United States & Germany

Working Hours

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Varies significantly by coast—East Coast starts 3 hours earlier than West Coast. Many tech companies have flexible hours.

Lunch Break

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

30-60 minutes, often eaten at desk or during meetings

Business Etiquette

• •Direct communication style is preferred—get to the point quickly
• •Punctuality is highly valued; being late is seen as disrespectful
• •First names are commonly used even with senior colleagues
• •Email and Slack are primary communication channels
• •Work-life boundaries are increasingly respected, especially post-pandemic

Major Holidays

• Thanksgiving — Late November (4th Thursday)
• Independence Day — July 4
• Christmas-New Year — December 24 - January 1
• Memorial Day — Last Monday of May
• Labor Day — First Monday of September

Communication Style

Direct and results-oriented. Americans value efficiency and clear action items from meetings.

Meeting Culture

Agendas are expected, discussions are time-boxed. Video calls have become standard. Meetings often start with brief small talk.

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.