Germany & India

Working Hours

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Germans value efficiency and often start earlier than other European countries. Fridays may end earlier. Strong worker protections limit after-hours contact.

Lunch Break

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

30-60 minutes, often a warm meal

Business Etiquette

• •Punctuality is extremely important—being late is considered disrespectful
• •Formal address (Herr/Frau + surname) until invited to use first names
• •Direct communication is valued; Germans say what they mean
• •Thorough preparation is expected for all meetings
• •Clear separation between work and personal life

Major Holidays

• Christmas — December 24-26
• Easter — March/April (varies)
• German Unity Day — October 3
• Oktoberfest period — Late September - early October (Bavaria)
• Carnival — February (Rhineland region)

Communication Style

Very direct and factual. Germans appreciate clarity and detailed information. Small talk is minimal; get to business quickly.

Meeting Culture

Meetings start exactly on time. Detailed agendas are followed strictly. Decisions are made methodically with thorough analysis.

Working Hours

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

India has a single timezone (IST) despite its size. Tech companies often have flexible hours to accommodate US clients.

Lunch Break

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

45-60 minutes, often a proper sit-down meal

Business Etiquette

• •Hierarchical respect is important—address seniors with appropriate titles
• •Indirect communication is common; read between the lines
• •Building personal relationships precedes business discussions
• •Saying "no" directly is often avoided; watch for soft declines
• •Flexibility with time is common; schedules may shift

Major Holidays

• Diwali — October/November (varies)
• Holi — March (varies)
• Republic Day — January 26
• Independence Day — August 15
• Eid — Varies by lunar calendar

Communication Style

Relationship-focused and context-heavy. Indians often prefer to establish rapport before diving into business matters.

Meeting Culture

Meetings may start with personal inquiries. Decisions often involve multiple stakeholders. Follow-up discussions are common before final commitments.