Rules for Dealing with Germans

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." -1 Corinthians 9:22b

I found this rather true and thought I would share a glimpse into the culture I am trying to understand. Please pray for me! (From the book When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do by Hyde Flippo.)

"Everyone is not alike!

1. Remember that Germans really hate rule breakers!
2. Germans and Americans do not think and act alike in social and business situations--especially in first encounters. Get over the myth that "we're all basically alike." It sounds good, but this mind-set is counterproductive.
3. Germans tend to be blunt, frank, and--to Anglo-Americans eyes--tactless in certain situations. They tend to correct you when you don't want to be corrected. That's because they are primarily concerned with exchanging facts and information, not "warm fuzziness." Since they also do this with other Germans, try to understand that you have not been singled out for special treatment.
4. Germans aren't into "idle chatter." They don't really care if you "have a nice day" (an expression they view as a symbol of American "superficiality"), and they don't want to talk about (a) their jobs, (b) their kids or family, or (c) the weather with a stranger (ie. anyone they haven't known for at least a year or more). Such conversation is reserved for close friends.
5. Both the German language and the Germans draw a clear line between Freunde (du/ihr) and Bekannte (Sie), between private (home) and public (work). You are a Bekannte(r) and on Sie terms until your German counterpart says otherwise. This is one of the most difficult rules for easygoing, just-call-me-Bob Americans to truly grasp and internalize.
6. Germans have been known to smile, but unnecessary smiling is frowned on. A German needs to a good reason to smile. In fact, excessive smiling for most Europeans is an indication of weak-mindedness. Don't overdo smiling around Germans. At heart, Germans are pessimists, and they enjoy their pessimism. Don't deprive them of that pleasure. Corollary to Rule 6: Never try to tell a joke in German. Leave this to professionals like Harald Schmidt (a well-known German night-show host) or Germans who have had too much to drink. Germans have a sense of humor, but is has no resemblance to either the American or British variety. It takes many years to delve into the German sense of humor.
7. Learn and accept Rules 1 through 6. Don't think you can (or should) change people. Learn to adjust to them, rather than expecting them to adjust to you. If you react with indignation or anger, even privately, then you are displaying a profound lack of
   understanding of the culture in which you're trying to function.
   
   There are a few Germans who don't fit the preceding rules, but all six of them are now living in the United States or Canada.
   

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As a disclaimer I must mention that thankfully most of these rules don't apply when dealing with fellow Christians here in Dresden. It is such a relief!