Germans distinguish sharply between disagreeing with your position and disliking you personally. When they challenge your proposal vigorously, they are engaging with your arguments, not attacking you. This allows honest substantive discussion without damaging relationships. Adopt this same approach: criticize positions, not persons.
Signal explicitly that your disagreement is about the matter at hand—”I see it differently” rather than “You’re wrong.” Expect direct engagement with the substance of your proposal without softening or apology. If a German seems harsh by your cultural standards, recognize they are probably being objective rather than hostile. Keeping substance and relationship separate allows both vigorous negotiation and continued productive working relationships.
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