Business trip to Berlin, Germany.
Among the Forbes Global 2000 and the 30 German DAX companies, Siemens and Deutsche Bahn control headquarters in Berlin. During the last decade Berlin has made changes towards a service orientated economy. Reunification related assimilation lead to stagnant nominal GDP growth and high unemployment rates until 2005.
Since 2005 the unemployment rate decreased and reached a 13 year low with 13.6% in June 2008, but remains above the German (7.5% June 2008) average.
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A multitude of German and international companies established secondary departments or service offices in the city. Daimler manufactures cars, and BMW builds motorcycles in Berlin. Among the 20 largest employers in Berlin are the railway company Deutsche Bahn AG, the hospital company Charité, the local public transport company BVG, the service provider Dussmann and the Piepenbrock Group.
BayerSchering Pharma and Berlin Chemie are pharmaceutical companies headquartered in the city. The major sectors of the Berlin economy are communications, mobility and services, media and music, advertising and design, biotechnology and environmental services, transportation and medical engineering. The Science and Business Park of Berlin-Adlershof is among the 15 largest technology parks world-wide.
Research and development have established economic significance, and the Berlin Brandenburg region ranks among the top three innovative regions in the EU. Berlin is among the top three congress cities in the world and is home to Europe’s biggest convention center in the form of the Internationale Congress Centrum (ICC). It contributes to the rapidly increasing tourism sector encompassing 592 hotels with 90.700 beds and numbered 17.3 million overnight stays and 7.5 million hotel guests in 2007. Berlin has established itself as the third most-visited city destination in the European Union. The city hosts a number of trade shows, events, exhibitions and trade fairs throughout the year.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Hierarchy, following rules and protocols is very important.
Germans are very direct, do not confuse this with rudeness.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
A perfect planning is very important in German culture.
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving. Keep the hierarchy in mind!
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Some Germans will signal their approval by tapping their knuckles on the tabletop.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
The German economy is the world’s fourth largest and, after the expansion of the EU, accounts for nearly one-fifth of European Union GDP. Germany’s "social market" economy largely follows free-market principles, but with a considerable degree of government regulation and generous social welfare programs.
Germany is the largest consumer market in the European Union with a population of over 82 million. However, the importance of the German market goes well beyond its borders. An enormous amount of worldwide trade is conducted in Germany at some of the world’s largest trade events, such as Medica, Hannover Fair, Automechanika, and the ITB Tourism Show. The volume of trade, number of consumers, and Germany’s geographic location at the heart of a 27-member European Union that added ten members in 2004, and two more in 2007 make it a keystone around which many foreign firms seek to build their European and worldwide expansion strategies.
Real German GDP expanded by just over 1% in 2008 despite the increasing financial turmoil, which began to affect industrial exports; forecasters predict that Germany would register annual economic growth of almost 2% in 2008 and that GDP would decline by more than 2% in 2009. Consumer demand, which had a temporary uptick after years of sluggishness, is declining again. Germany suffered the most dramatic drop in exports of any major Western European economy in 2008. Business confidence indices sank steadily in 2008 in the face of great uncertainty in financial markets. The German economy continues to suffer from structural problems, including over-regulation in labor markets, taxation, and business establishment, as well as substantial social insurance costs.
The German government’s plans for reform have taken a back seat to the more urgent concerns of addressing the major downturn. Most observers believe that additional reforms to enhance Germany’s global competitiveness are unlikely to occur before the consequences of the economic crisis are overcome.
Continuing high unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment, has long been among Germany’s most serious political and economic problems. The economic growth Germany experienced between 2006 and 2008 rapidly reduced unemployment to levels not seen since before German unification, but there was a significant rise in unemployment in 2009.
In spite of the deepening crisis, the German labor market displayed remarkably robust growth until year-end 2008 although employment growth flattened during the course of the year. In 2008, the average unemployment rate was 7,8% or 3,268 million, down from 9 percent or 3,776 million in 2007. This was the lowest average annual unemployment since 1992.
In eastern Germany, the average unemployment rate was 13,1%, still more than twice as high as in the western part of the country (6,4%). For the first time since February 2006, unemployment rose (by 18.000 to 7,6%) in December 2008. The number of persons employed rose to a record high of 40,83 million in November 2008 (500.000 more than in November 2007). However, the relative increase of just over 1% was the lowest rate of growth since December 2006.
Although it often takes several months before the labor market reflects macroeconomic shifts, developments now show that the downturn has reached the labor market. The Federal Employment Agency’s Institute for Employment Research (IAB) reversed its more optimistic forecast from October 2008 and projected unemployment figures to rise in 2009, maybe by up to 500,000 or more. The common denominator of most economic forecasts at the beginning of the year 2009 was that non-seasonally adjusted unemployment could exceed 4 million in early 2010 and lift the unemployment rate from slightly under 8 to 9,5%.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 82.329.758 |
| Area | 357.021 km2 |
| Population density | 230/km2 |
| GDP | € 1.774.780.000.000 |
| GDP per capita | € 21.540 |
  | Product tip: Keep an eye on the size of your trolley Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as ’carry-on’, but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 114 cm, in the form of a 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 140 cm, but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers seldom tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches). |
Address
Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld
12521
Berlin
Germany
Telephone: +49(0)180 500 0186
Fax: +49(0)30 4101 2111
www.berlin-airport.de
Airport codes
IATA airport code: SXF
ICAO airport code: EDDB
Lost property
Lost property office Beyer Sprach- & Airport Service
Tel.: +49 (0)30 34 39 75 33
Email-address for enquiries: Fundbuero@airportservice-sxf.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.00 am - 9.00 pm and Sat/Sun 8.00 am - 3.00 pm
Terminal A, ground floor
Terminal info
Connectivity from the airport
Train
The train station (Berlin-Schönefeld Flughafen) is close to the terminal. There is a corridor (300 m.) from Terminal A to the station, there is also a shuttle bus. A train leaves every half hour from the station to the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) and Station Zoo. There are also many InterCity trains at the airport station, there is a direct connection with Potsdam, Rostock, Hamburg, Hannover, Dresden, Munich and Vienna, the train station is the last stop of the S-Bahn line (another rail line) S9 and S45.
Taxi
The taxis are outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminal A. A ride to the center of Berlin is approximately €35.00 to €40.00.
In Berlin are almost 7000 taxis ready to take residents and their visitors all over the city. Berlin is big, although public transportation is fine, you will need a taxi during your business trip to Berlin. Finding a taxi is easy: whether just hailing one down, at a taxi rank or by phone in advance.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Taxi-Ruf Würfelfunk "0800-Cabcall" AG | +49-(0)800 - 222 22 55 |
| Quality Taxi | +49-(0)800 - 26 30000 |
| Funk Taxi Berlin | +49-(0)30 - 26 10 26 |
| TaxiFunk Berlin GmbH | +49-(0)30 - 44 33 22 |
Die Quadriga
Dining at Die Quadriga is an elegant affair. This Michelin-starred restaurant, in the Brandenburger Hof Hotel, is decorated in relaxing shades of green and features soft candlelight and crisp white table linen. Dishes might include braised Tyrolean beef with goats’ cheese and cumin, or coq au vin with spiced pancetta. If your travel budget allows it, this is a must-dine for your business trip to Berlin!
Eislebener Straße 14
10789 Berlin-Charlottenburg, Deutschland
Telefon: +49 (0)30 - 2 14 05-0
Telefax: +49 (0)30 - 2 14 05-100
E-mail: info@brandenburger-hof.com
www.brandenburger-hof.com
Maxwell restaurant
Situated in the restored former Josty brewery in the Mitte district, this elegant and spacious restaurant spreads over two floors and a big terrace during summer. The chef insists on using local produce and the wine list features a wide range of German vineyards. Cuisine is creative, including such delights as monkfish on shrimp ragout or venison on a chocolate/chilli jus. If you are on a business trip to Berlin, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts. Evenings only.
Bergstrasse 2210115 Berlin-Mitte
Tel: (030) 280 7121
www.mxwl.de
Refugium restaurant
Situated beneath a French church in the most picturesque square in Berlin, the Gendarmenplatz, Refugium is a popular restaurant for business diners, with outside seating for fine days. There are candles on the tables, crisp white linen, and a menu that changes regularly. Dishes might include veal meatballs with mashed potato or trout with ravioli. Desserts are indulgent, such as coconut creme brûlée.
Gendarmenmarkt 5
10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 229 1661
www.refugium-bln.de
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Berlin.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Berlin it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Berlin.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Radisson SAS Hotel Berlin
Located in the historical heart of Berlin, the hotel is situated on the bank of the river Spree, opposite to the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. The attraction of the hotel lobby is the "AquaDom". Standing 25 metres high, it’s the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium with 1 million litres of salt-water, habitat to many species of tropical fish.
Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 3
10178 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49-30-20338
Fax:+49 (0)30 23828 10
E-mail: info.berlin@radissonsas.com
More info about Radisson SAS Hotel Berlin
Grand Hyatt Berlin
This Berlin hotel anchors the newly built centre of Potsdamer Platz with powerful architecture and innovative interior design. The modern art concept is present throughout the hotel in the designs of Hannes Wettstein, Tony Chi and the impressive presence of Jae Hyo Lee sculptures serving as buffet tables.
Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 2
10785 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 2553 1234
Fax: +49 30 2553 1235
More info about Grand Hyatt Hotel Berlin
Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin
Luxuriate in an ambiance that manages to soothe and energize with a single breath - where intelligent style meets cool comfort, and the city is yours to experience firsthand. Visit this inspiring Berlin Germany hotel, a unique hideaway positioned at a convenient address
Lützowufer 15
D-10785 Berlin
Tel.: (413) 2412541
Fax: +49 (30) 2547 88 222
E-Mail: info@esplanade.de
More info about Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin
Berlin has a lot in store for shopping. From expensive temples of consumption overflowing with designer labels to flea and antique markets, shopping malls, bargain stores and everything in between. For luxury designers and international chain outlets head for Kurfürstendamm or Friedrichstrasse. For flair, trendier boutiques and hip Berlin labels browse around Mitte.
Friedrichstrasse
For an exclusive shopping experience in Mitte, take a short trip to the Friedrichrichstadtpassagen and its ’Quartiers’. Quartier 206 for upmarket high-end international designer wear in an art deco atmosphere or the French emporium Galeries Lafayette, in Quartier 207. The spectacular building by Jean Nouvel is known for its stunning luminous glass cone in the entrance. More stores and a large food hall with abundant international specialties in Quartier 205 provide an ideal lunch-break stopover. The three buildings are located between the subway stations "Stadtmitte" and "Französische Strasse".
Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstrasse
Tauentzienstraße, the extension of Kurfuerstendamm is an ideal shopping mile for the whole family with diversity in styles as well as price categories. World famous KaDeWe department store on Wittenbergplatz is a must for its Food Halls and international designer labels.
Towards the Ku’damm you’ll find popular fashion stores such as H&M or Zara. Souvenir Shops are at the Europa Centre and the traditional Café Kanzler on Kanzler Eck with its great street views of the Ku’damm is an established highlight. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Berlin. Exclusive labels including Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci and Jil Sander while further down the boulevard on the elegant side streets such as boutiques are elegant side streets such as Fasanenstrasse and Bleibtreustrasse are chic boutiques and specialty stores.
Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor)
Is a former city gate and one of the main symbols of Berlin and Germany.
It is located west of the city center at the intersection of Unter den Linden and Ebertstraße. It is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. One block to the north stands the Reichstag. The gate is the monumental entry to Unter den Linden, the boulevard of linden trees which formerly led directly to the city palace of the Prussian monarchs. It was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a sign of peace and built by Karl Gotthard Langhans from 1788 to 1791. The Brandenburg Gate was restored from 2000 to 2002. Today, it is considered one of Europe’s most famous landmarks.
In December 2000, the Brandenburg Gate was privately refurbished at a cost of 6 million US dollars. On October 3 2002, the 12th anniversary of German Reunification, the Brandenburg Gate was once again reopened following extensive refurbishment.
The Brandenburg Gate is now again closed for vehicle traffic, and much of Pariser Platz has been turned into a pedestrian zone.
The Fernsehturm (German for "television tower")
The original total height of the television tower was 365 m (1198 feet), but it rose to 368 m (1207 ft) after the installation of a new antenna in the 1990s. The Fernsehturm is the fourth tallest freestanding structure in Europe. There is a visitor platform and a rotating restaurant in the middle of the sphere. The visitor platform is at a height of about 204 m (669 ft) above the ground and visibility can reach 42km (26 miles) on a clear day. The restaurant, which rotates once every 30 minutes, is a few metres above the visitors platform.Inside the shaft are two lifts that shuttle visitors up to the sphere of the tower. It is not accessible by wheelchair.
Charlottenburg Palace is the largest palace in Berlin and the only building in the city dating back to the time of the Hohenzollern family. It is located in the Charlottenburg district of the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf area.
The palace was built at the end of the 17th century and was expanded during the 18th century. It includes much internal decoration in baroque and rococo styles. A large garden was constructed behind the palace. In the grounds of the palace various buildings were erected, including a belvedere, a theater and a pavilion. During the Second World War the palace was badly damaged but has since been reconstructed. The palace, its gardens and the buildings in the grounds are major visitor attractions.
The Pergamon Museum (German: Pergamonmuseum)
is among the museums on Museum Island in Berlin. The site was designed by Alfred Messel and Ludwig Hoffmann and was built from 1910 to 1930. The Pergamon houses original-sized, reconstructed monumental buildings such as the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate, all consisting of parts transported from the original excavation sites.
The museum is subdivided into the antiquity collection, the Middle East museum, and the museum of Islamic art. The museum is visited by approximately 850.000 people every year, making it the most visited art museum in Germany in 2006.
The Bundestag dome
is the iconic large glass dome at the very top of the building. The glass dome adorning the roof of the Reichstag. The dome has a 360-degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. A large sun shield tracks the movement of the sun electronically and blocks direct sunlight which might bedazzle those below. Construction work was finished in 1999 and the seat of parliament was transferred to the Bundestag in April 1999. The dome is open to anyone without prior registration, although the waiting queues can be long, especially in summertime (August, in particular).
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergency number | 112 |
| Police | 110 |
| Block Emergency Electronic Authorisation e.g. credit cards | 116116 |
The English language is these days quit common in Germany. When you have a medical emergency you can turn to any emergency hospital to get English speaking help.
Although in business people speak English, some German phrases can always come in hand....
| Good day | Guten Tag |
| Good morning | Guten Morgen |
| Good evening | Guten Abend |
| How are you? | Wie geht es Ihnen? |
| I’m fine, thanks. And you? | Mir geht es gut, danke, und Ihnen? |
| What’s your name? | Wie heißen Sie? |
| My name is ... | Ich heiße ... |
| Pleased to meet you | Schön, Sie kennen zu lernen Sehr erfreut |
| Goodbye | Auf wiedersehen |
| Good night | Gute Nacht |
| Have a nice day | Schönen Tag noch! |
| Bon appetit | Guten Appetit! |
| Cheers/Good health! | Prost! |
| I don’t understand | Ich verstehe nicht |
| Please write it down | Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? |
| How do you say ... in German? | Wie sagt man ... auf Deutsch? |
| How much is this? | Wieviel kostet das? |
| Sorry | Es tut mir leid! |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigen Sie! |
| Thank you | Danke schön |
| You’re welcome | Bitte schön |
| Where’s the toilet? | Wo ist die Toilette? |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nein |
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