Switzerland is a major player in the global economy. To communicate effectively in German, you must learn and practice a more formal and polite version of the language and adopt Swiss business culture and etiquette into your workplace behaviors and activities.
Be ‘Verhandlungssicher’
When you are capable of doing business in German, you are ‘verhandlungssicher.’ This means you know when and how to use certain words, phrases, and intonation in your conversation, depending on the context and surrounding circumstances.
If you are an expat living in Switzerland, German language learning can help you practice workplace conversation to make you more fluent in German. Mastering the local language can help when applying for a job and accelerate your career overseas.
Workplace German can also be helpful in other aspects of your life, such as when applying for a work visa, registering a new address, and dealing with local bureaucracies.
Nuances of German Business Conversation
When negotiating, be direct and skip the small talk. Provide evidence of your point of view so your counterparts can make decisions based on fact. Be respectful of other people’s time, and don’t extend a meeting longer than it needs to be.
In German (and many other languages other than English), there are two forms of the word ‘you.’ ‘Sie’ is more formal. If you use ‘du’ (which is typically reserved for children, family, and friends), you could insult the person you are speaking with.
Use titles and last names when talking to someone you have a business relationship with. If you don’t know their last name, refer to them as ‘mister’ (‘Herr’) or ‘miss’ (Frau’).
For written and electronic business communications, make sure to use the correct salutations and gender in your greetings. Use a formal ending that reflects the relationship you have with the person you are writing to.
Nonverbal Language Matters, Too
The Swiss are hierarchical in their thinking and relationships. Be mindful of how you address a colleague or supervisor and wear formal, conservative business clothes. Allow the senior person in your team to enter a meeting first. Don’t sit until told where to go during a meeting, and don’t remove your jacket unless someone else does.
Despite being sensitive to hierarchy, German speakers also value collaboration. Decisions are generally made collectively and with the larger picture in mind (not just immediate results).
The Swiss work hard and value their time. Don’t arrive early or late for a meeting, as this can be considered disrespectful. Always be thoroughly prepared so no time is wasted. Follow up after a meeting with a recap, next steps, and other important topics discussed. Plan meetings well in advance (two or three weeks will likely be preferred).
Work-life balance is important to the Swiss (and most Europeans), so don’t schedule meetings early in the morning, during lunch, or after 5:00 PM. Also, don’t expect to meet on Friday afternoons when people are wrapping up their work week and getting ready for their weekends. July, August, and September are popular vacation times, too. Be aware of and accommodate vacations, local holidays, festivals, and other events that might impact your business plans.
Polish Your Business German
Check if German language corporate training is offered by your current or prospective employer in Switzerland. Another option is to explore the Business German program at German Academy Zurich. We can help you learn the language and terminology needed to navigate a Swiss business environment successfully!
