Problem Solving

When Germans face a problem, their first move is to understand what’s actually causing it. They don’t jump straight to solutions. Instead, they dig into why the problem exists—what mechanisms are producing it, what factors contribute to it, what would need to change for it to go away permanently.

This diagnostic phase isn’t optional; it’s considered essential. A solution applied without understanding the cause might temporarily suppress symptoms, but the underlying problem persists. You’ll find this orientation everywhere: children are asked ‘Why did this happen?’ before discussing what to do; engineers analyze root causes of failures; physicians insist on proper diagnosis before treatment.

The German term gründlich—thorough, getting to the ground of things—captures this perfectly. When working with Germans on problems, expect them to invest significant time understanding causes before proposing solutions. Don’t interpret this as hesitation or over-analysis; it’s how they ensure solutions actually solve.

Germans care deeply about how solutions are reached, not just whether they work. A correct answer achieved through flawed reasoning is problematic because it can’t be trusted or replicated.

This is why German education emphasizes showing your work, why legal decisions must follow proper procedures, why industry invests heavily in quality processes. The logic is straightforward: valid methods produce reliable results; invalid methods produce results that might be coincidentally correct but provide no confidence about similar situations.

When you propose a solution, expect questions about your methodology—how did you reach this conclusion? What was your process? This isn’t bureaucratic obstruction; it’s quality assurance. Solutions with questionable pedigree are solutions that can’t be depended upon. If you want Germans to trust your solution, be prepared to explain your process clearly and show that it meets reasonable standards of rigor.