Yes
Yes in the German context is more exception than rule. Germans are reluctant to enter into an agreement without being sure that they can deliver. They respond almost instinctively with a No, a Maybe or with reasons why they cannot (yet) enter into the agreement. Seldom will Germans respond with an immediate Yes. Examples
No
The German No is more rule than exception. For a Yes in the German context has a very high degree of binding character. Far more than a statement of intention, the German Yes is the equivalent of giving their word, of entering into an oral contract, something not done without having given the agreement serious consideration.
However, its level of binding character is based on contextual circumstances, ranging from a hard to a very flexible No. Only through asking what the barriers are to the Yes is it possible to discern how hard the „no” is. Examples
Context
Because a Yes in the German context involves a very high degree of binding character, when entering into an agreement Germans will request a corresponding amount of background information. This serves two purposes. First, it allows them to determine whether the agreement could have negative effects for them, their work or their team.
Second, and more importantly, they want to fulfill their part of the agreement to the best of their ability. And because little to no follow-up is expected to take place during the time-span of the agreement, the better they understand the overall context, all the more competently they can fulfill their part. Examples
Follow-up
In Germany follow-up is infrequent. Once an agreement has been made neither party feels the need to contact the other in order to inquire about the status or priority of an agreement. „Agreed is agreed.” And agreements are meant to be held. The priority of an agreement remains at the level it was assigned when entered into. There should be no need to verify or reinforce the importance of an agreement. Examples
Delivery
The Germans prefer a complete deliverable late over an incomplete one on time. Lateness is tolerated as long as expectations of the final deliverable are met. Completeness is preferred to speed. Examples