The German term Sachlichkeit conveys the concept of objectivity; focus strictly on the matter, not the people involved. It is culturally significant because emotions are seen as inappropriate in decision-making and negotiations; facts come first.
EU Stability and Growth Pact (1997)
Germany played a crucial role in establishing fiscal rules for Eurozone countries to prevent excessive deficits and debt. German negotiators insisted on strict budgetary rules, reflecting the cultural aversion to financial risk and fiscal irresponsibility. They emphasized rigid criteria, numerical benchmarks, and enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that member states adhered to agreed terms.
Gründlichkeit
The German term Gründlichkeit conveys the concept of thoroughness; addressing every detail carefully. It is culturally significant because being thorough shows professionalism and seriousness.
Faust
Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1808, 1832). In Faust’s pact with Mephistopheles, Faust, a scholar, is disillusioned with life and craves deeper meaning and fulfillment. Mephistopheles, the devil, offers to serve Faust in life in exchange for Faust’s soul in the afterlife.
The scene is structured like a contract negotiation, with both parties meticulously defining the terms and consequences. Mephistopheles is the classic hardball negotiator, pressing Faust to commit to a deal that appears advantageous but has dire consequences. Faust, in turn, tries to outwit him by adding specific conditions. The emphasis on structure, explicit terms, and legalistic language reflects the German preference for clearly defined agreements, logical arguments, and strict adherence to commitments.
Strukturierung
The German term Strukturierung conveys the concept of structuring; logical and clear organization of topics or processes. It is culturally significant because Germans often insist on well-organized meetings and documents.
Merkel faults German perfectionism
March 2021. Yahoo News. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has blamed her country’s difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic — from the slow vaccine rollout to the back-and-forth over lockdown rules — partly on “a tendency toward perfectionism” and called for greater flexibility to tackle the latest surge in cases.
In an hour-long television interview with public broadcaster ARD late Sunday, Merkel acknowledged that mistakes were made by her government, including on plans for an Easter lockdown, which had to be reversed.
Ermessensspielraum
The German term Ermessensspielraum conveys the concept of discretionary scope; space for individual or contextual decision-making. It is culturally significant because Germans when negotiating prefer clear rules and limited discretion.
“Gut Ding will Weile haben”
Gut Ding will Weile haben. Good things take time. Thoroughness and quality require time. This saying indicates that Germans are often suspicious when solutions are presented too quickly. Long-term, well-thought-out agreements take precedence over quick compromises.
BATNA
The American term BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) conveys the concept of the best outcome possible if no agreement is reached. It is culturally significant because it is a central mindset in American negotiation, strengthening one’s position.