First work, then pleasure. In German negotiation logic, factual clarification comes first. Small talk and personal relationships play a secondary role. Only when the work is done can you move on to relationship building.
figures of speech
“Ein Mann, ein Wort”
Ein Mann, ein Wort. Literally, a man, a word. If you promise something, you have to keep it. This saying stands for reliability and consistency. A word is considered just as binding as a written contract.