Agreements


Yes

Germany

The German yes is more the exception than the rule. Germans are reluctant to enter into an agreement without being sure that they can fulfill it. When you get the German yes, however, it is firm. Examples

United States

A yes in the American context is more the rule than the exception. Americans almost instinctively say yes to assisting a colleague or to serving a customer. The American yes, however, has different degrees of firmness. Examples


No

Germany

The German no is more the rule than the exception. However, its level of firmness is based on context. The no can range from hard to flexible. Identifying the barriers to the yes reveals that range. Examples

United States

A no in the American context is more the exception than the rule. Americans pride themselves on being can-do, open, helpful, people. Americans feel uncomfortable saying the word no. They couch their no in affirmative, encouraging words. Examples


Context

Germany

The German yes means a high degree of commitment. Before granting it Germans want to be sure that they can deliver. In order to decide they request a lot of context information up-front. Examples

United States

Once Americans have entered into an agreement they are in constant contact. They see no reason to go into great depth about the context of that agreement. Because they reserve the right to alter or to exit the agreement. Examples


Follow-up

Germany

In Germany follow-up is infrequent. Once an agreement has been made neither party feels the need to contact the other in order to check its status or priority. Agreed is agreed. Examples

United States

In the U.S. follow-up is frequent. Americans enter into many agreements and on a constant basis. Follow-up is how they maintain a common understanding of the status of those agreements. Examples


Deliverables

Germany

The Germans prefer a complete deliverable, even if late, over an incomplete deliverable, even if early. Lateness is tolerated as long as expectations are met. Completeness trumps speed. Examples

United States

Americans expect the initial parts of a deliverable as quickly as possible. A partial deliverable early often meets the needs better than the complete product on time. Speed trumps completeness. Examples