Efficiency
Germany is not a resource-abundant society. And throughout its centuries-old history it has experienced times of acute shortages. These experiences have left their stamp on the German product philosophy, which considers efficiency a key charateristic of any physical product, efficient in its development and manufacturing, as well as in its use. Achieve more with less. Examples
Intelligence
An intelligent product goes beyond fulfilling its purpose as a tool or instrument. An intelligent product [“]{dir=”rtl”}thinks with”(denkt mit), in the sense of anticipating how a human being puts that product to work, the handling of it. An intelligent product is more than just the extension of its owner, its user. It, in some cases, can anticipate its user. Examples
Reliability
From the German perspective a product should never break down, should be 100% reliable. Not only the German engineer thinks this, but also the German consumer, customer, business partner. Germans are perfectionists. A reliable product, like a reliable person, delivers on it promise. It anticipates the worst-case scenario. Examples
Durability
Germans prefer products which will last a long time, for which they will gladly pay a higher price. A durable product reduces replacement costs, is an indication of good craftsmanship, the correct use of material, a sign of consistency, quality, of tradition and continuity. Durable products have stood the test of time. Examples
Quality
For Germans quality is technical. In the sense of the four product characteristics mentioned above and others. They strive to go beyond the expectations and standards of the market. In every German engineer you[‘]{dir=”rtl”}ll find a scientist, an inventor, a tinkerer, in some ways also an artist. Quality is a quality of such importance, that it is not immediately placed in relation to price. Examples