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Germany: Unraveling an Enigma
Who are the Germans?
So we think we know a lot about Germans? After all, more Germans have immigrated to the United States than any other ethnic group, and fifty million American citizens currently claim German heritage. The truth is, though, Germans are different from us-in more ways than we may know.
Greg Nees, in this new InterAct, Unraveling an Enigma , does an outstanding job of explaining those cultural differences that we most need to know in order to have effective and fulfilling interactions with the Germans. Nees explores major German cultural the need for order and obedience to rules and regulations, the insistence on clarity of thought, compartmentalization, the penchant for rational thinking and the love of abstract debate, the sharp distinction between insiders and outsiders, a strong sense of duty, and German communication patterns.
As a business consultant who has lived and worked many years with Germans, Greg Nees gives special attention to the German social market economy and to cultural differences in the workplace. Perhaps most valuable, in his last chapter he looks to the future as Germany seeks to create a new identity in the twenty-first century, dealing with such issues as multiculturalism, Americanization, changing lifestyles, the European Union, and globalization.
So we think we know a lot about Germans? After all, more Germans have immigrated to the United States than any other ethnic group, and fifty million American citizens currently claim German heritage. The truth is, though, Germans are different from us-in more ways than we may know.
Greg Nees, in this new InterAct, Unraveling an Enigma , does an outstanding job of explaining those cultural differences that we most need to know in order to have effective and fulfilling interactions with the Germans. Nees explores major German cultural the need for order and obedience to rules and regulations, the insistence on clarity of thought, compartmentalization, the penchant for rational thinking and the love of abstract debate, the sharp distinction between insiders and outsiders, a strong sense of duty, and German communication patterns.
As a business consultant who has lived and worked many years with Germans, Greg Nees gives special attention to the German social market economy and to cultural differences in the workplace. Perhaps most valuable, in his last chapter he looks to the future as Germany seeks to create a new identity in the twenty-first century, dealing with such issues as multiculturalism, Americanization, changing lifestyles, the European Union, and globalization.
228 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1999
17 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Greg Nees
2 booksGreg Nees, Ph.D., is an interculturalist, coach, and consultant. He earned his B.A. in psychology from UCLA, worked and traveled in West Africa, and then took up residence in Europe. In Germany he worked as an English teacher, translator, and college instructor. While leading intercultural communication seminars at the Johannes Gutenberg University, he discovered the joy of promoting understanding between the different peoples of the world.
He returned to the U.S. in 1990 to complete his doctorate in communication studies. Today he works with expatriates, multicultural teams, and international organizations that want to improve their global competence. His seminars and coaching sessions focus on the interaction of culture, mind, and communication style to help his clients raise their awareness and develop the skills needed to achieve their goals.
He returned to the U.S. in 1990 to complete his doctorate in communication studies. Today he works with expatriates, multicultural teams, and international organizations that want to improve their global competence. His seminars and coaching sessions focus on the interaction of culture, mind, and communication style to help his clients raise their awareness and develop the skills needed to achieve their goals.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 27, 2011
This book was prepared primarily to introduce US businesspersons to German culture in the service of professional communication. There is some material on history and culture, but much more on what to expect in presentations, deliberation style, and professional etiquette. I was hoping for a work that dealt more with culture and worldview in its own terms and for its own sake, but nonetheless found it easy to read, enjoyable, thought-provoking, and interesting. I would recommend it to early students of German who would like to start thinking a bit about how Germans see the world.
August 3, 2016
Dated, especially with a lot that's happened over the past decade, but is especially helpful for understanding the mindset of older Germans and conservative families. Seems geared toward business relations, but I was assigned to read before studying abroad in Germany. Helpful to Americans who read with an open mind, and keep it open as they research more and travel.
January 30, 2016
Germany: Unraveling an Enigma
© 2000 Paul Nees
236 pages
If you follow European news, chances are good that you’ve heard the name Angela Merkel in recent months. Chancellor of Germany, her nation is the economic heart of Europe and essential to the eventual resolution of its debt crisis. And yet, just a little over two decades ago, Germany was a divided nation…and a generation before, it lay in ruins, largely destroyed in a war which instigated, a war which casts a shadow over all Germans, even those born today. Germany has a long, storied, and troubled past: it is the land of Beethoven and Marx, but also of Hitler and his ilk. Europe and the world have been ravaged by Germany’s military in times past, but buoyed by its contributions to culture -- and it will likely continue to be a major player throughout the next century. All that in mind, what makes the Germans tick?
Paul Nee’s attempt to answer that question comes in the form of a cultural analysis, an exploration of the German character which seems to be largely written for Americans interested in doing business in America, but his guide concerns Germany as a whole. Even the latter two-thirds of the book focused on business and economics -- explaining both the social market system as well as Germany business culture, exploring practices in the United States and Germany which might be at variance with one another -- are fascinating, as they build on the general themes which Nees set forth at the opening. There, he explores the German mind, elaborating on convictions that most Germans share. He not only identifies the concepts, but demonstrates how they are interwoven throughout Germany society. In the section titled "Ordnung muss Sein", for instance, he shows how the concept of good order manifests itself not only in politics, but in the way people relate to their possessions a shoddily maintained car is unthinkable. The picture of the Germans which emerges from the book is that of a intense, serious, and passionate people.
Nees' book is similar to Sixty Million Frenchman Can't Be Wrong, which tries to explain France to Americans. Nees is (suitably, for his subject), more "solid": he concentrates on a few ideas and explores them thoroughly. Although seemingly targeted toward businessmen, its thorough thoughtfulness recommends it to anyone with a curiosity about Germany.
© 2000 Paul Nees
236 pages
If you follow European news, chances are good that you’ve heard the name Angela Merkel in recent months. Chancellor of Germany, her nation is the economic heart of Europe and essential to the eventual resolution of its debt crisis. And yet, just a little over two decades ago, Germany was a divided nation…and a generation before, it lay in ruins, largely destroyed in a war which instigated, a war which casts a shadow over all Germans, even those born today. Germany has a long, storied, and troubled past: it is the land of Beethoven and Marx, but also of Hitler and his ilk. Europe and the world have been ravaged by Germany’s military in times past, but buoyed by its contributions to culture -- and it will likely continue to be a major player throughout the next century. All that in mind, what makes the Germans tick?
Paul Nee’s attempt to answer that question comes in the form of a cultural analysis, an exploration of the German character which seems to be largely written for Americans interested in doing business in America, but his guide concerns Germany as a whole. Even the latter two-thirds of the book focused on business and economics -- explaining both the social market system as well as Germany business culture, exploring practices in the United States and Germany which might be at variance with one another -- are fascinating, as they build on the general themes which Nees set forth at the opening. There, he explores the German mind, elaborating on convictions that most Germans share. He not only identifies the concepts, but demonstrates how they are interwoven throughout Germany society. In the section titled "Ordnung muss Sein", for instance, he shows how the concept of good order manifests itself not only in politics, but in the way people relate to their possessions a shoddily maintained car is unthinkable. The picture of the Germans which emerges from the book is that of a intense, serious, and passionate people.
Nees' book is similar to Sixty Million Frenchman Can't Be Wrong, which tries to explain France to Americans. Nees is (suitably, for his subject), more "solid": he concentrates on a few ideas and explores them thoroughly. Although seemingly targeted toward businessmen, its thorough thoughtfulness recommends it to anyone with a curiosity about Germany.
April 30, 2012
This book offers reflections and insights on German culture, oriented in particular to businesspeople and others who would need to communicate effectively with Germans and thus need to a deeper, fuller understanding of German behavior. While by no means exhaustive, the book is a good overview based on experience and investigation. One weakness of the book is that it was published prior to 2000. With all the changes that have happened in Europe and Germany since then, it would be worth a reassessment to see which attributes endure and which have significantly shifted in the new Europe.
September 28, 2010
A nice, concise guide to German culture. The book really seems to be written for Americans who will have to do business in Germany or spend extended time there. It's not necessarily something you'd bring as, say, a travel guide.
Still, if you're interested in learning more about other cultures, it's a really interesting, quick read. Lots of focus on the differences that have come about through the democratization of the country and post-unification, both the positives and negatives.
Still, if you're interested in learning more about other cultures, it's a really interesting, quick read. Lots of focus on the differences that have come about through the democratization of the country and post-unification, both the positives and negatives.
July 27, 2011
Great book, very clear and concise. This book explains all the reasons why I have always had a hard time interacting with Americans. Although I was born and raised here, I guess my mother and oma affected my mindset more than I thought, as I am so very German, according to this book, and so very not American. I think I need to have a few copies and hand them out to people who can't seem to understand me, haha.
August 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much. Although it's a bit dated, and was written when Germany was still struggling to return to a whole country after reunification, it gives tremendous insight into German cultural norms and the German worldview. I have a much greater understanding now of why history is so important to them, their conversational style, and much more. Although much of the material was unfamiliar to me, it was presented clearly and was an easy read.
September 3, 2010
Even though it's geared towards business people, this book gave me a fascinating look into German culture, language, communication styles. Also very interesting if you have German heritage (like I do) because it helps you to understand..."Oh, *that's* why I do that...I'm (part) German!" I would like to read more books like this about other countries.
August 26, 2011
This book gives, for me, a new and fresh way of looking at the German culture and experience. Well worth the time and a book that one could return to many times.
November 21, 2012
my husband said this book would help me understand him better. i actually think it does. or at least it puts him in context.
September 6, 2014
Interesting, if somewhat dated, description of German culture, norms, and ways of thinking with contrast to Americans.
January 18, 2015
Good read
Great insight, though it seems dated at times. Very interesting insight on the german culture and how an American can expect Germany to be different.
Great insight, though it seems dated at times. Very interesting insight on the german culture and how an American can expect Germany to be different.
July 21, 2015
A must-read if you deal with the Germans for business, or even if you're just traveling there.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews