Unlocking Opportunities: Working In Germany Quiz
Dive into the professional landscape with the 'Unlocking Opportunities: Working in Germany Quiz.' Explore the ins and outs of working in this dynamic European hub. From cultural nuances to employment regulations, test your knowledge and readiness for a career in Germany. Whether you're planning a move or just curious, this quiz provides valuable insights for anyone aspiring to work in Germany.
As an American in Germany, would you know how to navigate the German office culture? Do you have the right stuff?
Find out by taking this short test - it's free, and it's fun!
This multiple choice quiz was created Read morefor the Germany-USA Career Center by our partner Christian Hoeferle, based on frequently asked questions and issues encountered by U. S. Citizens working or looking to work in Germany.
No pressure: with each answer, you will get immediate feedback to let you know if you made the right choice. Let's get started!
- 1.
When being introduced to Germans in a business setting you...
- A.
Just nod your head to every person and say "Hallo"
- B.
Hand them your business card before talking
- C.
Shake everyone's hand, wait for them to say their name before you give them your full name
- D.
Keep a formal distance and simply mumble a subdued "Guten Tag"
Correct Answer
C. Shake everyone's hand, wait for them to say their name before you give them your full nameExplanation
In a business setting, it is customary to shake everyone's hand when being introduced to Germans. However, it is considered polite to wait for them to say their name before you give them your full name. This allows them to take the lead in the introduction and shows respect for their customs and traditions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Your German co-worker has her office door closed. She...
- A.
Is having a bad day and doesn't want to be bothered
- B.
Is preparing for an important meeting and needs to focus without distractions
- C.
Is temporarily tending to personal matters
- D.
Is showing her discontentment with the team
Correct Answer
B. Is preparing for an important meeting and needs to focus without distractionsExplanation
The correct answer is "is preparing for an important meeting and needs to focus without distractions." This can be inferred from the information given in the question, where it states that the German co-worker has her office door closed. Closing the office door is often a sign that someone wants privacy and needs to concentrate on a task, such as preparing for an important meeting.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When beginning a business meeting, what are appropriate conversation starters?
- A.
Talk about family & friends
- B.
Discuss current events (sports, news)
- C.
Just comment on the weather and move on to the agenda
- D.
Use any of the above sparely and go straight to business
Correct Answer
D. Use any of the above sparely and go straight to businessExplanation
Appropriate conversation starters when beginning a business meeting may include talking about family and friends, discussing current events such as sports or news, or making a brief comment about the weather before moving on to the agenda. However, it is important to use these topics sparingly and then transition quickly to the main purpose of the meeting, which is going straight to business. This ensures that the meeting stays focused and productive without wasting too much time on unrelated discussions.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the proper attire for the professional German business environment?
- A.
A sports coat/blazer and slacks
- B.
Jeans, dress shirt and suit jacket
- C.
Pant suit or suit
- D.
Any of the above - depending on the type of industry
Correct Answer
D. Any of the above - depending on the type of industryExplanation
The proper attire for the professional German business environment can vary depending on the type of industry. In some industries, such as finance or law, a pant suit or suit is more appropriate. In other industries, a sports coat/blazer and slacks may be acceptable. Jeans, dress shirt, and suit jacket would generally not be considered appropriate attire in a professional German business environment.Rate this question:
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- 5.
It’s your birthday. At the office...
- A.
You receive a cake and small gifts from your co-workers
- B.
You better expect to be pranked by your colleagues
- C.
Your co-workers expect you to provide cake and Sekt (German bubbly) for everyone
- D.
For privacy reasons, nobody is supposed to know your date of birth and it’s business as usual
Correct Answer
C. Your co-workers expect you to provide cake and Sekt (German bubbly) for everyone -
- 6.
Germans are strereotypically known for efficiency. To prove yourself, you...
- A.
Always work late
- B.
Make sure to leave the office on time
- C.
Work late in on special occasions which require team overtime
- D.
Remind team members to stick to the office hours
Correct Answer
C. Work late in on special occasions which require team overtimeExplanation
The correct answer is "work late on special occasions which require team overtime." This answer aligns with the stereotype of Germans being efficient, as it suggests that they prioritize getting the job done and meeting deadlines, even if it means working late on specific occasions that require extra effort from the team. This option shows a balance between efficiency and respecting regular office hours.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How do you appropriately address a female business contact?
- A.
"Fräulein" and her last name
- B.
"Frau" and her last name
- C.
"Frau" and the academic title/s (if applicable) and her last name
- D.
Option B or C
Correct Answer
D. Option B or CExplanation
Option B or C is the correct answer because using "Fräulein" to address a female business contact is considered outdated and can be seen as disrespectful. "Frau" is a more appropriate and respectful way to address a female business contact. Additionally, if the contact has an academic title, it is polite to include it along with her last name.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In a meeting that includes several departments or business functions it is appropriate for participants...
- A.
To speak freely on any topic on the agenda - brainstorming leads to creative solutions
- B.
To speak on topics that touch one’s expertise
- C.
To voice opinion outside one’s expertise when asked by leadership
- D.
Option B & C
Correct Answer
D. Option B & CExplanation
In a meeting that includes several departments or business functions, it is appropriate for participants to speak on topics that touch their expertise because they can provide valuable insights and contribute their knowledge to the discussion. Additionally, it is also acceptable for participants to voice their opinion outside their expertise when asked by leadership because their perspective might offer a fresh and different viewpoint. Both options B and C encourage active participation and collaboration, which can lead to more creative solutions through brainstorming.Rate this question:
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- 9.
To enter into a contract with German companies...
- A.
You need to build a strong personal relationship with their leadership team
- B.
You have to win their trust by being sincere and honest, by presenting convincing data and facts
- C.
You need to make your case in perfect German, and avoid (American) English
- D.
Option B & C
Correct Answer
B. You have to win their trust by being sincere and honest, by presenting convincing data and factsExplanation
Building trust is an essential factor when entering into a contract with German companies. By being sincere and honest, and presenting convincing data and facts, you are more likely to gain the trust of the German company's leadership team. This trust is crucial in establishing a strong business relationship and increasing the chances of successfully entering into a contract.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What are some etiquette taboos?
- A.
Keeping your hands in your pocket when talking to someone
- B.
Avoiding eye-contact
- C.
Moving chairs & tables around in someone’s office
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The given answer, "all of the above," is correct because it encompasses all the mentioned behaviors as etiquette taboos. Keeping hands in pockets while talking to someone is considered disrespectful and shows a lack of interest. Avoiding eye contact is also seen as rude and can be interpreted as disengagement. Moving chairs and tables around in someone's office without permission is considered invasive and disrespectful of personal space. Therefore, all of these behaviors are etiquette taboos.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What do you hear in German hallways during lunch hours?
- A.
The pinging sound of microwaves from the kitchen
- B.
"Mahlzeit!"
- C.
Nothing. Everyone is out eating.
- D.
The sound of fingers pounding on keyboards. Lunch is for losers.
Correct Answer
B. "Mahlzeit!"Explanation
In German hallways during lunch hours, it is common to hear the greeting "Mahlzeit!" This word is used as a way to wish someone a good meal or to acknowledge that it is lunchtime. It is a customary phrase that people use when they see each other during this time of the day.Rate this question:
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- 12.
You are unhappy with a work situation and need to talk to your superior. You...
- A.
Walk into his office and raise your concern;Germans like the direct approach
- B.
Make an appointment to speak with him
- C.
Ask a colleague to set up a three-way talk
- D.
Go through HR first and make sure they think it's a good idea
Correct Answer
B. Make an appointment to speak with himExplanation
In this situation, the best approach is to make an appointment to speak with your superior. This shows respect for their time and allows them to prepare for the conversation. It also ensures that you have their undivided attention and can have a focused discussion about your concerns.Rate this question:
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- 13.
When giving performance feedback to Germans...
- A.
You use the "sandwich" technique - praise, criticism, praise
- B.
You tell them directly what you dislike about their performance and suggest routes to improvement
- C.
You need to let them save face, so you take part of the blame
- D.
You rely on the team to redirect individual members
Correct Answer
B. You tell them directly what you dislike about their performance and suggest routes to improvementExplanation
When giving performance feedback to Germans, it is important to tell them directly what you dislike about their performance and suggest routes to improvement. This approach is valued in German culture as it promotes clear communication and provides specific guidance for improvement. By being direct and offering constructive criticism, it shows respect for their abilities and fosters a culture of continuous growth and development.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Nov 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jul 19, 2013Quiz Created by
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