Ohne Kontext keine Zustimmung. Literal translation: Without context, no agreement. Meaning: Stresses that agreement is only possible when all relevant information is available.
context
Holy Roman Empire
Royal Elections in the Holy Roman Empire: The election of kings in the Holy Roman Empire was a highly ritualized and secretive process, emphasizing legitimacy and unanimity. Before the formal act of voting, extensive informal negotiations took place behind the scenes. All relevant issues and possible dissent were addressed in advance, ensuring that when the electors finally gave their “yes,” it was well-considered and fully committed. The ritual and secrecy symbolized the seriousness and binding nature of the agreement, and only after all context was clarified did the decision become public and final.
Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt
Postwar German Collective Guilt and the Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt (1945): After World War II, German leaders and intellectuals grappled with the nation’s responsibility for Nazi crimes. The Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt by Protestant church leaders was only issued after deep reflection and extensive discussion about the nation’s past and the context of its actions. This public admission of guilt—and the broader culture of Vergangenheitsbewältigung (coming to terms with the past)—demonstrates the German tendency to seek full understanding and context before making a binding moral or political commitment.
Das Boot
Das Boot (1981). Plot: This classic war film follows the crew of a German U-boat during World War II as they face life-and-death decisions in extreme conditions. The submarine’s captain and crew meticulously analyze every situation, weighing risks and gathering all available information before making critical decisions. Their survival depends on only committing to actions they are certain they can carry out.
Gundermann
Gundermann (2018). Plot: The biopic of East German singer-songwriter Gerhard Gundermann explores his double life as both a celebrated musician and a Stasi informant. The film delves into Gundermann’s internal struggle with the commitments he makes, showing how he seeks to understand the full context and consequences before giving his word.
Peace of Augsburg
The Peace of Augsburg (1555): This treaty ended religious conflict within the Holy Roman Empire by allowing rulers to choose their territory’s religion. The agreement was reached only after protracted negotiations and careful consideration of the political and religious context. The resulting yes was highly binding and respected, reflecting the German preference for thorough context before agreement.
Context
German Approach
The German yes means a high degree of commitment. Before granting it Germans want to be sure that they can fulfill it. In order to decide they request a lot of context information up-front. Examples
American Approach
Once Americans enter into an agreement they are in constant contact. They see no reason to go into great depth about the context. But also because they reserve the right to exit the agreement. Examples
American View
A German colleague requesting what can appear to be too much background information can give the impression of being overly conscientious, risk-averse, even mistrustful.
An American would wonder: „If we have an agreement, why does my German colleague need so much information up front. Let‘s get started. We‘ll be in touch as we proceed.“
German View
Germans are surprised that Americans would ask them to enter into an agreement without having first provided the contextual information necessary to make a decision.
They then experience Americans who become impatient with their questions. Depending on the sensitivity of the agreement, a German might suspect that an attempt is being made to gain their „yes“ without them fully knowing or understanding the potential effects. A German might become careful, sceptical, even wary.
Advice to Germans
Your American colleagues expect a higher level of communication during the time span of an agreement. Therefore, they need not know the whole story up front. Provide what they need in order to get started.
If and when they require additional information, you‘ll hear from them. Be prepared to communicate on a more frequent basis.
Now, if an American provides you with too little context information in order for you to make a decision, kindly indicate this. Tell them that you simply are conscientious, that you want to get it right the first time.
Advice to Americans
Remember, Germans separate between substance and person. Vigorous intellectual give and take on controversial topics is not personal.
In fact, it is one way in which the Germans demonstrate respect for America and Americans. It means that they take your point of view and America seriously.
So, engage with the Germans. Help them to understand the American viewpoint. And put some effort into understanding their point of view. It’s well worth it.