The first German-German agreement at government level, the Transit Agreement, came into force on June 3, 1972. It facilitated travel between West Germany and West Berlin through East Germany. The agreement was implemented as negotiated, and both sides adhered to its terms with minimal need for ongoing re-confirmation or renegotiation, reflecting the German tendency to treat agreements as binding and self-sustaining once concluded.
Ostpolitik and Inter-German Agreements (1970s)
During the era of Ostpolitik, several treaties and agreements were signed between West Germany and East Germany, as well as with other Eastern Bloc countries. These agreements, such as the Basic Treaty (1972), focused on normalization and were executed with the expectation that both parties would fulfill their commitments without constant follow-up, in line with the German value of reliability in agreements.
choices and consequences
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – Faust. In Faust, the protagonist’s journey is marked by deep introspection and a long process of weighing choices and consequences. Goethe’s narrative emphasizes the importance of reflection and patience before making life-altering decisions, warning against impulsive actions and highlighting the value of allowing time for understanding and wisdom to develop.
Wilhelm Meister
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship frequently touches on the importance of trust, personal responsibility, and the expectation that promises and agreements are to be fulfilled without external enforcement. Characters are judged by their reliability and ability to deliver on commitments.
composure and impartiality
Modernist and Post-War Literature: German literary modernism and post-war literature frequently highlight the tension between emotional involvement and the need for objective, rational behavior-especially in the aftermath of social and historical upheaval. These works often depict characters struggling to maintain professional composure and impartiality, reinforcing the value placed on detached, performance-focused feedback.
pause and reflect
Hermann Hesse – Siddhartha. The novel follows Siddhartha’s lifelong quest for enlightenment, during which he repeatedly pauses, reflects, and allows time to shape his decisions. Hesse’s narrative suggests that true wisdom and the right decisions come only with patience and the willingness to let things unfold naturally.
Swiss marksman
Friedrich Schiller – Wilhelm Tell. Schiller’s play, centered on the legendary Swiss marksman, highlights the importance of waiting for the right moment to act. The characters carefully consider their actions, resisting provocation and external pressure until the time is right, embodying the principle that patience leads to the best outcomes.
sachlich bleiben
Sachlich bleiben. Literal translation: “Stay objective.” Meaning: Encourages people to remain neutral, factual, and unemotional, especially in discussions or when providing feedback.
Bonn Republic
Die Unbeugsamen (The Indomitables, 2021): This documentary tells the story of women in the Bonn Republic who had to fight persistently and patiently for their participation in democratic decision-making processes. Their long-term, unwavering commitment and refusal to be rushed by societal or political pressures exemplify the German belief that significant decisions require time, perseverance, and careful deliberation.
slow, reflective pace
In die Sonne schauen. (Sound of Falling, 2025). This film spans four generations of women living in the same farmhouse, depicting how decisions about family, identity, and survival unfold over decades. The film’s structure rewards viewers’ patience, mirroring the way its characters approach life’s major choices with deliberation and endurance. The narrative’s slow, reflective pace reinforces the idea that meaningful decisions are best made over time, not under pressure.