Quiz: Working In Germany
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As an American in Germany, would you know how to navigate the German office culture? Do you have the right stuff? Find out by taking this short test - it's free, and it's fun! This multiple choice quiz was created for the Germany-USA Career Center by our partner Christian Hoeferle, based on frequently asked questions and issues encountered by U. S. Citizens working or looking to work in Germany. No pressure: with each answer, you will get immediate feedback to let you know if you made the right choice. Let's get started!
- 1.When being introduced to Germans in a business setting you...
- A.
Just nod your head to every person and say "Hallo"
- B.
Hand them your business card before talking
- C.
Shake everyone's hand, wait for them to say their name before you give them your full name
- D.
Keep a formal distance and simply mumble a subdued "Guten Tag"
- 2.Your German co-worker has her office door closed. She...
- A.
Is having a bad day and doesn't want to be bothered
- B.
Is preparing for an important meeting and needs to focus without distractions
- C.
Is temporarily tending to personal matters
- D.
Is showing her discontentment with the team
- 3.When beginning a business meeting, what are appropriate conversation starters?
- A.
Talk about family & friends
- B.
Discuss current events (sports, news)
- C.
Just comment on the weather and move on to the agenda
- D.
Use any of the above sparely and go straight to business
- 4.What is the proper attire for the professional German business environment?
- A.
A sports coat/blazer and slacks
- B.
Jeans, dress shirt and suit jacket
- C.
Pant suit or suit
- D.
Any of the above - depending on the type of industry
- 5.It’s your birthday. At the office...
- A.
You receive a cake and small gifts from your co-workers
- B.
You better expect to be pranked by your colleagues
- C.
Your co-workers expect you to provide cake and Sekt (German bubbly) for everyone
- D.
For privacy reasons, nobody is supposed to know your date of birth and it’s business as usual
- 6.Germans are strereotypically known for efficiency. To prove yourself, you...
- A.
Always work late
- B.
Make sure to leave the office on time
- C.
Work late in on special occasions which require team overtime
- D.
Remind team members to stick to the office hours
- 7.How do you appropriately address a female business contact?
- A.
"Fräulein" and her last name
- B.
"Frau" and her last name
- C.
"Frau" and the academic title/s (if applicable) and her last name
- D.
Option B or C
- 8.In a meeting that includes several departments or business functions it is appropriate for participants...
- A.
To speak freely on any topic on the agenda - brainstorming leads to creative solutions
- B.
To speak on topics that touch one’s expertise
- C.
To voice opinion outside one’s expertise when asked by leadership
- D.
Option B & C
- 9.To enter into a contract with German companies...
- A.
You need to build a strong personal relationship with their leadership team
- B.
You have to win their trust by being sincere and honest, by presenting convincing data and facts
- C.
You need to make your case in perfect German, and avoid (American) English
- D.
Option B & C
- 10.What are some etiquette taboos?
- A.
Keeping your hands in your pocket when talking to someone
- B.
Avoiding eye-contact
- C.
Moving chairs & tables around in someone’s office
- D.
All of the above
- 11.What do you hear in German hallways during lunch hours?
- A.
The pinging sound of microwaves from the kitchen
- B.
"Mahlzeit!"
- C.
Nothing. Everyone is out eating.
- D.
The sound of fingers pounding on keyboards. Lunch is for losers.
- 12.You are unhappy with a work situation and need to talk to your superior. You...
- A.
Walk into his office and raise your concern;Germans like the direct approach
- B.
Make an appointment to speak with him
- C.
Ask a colleague to set up a three-way talk
- D.
Go through HR first and make sure they think it's a good idea
- 13.When giving performance feedback to Germans...
- A.
You use the "sandwich" technique - praise, criticism, praise
- B.
You tell them directly what you dislike about their performance and suggest routes to improvement
- C.
You need to let them save face, so you take part of the blame
- D.
You rely on the team to redirect individual members
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