Gifts Abroad: Gift Giving in Germany
If you are a proud business owner, you know it is a good idea to spread your business worldwide. Sometimes traveling to other countries can be stressful because you know little about the country and the customs. Many of us know the traditional gift etiquette for the United States as well as Eastern Asia, but what about Germany?
In Germany, when contacts are made for the first time, a small gift is seen as respectful. Extravagant gifts aren’t expected and they are unusual. Especially if a deal has not been closed, because it will look like bribery. A small gift to thank a local business for their assistance during your stay in Germany is not expected but it will always be appreciated. It is not good to give generous gifts in private. The more generous the gift, it should be given in front of everyone.
During social events, gifts are expected particularly to show thanks after you have been invited to a dinner party in the home of whomever you are doing business with. Avoid purchasing anything that is expensive because this will make the person fee; uncomfortable. For the home, try giving a personalized ice bucket. People of German descent love receiving personalized gifts because it is seen as thoughtful.
Flowers are appreciated as well for the woman of the home if attending a dinner party. Steer away from red roses, because roses are for lovers. Avoid lilies as well because they are used in funerals. Also, avoid placing heather in a bouquet because it is normally planted in cemeteries. This gesture could make it seem as if you were wishing death. It would be appropriate to have the flowers placed in a box and wrapped in fancy paper. Even if you did not receive a gift from the dinner party, it is important to send a thank you letter for the invitation.
Do not wrap your gift before you arrive, because you may be able to receive a second opinion on your gift before it is wrapped. Also, make sure the gift is not made in Germany. When giving gifts in Germany, be careful that you do not get too personal. Gifts that are too person would include clothing, perfume, and toiletries. This will make the recipient feel very uncomfortable and place you in an awkward situation. However, scarves are expectable as well as an Executive card holder pen for their desk. When purchasing a gift, think of something the recipient could use.
Do not bring beer as a gift because many of the well known brands in the world are already produced in Germany. If you decide to bring alcohol, a fine imported liquor is the best choice. Vintage wine from your home country or an imported wine is also appreciated as a gift. If you decide to purchase German liquor, it should be a well known label. Chocolates are also a gift that German citizens appreciate.
If you happen to stay with a family, ideal gifts should include: coffee, books about your home land, or anything you know the family will be interested in. A beautiful silk scarf is also perfect for the lady of the house. A special food from your home land is also a good idea for a good gift, but make sure it is not too exotic. German tastes are normally conservative, especially for older hosts.
Also, for the company that you plan to visit and do business with, items with your logo on them. Businessmen of Germany enjoy products with your business logo on them. As a gift, try giving a logo business card case as a thank you.
Gift giving in Germany is not as hard as it seems. It is just a matter of saying thank you as you continue to build your life long business relationship.
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