons of beer and eating tones of sausages. Apart from Oktoberfest, it is necessary to make mention of special clothing tradition. The thing is that traditional German clothing is quite extraordinary and entails such elements as lederhosen and dirndls. To be precise, these garments are worn when celebrating, for example, Oktoberfest.
Germans also listen to traditional music, which is not characteristic for the other nations. The point is that authentic music appeared to be the matter of great importance for the majority of Germans who prefer listening to it while celebrating Christmas and Easter. Taking a view of German customs, it is worth paying attention to German wedding parties that Germans carefully plan beforehand. The wedding often lasts up to three days.

Religion

Christianity emerges as the main religion in Germany; about 70 percent of Germans consider themselves as Christians. Among this number, it is necessary to emphasize approximately 23 million Catholics. Moreover, there are about 3 percent Muslims and approximately 28 percent have some different religion other than Islam or Christianity.

Food Etiquette

As for German food etiquette, it is necessary to state that it does not seriously differ from U.S. etiquette (Fluck, 2004). All in all, there are some peculiarities. For instance, as for utensils, Germans differ from Americans. They prefer not switching their hands but having the fork in the left hand when the knife is placed in the right. What is more, they keep these utensils when having a dinner and not putting it down. It is also necessary to say that Germans never eat without utensils. As for beverages, Germans usually prefer tap water or mineral water. The napkins are less used in comparison with Americans.

Gender Roles

In Germany there is a huge progress in terms of equal rights for both men and women. As a result, regarding education, it occurs to overtake boys. Moreover, there is a number of women focused on their career. It is possible to make mention of the same thing about earnings between men and women; obviously, it occurs to be almost equalized. As a result, it is possible to conclude that women and men are treated equally in Germany; such a tendency proves this state to have nothing to do with gender discrepancies.

Politics

As for political framework of Germany, it is necessary to notice that Germany follows a democratic model aimed at providing all the citizens with similar opportunities. The constitution is aimed at providing the stability. It is known as the Basic Law.

Education

German education system is currently undergoing serious reforms, including the rearrangement of gymnasiums. Moreover, now German pupils have eight year education instead of nine year. The academic system has also been altered due to Bologna reform.

Advertising

German advertising sector is related to ICC Code; moreover, it has adhered to some product and sector particular regulations. Consequently, each person can easily pass his/her claims with regards to advertizing via any kind of mass media.

References

Fluck, W. (2004). The Americanization of German Culture? The Strange, Paradoxical Ways
of Modernity. 1st ed. [ebook] Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press.
Krizan A.C., Merrier, P., Logan, J., Schneiter, K. (2007). Business Communicattion. Cengage
Learning
Wilson, P. (2009). Wise Germany: The Essential Guide to Culture, Customs & Business
Etiquette. Survival Books, Ltd Culture.