Welcome to Germany. Now guess the rules.
Do Germans expect us to work like them?
This question came up during one of my recent intercultural trainings and it made me pause.
I paused because the immediate answer is: Yes.
But much of what lies within that “yes” is problematic.
👉🏼Germany wants to attract international professionals, yet job applications that don’t match German standards are often dismissed.
👉🏼English-language study programs are increasingly offered at German universities, but the lack of German language skills still prevents many from entering the job market.
👉🏼Collaboration with international teams is expected,but cultural preparation is often missing.
👉🏼Compliance with unwritten rules is assumed, but no one explains these rules or the logic behind them.
💡There is little effort to build system understanding.
And the list goes on.
So: Does Germany expect us to work like them?
Yes, I’m afraid it does. And that’s understandable, because it would make many things easier.
But the world doesn’t work that way.
It’s not that simple. Ignoring this reality creates friction, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.
Now Guess the Rules
