Germany is a global economic powerhouse and the world’s third-largest economy. As such, it is a prime destination for any business traveller. The country’s blend of infrastructure together with its professional opportunities and rich culture make it the perfect destination for maximising productivity whilst enjoying some unique experiences. The country has a strong focus on manufacturing, especially mechanical engineering, automotive, and chemicals. They also have a thriving service sector.
This comprehensive guide has been put together to ensure you make the most of your business trip. We also include some helpful tips to help make your visit run as smoothly as possible.
Before you travel
Preparation is the key to a good business trip and advanced planning can help ensure that everything runs efficiently. Before you travel it can be a good idea to:
- Research your destination – Different cities across Germany specialise in a range of different industries. Frankfurt, for example, is known as a financial hub whilst Berlin is a startup and tech centre. Munich, on the other hand, is the place to be for manufacturing and the automotive industry. Understanding the local industry landscape will help you tailor your itinerary.
- Language basics – Many Germans speak English so you don’t need to learn German for your trip. However, learning a few basic phrases will create a positive impression and really help to break the ice.
- Set goals – Think about what you want to achieve from your trip. Will you have time to explore the city you are visiting as well as conducting all the business you have planned?
Choose the right accommodation
One of the first things you need to sort out once you have decided where you want to stay is your accommodation. You will find a good range of hotels in or on the outskirts of every big city in Germany. These range from smaller family-run establishments to larger chain hotels. They will offer a range of different services and amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. Another option that is becoming increasingly popular among business travellers is staying in a serviced apartment. This type of accommodation for corporate travel offers all of the amenities that you would find with a hotel, but with more space. Often, this means including a lounge area, kitchen space, and of course a greater amount of privacy and flexibility.
Navigating Germany with ease
Germany has a transport system that is both reliable and efficient, making getting around any city a simple task. The major cities of Germany are connected by the Deutsche Bahn railway, and there are regional transport networks making travel within urban areas a smooth process. For shorter journeys within a city, you may also want to consider renting an e-scooter or a bike – both of which are popular and eco-friendly travel options.
If your business trip will involve frequent travel from one place to another, then you may want to purchase a BahnCard – this will give you discounts on train tickets. It’s also a good idea to download apps for both navigation and translation, which will help you get around unfamiliar areas. This is particularly beneficial for those who do not speak much German.
Business etiquette
Punctuality is something that is deeply ingrained into the culture in Germany, and this means that arriving late for anything, particularly a business meeting, is considered to be very disrespectful. If you want to set a professional tone then you should aim to arrive a few minutes early.
The business culture in Germany also values direct communication and preparation. Business meetings usually follow a structured agenda. In many industries you will be expected to make data-backed arguments so it’s essential to have this kind of information to hand. There is a place for small talk in the German business world, but it is much less common in comparison to other countries, so keep small talk to a minimum.
Business dress code is very varied in Germany and really does depend on the industry in question. If you’re not sure what to wear then err on the side of caution and embrace formality. A smart and well-presented appearance will always be respected in a positive way.
Exploring your surroundings
When it comes to cultural experiences, Germany is a veritable treasure trove of things to do. Even a short break from business will allow you to see just a small part of what makes this wonderful country so special. Here’s just some of what you could do:
- Historical landmarks – Some fantastic landmarks well worth visiting include the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the historic old town of Heidelberg or the Dom Cathedral in Cologne.
- Culinary delights – There is more to German cuisine than bratwurst and sauerkraut (although you should certainly try to sample the real deal). Look out for schnitzel or soft pretzels and don’t forget to try the local beer of which you will find plenty of different ones. Regional specialities include white sausages in Bavaria and Maultaschen (large meat dumplings often served in a broth) in Swabia, the historic region of southwestern Germany.
- Art and culture – You will find plenty of world class art galleries, museums, and theatres in any of the major cities in Germany. From Munich to Dresden, and even Frankfurt there is a rich cultural scene.
Sustainable travel
Germany is at the forefront when it comes to sustainability, making your trip the perfect opportunity to adopt eco-conscious habits. Opt for public transport where possible, choose eco-certified accommodation when possible, support small local businesses over larger chains. Think how you can align your environmental impacts with Germany’s values and try to set a positive example.
Final thoughts
Travelling to Germany on a business trip is about more than simply achieving your professional goals. It is an opportunity to glimpse a country where innovation and tradition are successfully blended. Embrace the culture, plan carefully and be curious – this is the perfect way to make your trip more than just a business trip.
