Key Takeaways:

• Intercultural communication is more than just language—it’s about understanding cultural nuances and adapting to different communication styles.
• Feedback expectations vary across cultures, with Germany favoring directness, while countries like India often use a more indirect approach to maintain harmony.
• Germany’s welcome culture presents challenges for newcomers, as bureaucratic hurdles and social integration can make settling in difficult.
• Small talk and relationship-building play a crucial role in professional success, even in cultures that prioritize efficiency over social interaction.
• Technology can support intercultural communication, but human understanding and adaptability remain essential for true connection.

Authors:

Sapana Gupta is a US-born language coach with Indian roots who has lived in Germany for nearly a decade. She helps businesses and individuals use English to bridge cultural gaps, navigate communication barriers, and build stronger cross-cultural connections.

Daniel Zinner is an international HR expert, entrepreneur, and communications consultant. His expertise lies in HR, strategy, digitalisation, and transformation strategy.