German punctuality
March 24. 2025
originally written by Chris Pyak 2014
“Sorry, I got stuck in traffic…”
Newsflash – There is no movie called “Quarter past High Noon.”
Great. You came just in time to read this article. How do I know that you are punctual? Because this article is always prepared for you – as a matter of fact: This article has nothing better to do than to wait for you.
If you meet real people it might be different, though. They are usually quite busy. If you make them wait you basically tell them “My time is more valuable than yours.”
Now I know that this wouldn’t be your intention. Maybe you simply come from another culture. But even when Germans realize this rationally – it will still feel like an insult.
Germans are actually not very submissive to superiors. Intercultural studies by “Hofstede” and others show Germans to be less impressed by power than even Americans.
This means that even if you are my boss – it would still be disrespectful to let me wait. If you happen to be the manager of a German team: Take a close look if team members show up late for meetings. It might be that there is simply a more relaxed culture in your company – or it might be that they are questioning your authority.
(Surprise: If you give your assistant an order and she asks you why she needs to do this – that is not lack of respect! Germans simply like to understand why something is important)
So far this shouldn’t be too surprising to you. The real benefit for you comes from understanding the emotional reasons for German punctuality. Three traits of the German “national character” come together here:
1. No power trips – Germans see each other as equals and want to be treated accordingly.
2. Long-term thinking – Germans like to plan in advance. If you’re late then it might force them to reschedule other appointments or not be able to live up to the next commitment. Forcing someone to act against their deepest values is the surest way to lose a friend. For good.
3. High uncertainty avoidance – Germans want to be certain. If you cannot be relied on, or you create uncertainty, you are stressful. If you are a letdown over small things – like being punctual – you cannot be trusted right away with important issues. Help Germans to avoid uncertainty and you will make good progress toward your goals.
There is a big plus though to being afraid of uncertainty. Being “sure” allows for proper development and following of the rule of law. There are a lot of rules in Germany – which can be quite unnerving. But the upside is that everyone will be treated the same according to the rules.
For example: You know that the police men and woman are there to help solve the problem at hand. There are no other hidden motives to it. That’s an example where it’s not the same in all other countries.
Practical tip
To build strong relationships we need to focus on what we have in common instead of what separates us.
A short tip to behave appropriately in business meetings in Germany:
1. To be punctual means that you are there and prepared to start at the scheduled time of the meeting. Not that you just run into the office on your last gasp. Arriving 5-minutes early? That’s on time. Arriving on time for the meeting, you’re late. (That’s German punctuality.)
So – be there prior to the actual meeting time. For daily business: 5-minutes early is fine. For longer distances or important meetings 15-minutes early!
Where did punctuality make a real impact on your career? Send me an email about your experience 🙂
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