Meaningful resolution in German culture involves substantive acknowledgment of what went wrong. Superficial gestures are less valued than genuine recognition of specific issues.
If you are at fault in a conflict, acknowledge specifically what was wrong—generic apologies carry less weight. If you are resolving a conflict where the other party was at fault, expect and request substantive acknowledgment. Real resolution requires real recognition of the problem. This acknowledgment creates foundation for changed behavior and genuine closure.
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