Germany – Page 2 – understand-culture

Recognition

German praise is often communicated by a simple nod of the head or a gut gemacht, „well done.“ Too much praise can be seen by both parties as exaggerated, not objective, emotional, not to be taken seriously. In Germany it is important to auf dem Teppich bleiben, literally to keep your feet on the carpet. Exaggerated praise can easily be interpreted as sarcasm.

In Germany, praise in the presence of other colleagues is even more seldom, and is a sign of truly exceptional performance. But even in that context the Germans distinguish between excellent and exceptional work. Praise should always be closely in line with actual performance.

At his retirement ceremony the president of a prestigious German-European research institution was praised with the words: „He is a kind, humble person, who led others based on fairness and objective standards, and who from time to time had valuable scientific breakthroughs. He never sought the spotlight.“ His „valuable publications“ were also praised. The speaker said at the end „You have done a good job!“

Why Germans don’t give compliments

The absence of criticism can be taken as praise in Germany, Courtney Tenz learned the hard way. On Compliment Day she explains why she misses superficial American compliments, but appreciates the German approach.

“Though it has taken me more than a decade, I have finally come to terms with the fact that in Germany, I won’t be complimented on everything I do and when — if — I garner attention for praise, it will likely be more sincere than anything I’d have heard in the US. Like the one a young girl recently gave me after I visited the beauty salon: ‘You look much better now that your gray hair is gone.'”

Praise

Germans give praise in direct connection with factually demonstrated performance. Praise in front of the team is seldom. Official awards are rare, for they could lead to envy and undermine team cohesion. Examples

Praise

German Approach

American Approach

Americans see themselves as positive thinkers, motivators, self-motivators. They seek out reasons to praise. In fact, praise is most instrumental when an individual or entire team is struggling, experiencing defeat and self-doubt. Examples

American View

Germans are “praise stingy.” Criticism is direct, harsh, in generous supply. Germans miss opportunities to motivate by recognizing good performance.

German View

American praise comes across to Germans as inflationary, as simply unwarranted. They fear a creeping self-delusion.

Advice to Germans

If you are in an American team, be prepared for folks who say good things about you and to you. Accept it. Maybe you deserve it. Life isn’t a zero sum game. Praise for one person doesn’t come at the expense of another.

Allow yourself to be motivated by a positive, self-motivating environment. You won’t become a naive dreamer suddenly committing one unforced error after the other.

If you lead Americans, get generous. Praise, motivate, cheer your team on to victory. Their victory is your victory.

Advice to Americans

There is a German saying which states, “the absence of criticism is praise enough.” German praise comes in a very understated way. You’ll feel like a flower receiving insufficient water and sun.

You’ll need to motivate yourself more than ever before. Fine. Do it. You’ll develop inner strength. If you lead Germans, practice the German art of sober understatement.

If you decide to single out a team member, include praise for the entire team. Avoid any kind of star creation.