“Planlosigkeit erreicht spielend Ziele – andrer.” In English: “A lack of plan easily achieves goals – of others.”
Manfred Hinrich (1926 – 2015) – German philosopher, philologist, teacher, journalist, author of children’s songs, aphorist and writer.
“also forgiven”
“Entworfen bloß, ists ein gemeiner Frevel, Vollführt, ists ein unsterblich Unternehmen; Und wenn es glückt, so ist es auch verziehn.”
Translation: “Just designed, it’s a common sacrilege. Completed, it’s an immortal enterprise. And if it succeeds, then it is also forgiven.”
Friedrich von Schiller (1759 – 1805), German physician, poet, philosopher and historian; is considered one of the most important German-speaking playwrights and poets.
Planungssicherheit
The German term Planungssicherheit conveys the concept of planning security; ability to plan reliably over time. It is culturally significant because last-minute changes are frustrating and unprofessional in the German business culture, especially relating to negotiations.
“stays different”
“Es bleibt alles ganz anders!” A German figure of speech. Translated: Everything stays completely different!
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.
“Wir machen keine halben Sachen”
Wir machen keine halben Sachen. We don’t do things by halves. In Germany, thoroughness and completeness are expected. Compromises that are perceived as half-hearted are considered unacceptable.
Common Ground
The American term Common Ground conveys the concept of finding shared interests or goals. It is culturally significant because it fosters relationship-building and cooperation.
Pushback
Pushback. Resistance or objection. Unlike in some cultures where disagreement is downplayed, Americans may openly express pushback as a sign of engagement or assertiveness in negotations.
trust-building measures
As Foreign Minister, Hans-Dietrich Genscher was instrumental in Cold War negotiations (1970s-1990s), including disarmament talks and EU integration. Genscher emphasized diplomacy, long-term stability, and carefully structured agreements, reflecting the German emphasis on planning and consistency.
Kulanz
The German term Kulanz conveys the concept of goodwill adjustment; voluntary concession without legal obligation. It is culturally significant because seen as a gesture of fairness, but not something to be expected.