A guest post by María Allúe Millán, Español de Negocios – Your Partner for Business in Spain
Although Spain and Germany are both located in Europe and the geographical distance between the two countries is not too great, there are still some important differences. So if you want to be successful in Spain, there are a few things to keep in mind.
One important difference is physical contact, which has a different meaning in Spain than in Germany. Among men, a handshake is the customary greeting and farewell. This may also apply to first encounters between men and women. Depending on the situation—and at the latest after an initial conversation—it’s important to note that in Spain, it’s considered good manners for men and women to greet and say goodbye to each other with two kisses on the cheek. This also applies in the business world!
One major difference—and one that Northern Europeans in particular need to get used to—is the Spanish attitude toward punctuality. There’s no question that Spaniards generally aren’t punctual, but when it comes to business meetings in particular, the rule is: it’s okay to be late, but not too late! A ten-minute delay is usually considered acceptable.
In general, Spaniards use their first and last names when introducing themselves ; titles, on the other hand, are rarely used. Unlike in Germany, they do not carry the same importance. Since children in Spain take the first part of both their father’s and mother’s last names at birth, Spaniards usually have two last names.
Every Spaniard takes great pride in their national cuisine, climate, and way of life. Spaniards are firmly convinced that their lifestyle is one of the best in the world. Every Spaniard is very pleased to receive praise on these topics. A successful way to start any business meal in Spain can be found quite easily. So if your Spanish business partner invites you to a good restaurant, praising the food is a surefire way to make a good impression. On the other hand, you should definitely avoid criticizing life in Spain, bullfighting, or traditional products.
Note on Physical Proximity: It is also quite common for Spaniards to make physical contact with the person they are speaking with on several occasions during a meeting. Without warning, the barrier between conversation partners—which is common in Germany—is broken; this demonstrates closeness and interest in the other person.
It is also part of Spanish business culture that, at the beginning of a business relationship, business partners are reluctant to discuss topics related to their company, their industry, or their competitors. A certain level of trust is needed between business partners to discuss certain topics. Therefore, if possible, avoid bringing up these topics too quickly and wait until your business partner brings them up.
One final key point: style and clothing! In Spain, it’s very important to dress appropriately for every occasion. Elegance, a well-groomed appearance, and the quality of your clothing play a major role and should always be in keeping with the situation and the image you project.
I invite you to discover Spain: I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, because it’s true—Spain is different!
Best regards,
María Allúe Millán
Business Spanish
89129 Langenau (Ulm)
Cell: +49 172 9999092
Email: info@espanol-de-negocios.com
Website: www.espanol-de-negocios.com
