Country Information

• GDP: US$3.67 trillion (2008).
• Main imports: Food, petroleum products, manufactured goods, metals and motor vehicles.
• Main exports: Machinery, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel products.
• Main trade partners: France, The Netherlands, UK, China and USA.

Germany boasts the largest economy in Europe, although it is one not without significant problems. As a result of the global crisis it contracted 5% in 2009, resulting in the country’s worst recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s. It has since emerged from recession – thanks largely to a recovery in the exports on which it relies so heavily – but growth has been faltering and unemployment remains high.

In the past two decades the nation's finances have suffered heavily from reunification, the former East Germany swallowing up huge sums in modernisation, and still badly underperforming economically. Those employed in the former West still pay a special tax on top of their regular income tax, for supporting the eastern states. However, inflation is low at around 1.2%.

Germany's population is aging, and this, combined with the high unemployment levels and population movement, has at times placed a heavy burden on the welfare system. The country also has a high immigrant population. The country is known for having a cumbersome bureaucracy, both at national, state and local levels, and this too places a strain on tax resources.

Businesspeople are expected to dress smartly. English is spoken by many businesspeople, but it is an advantage to have a working knowledge of German, or an interpreter. Appointments should be made well in advance, particularly in the summer. Appointments may be suggested slightly earlier in the day than is often the custom in the UK. Once made, appointment times should be strictly adhered to. Some firms may close early Friday afternoon. Always use formal titles such as Herr Doktor or Frau Doktor when addressing business contacts - never assume that first names can be used, this can offend. Punctuality is essential for business visits.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600 (many close earlier on Fridays).

German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce in the UK
Mecklenburg House, 16 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB, UK
Tel: (020) 7976 4100.
Website: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk

German American Chamber of Commerce in the USA
75 Broad Street, 21st Floor, New York, NY10004
Tel: (212) 974 8830.
Website: www.gaccny.com

German Convention Bureau (Deutsches Kongressbüro)
Münchener Strasse 48, 60329 Frankfurt/M, Germany
Tel: (069) 242 9300.
Website: www.gcb.de

Germany is by far Europe's leading conventions and exhibitions destination, with large Messen (exhibition and convention centres) in all major cities, and second only to the USA worldwide in terms of events hosted.