How Romanians and Germans Got Along (Or Didn't)!

Cultural barriers between Romania and Germany

Romania and Germany are two European countries that have different cultures, histories and values. These differences can create challenges and opportunities for people who interact with each other in various contexts, such as business, sales, friendship or politics. In this blog post, I will explore some of the main cultural barriers between Romania and Germany, and how they can affect the behavior and expectations of both parties.

Sales habits

One of the most noticeable cultural barriers between Romania and Germany is the way they approach sales and negotiations. Romanians tend to be more flexible, informal and emotional in their sales tactics, while Germans are more rigid, formal and rational. Romanians may use humor, flattery, personal stories or gifts to build rapport and trust with their clients, while Germans may focus on facts, figures, quality and efficiency. Romanians may also be more willing to bargain, compromise or make concessions, while Germans may stick to their initial offers and conditions. These differences can lead to misunderstandings, frustrations or conflicts if both sides are not aware of the other's preferences and expectations.

Business habits

Another cultural barrier between Romania and Germany is the way they conduct business and work. Romanians tend to have a more hierarchical and centralized organizational structure, where decisions are made by the top management and communicated down the chain of command. Germans tend to have a more flat and decentralized organizational structure, where decisions are made by consensus and collaboration among different levels and departments. Romanians may also value loyalty, personal relationships and connections more than Germans, who may value competence, performance and merit more. Romanians may also have a more relaxed attitude towards time, deadlines and rules, while Germans may have a more strict and punctual attitude. These differences can affect the communication, coordination and cooperation between Romanian and German business partners or colleagues.

Friendship habits

A third cultural barrier between Romania and Germany is the way they form and maintain friendships. Romanians tend to be more warm, expressive and hospitable than Germans, who tend to be more reserved, discreet and formal. Romanians may invite their friends to their homes, share their personal problems or opinions, or hug and kiss them as a sign of affection. Germans may prefer to meet their friends in public places, keep their private matters or views to themselves, or shake hands or nod as a sign of respect. Romanians may also expect their friends to be loyal, supportive and generous, while Germans may expect their friends to be honest, reliable and fair. These differences can influence the level of intimacy, trust and reciprocity between Romanian and German friends.

Men vs women rights

A fourth cultural barrier between Romania and Germany is the way they perceive and treat men and women in society. Romania has a more traditional and patriarchal culture than Germany, which has a more modern and egalitarian culture. Romania has a lower gender equality index than Germany, which means that women have less access to education, health care, employment or political representation than men. Romania also has a higher gender gap in income, labor force participation or leadership positions than Germany. Romania also has more prevalent gender stereotypes, norms or roles than Germany, which means that women are expected to be more submissive, nurturing or domestic than men, who are expected to be more dominant, assertive or breadwinners. These differences can create barriers for women who want to pursue their personal or professional goals in Romania or Germany.

Democracy

A fifth cultural barrier between Romania and Germany is the way they practice and value democracy. Romania has a younger and weaker democracy than Germany, which has a longer and stronger democracy. Romania has a lower democracy index than Germany, which means that it has less political participation, civil liberties, government accountability or media freedom than Germany. 

Romania also has more corruption, populism or instability than Germany, which means that it has less transparency, rule of law or stability than Germany. Romania also has more polarization, fragmentation or distrust than Germany, which means that it has less consensus, cohesion or trust than Germany. These differences can affect the quality, effectiveness and legitimacy of the democratic institutions, processes and outcomes in Romania or Germany.

How to overcome cultural barriers

The cultural barriers between Romania and Germany can be overcome if both parties are willing to learn, adapt and communicate with each other. Learning involves acquiring knowledge, awareness and understanding of the other's culture, history and values. Adapting involves adjusting one's behavior, style and approach to the other's preferences, needs and expectations.