Working in Germany: Culture Shock or Career Upgrade?

Let’s talk about the unspoken rules in German companies.

You apply for a job. You get an interview. You prepare like a pro.
And then… something feels off.

Not wrong. Just… different.
You walk out thinking, “Was that good? Did I say too much? Not enough? Was I too informal? Too confident? Too…?”

Welcome to the invisible layer of the German workplace: culture.

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Let’s be real—what is “German” work culture anyway?

Some say: structure, logic, precision.
Others say: rigid, formal, hierarchical.
Or maybe: respectful, efficient, clear.

Depends who you ask.

For some, German work life is a dream. You know where you stand. Plans are made. Deadlines are real.
For others, it’s a constant puzzle. Why is small talk weird? Why does feedback feel like a spreadsheet?

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Job interviews, onboarding, meetings, feedback—
They all carry cultural fingerprints.

• Do you feel you can be open in meetings?

• How much “small talk” is too much?

• Ever received feedback that felt a bit… blunt?

• Do decisions get made fast, or after 27 emails and a PDF?

• What surprised you most when you started your first job here?

If you’re from a different background, working in Germany isn’t just about the tasks. It’s about reading the room.

And sometimes, the room is very quiet. 😅

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Why I’m asking

I’m doing my PhD on how foreign professionals adapt to the German work environment.
How do people experience the culture?
What helps them succeed?
What makes them want to pack up and leave?

To find out, I built a survey. And yes… it’s a bit of a beast.

👉 [Take the survey here – 29 questions, ~25 mins](YOUR LINK)

Yes, it’s a bit long—I know, I know.

But your perspective matters.

The more diverse the input, the more meaningful the results.

It’s long because I’m digging deep. I want real stories, not just soundbites.

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Not trying to influence you

This isn’t about judging the culture. Not about what’s right or wrong.
It’s about understanding how people experience it.

How you experience it.

Maybe you love the directness.
Maybe you miss more flexible vibes.
Maybe it depends on your team lead, your mood, or the moon phase.

That’s the point: it’s complex.
Let’s make space for that.

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So… what’s been your experience?

Drop your thoughts.
Take the survey.
Share it with friends who’ve worked in Germany, too.

Because the more stories we collect, the better we can support international talents.

Like you.

Or like me. (I am Hungarian, so also an expatriate.)

Thanks for being part of this 🙌

Talk soon,

Susanna