Business trip to Hamburg, Germany.
The biggest contributor to economy of Hamburg is the Port of Hamburg, which ranks second only to Rotterdam in Europe and 9th worldwide. Hamburg is regarded as one of the fastest growing port cities of Europe. The major factor contributing to its growth is the amount of international trade it handles.
Hamburg, along with Seattle and Toulouse, is an important location of the civil aerospace industry. Airbus, which has an assembly plant in Hamburg, employs over 13.000 people in the Finkenwerder quarter.
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Heavy industry includes the making of steel, aluminum, copper and a number of shipyards.
Other important industries are media businesses with over 70.000 employees. Most of the commercial German tv networks have offices for their local stations. The section Norddeutscher Rundfunk of the television and radio network ARD with it’s tv station NDR Fernsehen is based in Hamburg; as well as the commercial television stations Hamburg 1 and Tide TV. There are some regional radio stations such as Radio Hamburg. Some of Germany’s largest publishing companies, Axel Springer AG, Gruner + Jahr, Bauer Media Group are located in Hamburg.
Many national newspapers and magazines such as "Die Zeit" and "Der Spiegel" are produced in Hamburg, as well as some special-interest newspapers such as Financial Times Deutschland. Hamburger Abendblatt and Hamburger Morgenpost are daily regional newspapers with having a large circulation. There is also a number of music companies (e.g. Warner Bros. Records Germany) and Internet businesses (e.g., AOL, Adobe Systems and Google Germany, and also Web 2.0 companies like Qype, CoreMedia and XING). Jimdo GmbH, a German web hosting provider, is headquartered in Hamburg.
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). |
The international airport in Hamburg is eight kilometers north of the city center. In 2008 a new central hall was finished being built, where the security checkpoint is for both terminals. There is also a large shopping and restaurant area planned.
Address
Hamburg Airport
Flughafenstrasse 1-3
22335 Hamburg
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone: +49(0)40 50750
Fax: +49(0)40 5075 1234
www.ham.airport.de
Airport codes
IATA airport code: HAM
ICAO airport code: EDDH
Lost property
f you lose something in the aircraft or your luggage has not reached your destination, you must contact the relevant airline or their representatives (handling agent).
If you lose your luggage or anything else on Airport premises, the Airport Office will be happy to help you. This Office receives everything which has been lost on the Airport premises.
Airport Office:
Airport Plaza, arrivals level
daily 06:00-23:00 hrs
T +49 (40) 50 75-10 10
F +49 (40) 50 75-21 49
E-Mail: airportoffice@ham.airport.de
Terminal info
All take-offs and landings are concentrated on Terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 2 is mainly used by Lufthansa, Germanwings and their Star Alliance partners. Other airlines such as Air Berlin, British Airways, Emirates, Continental and Air France are based in Terminal 1.
Connectivity from the airport
Train
A direct connection between the airport and the city rail line of Hamburg (S-Bahn) was built in 2008. Until then, the S-Bahnstation Ohlsdorf was accessible with the Airport Express Bus (line 110).
Taxi
A ride to the center of Hamburg takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €20.00, during rush hour both travel times and prices will increase considerably. For destinations outside of Hamburg you can generally agree on a fixed price. Limousines can be ordered through the company STARS Limousinen-Service (tel: +49(0)40 5075 3540).
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Hamburg.
Taxis in Hamburg can be expensive, especially since Hamburg is so large. Even so, they are in high demand so make sure to call ahead if you need an early morning ride. They can be found pretty easily at night in the more popular hot-spots. You can request ahead of time car seats for children or minivans, or taxis that accept credit cards. All taxis charge the same rates.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Hamburg Cab | 8193347 |
| Das lustige Taxi | 372921 |
| Buluku-Taxibetrieb | 41167031 |
| Ihr Taxi-Ruf | 7112221 |
| BVSK Taxi | 2504600 |
Au Quai
In one of Gerkan, Marg and Partners renovated classic cold-storage depots, Sylviane and Enzo Caressa, with French-Italian refinement, have created the ultimate space for the most beautiful pastime in the world: an exquisite meal. If you are on a business trip to Hamburg, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Grosse Elbstrasse 145 B-D
22767 Hamburg
Phone 040 - 380 377 30
Fax 040 - 380 377 32
www.au-quai.com
La Vela
Cruise and container ships glide by just outside the window of this buzzing, semi-formal Italian restaurant. With such unusually close-up views, it keeps most other things simple: the red-brick interior is uncluttered and the menu is sparse, with about a dozen main choices. The only complicated thing is the enormous wine list. It’s not really in the centre of Hamburg, but it’s worth the trip.
Große Elbstraße 27
22767 Hamburg
Telefon: 040/ 38 69 93 93
Fax: 040/ 38 08 67 88
E-Mail: info@la-vela.de
www.la-vela.de (Only in German)
Die Bank - Brasserie & Bar
Exquisite cuisine for demanding guests – “Die Bank” in Hamburg pays its guests, even if they have to pay for the experience.
Hohe Bleichen 17
20354 Hamburg
Tel: 040 2380030
E-mail: info@diebank-brasserie.de
www.diebank-brasserie.de
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Hamburg.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Hamburg 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 Hamburg.
- 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:
Best Western Premier Alsterkrug Hotel
Best Western Premier Alsterkrug is the perfect base for business travelers. All hotel’s guest rooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests’ utmost comforts. The guest rooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, townhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, in room safe.
Alsterkrugchaussee 277
Hamburg, Germany
More info about Best Western Premier Alsterkrug Hotel
Hotel Graf Moltke
The Hotel Graf Moltke Hamburg has quick connections to motorways for touring other cities and the underground railway station is in front of the hotel, airport shuttle a minute from the property, U-Bahn lines are across the street, and the airport only nine miles away which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Steindamm 1
Hamburg, Germany
More info about Hotel Graf Moltke
NH Hamburg Horn Hotel
Being less than 10 minutes from the major motorway, underground train station, and Hamburg airport makes it easy for guests to get back and forth from the Nh Hamburg Horn Hotel. Guestrooms are beautifully furnished, comfortable, and designed for comfort.
Rennbahnstrasse 90
Hamburg, Germany
More info about NH Hamburg Horn Hotel
The main retail street is Mönckebergerstrasse, and there are a number of major indoor centres with varying degrees of exclusivity. Jungfernstieg and Neuer Wall is the most expensive. The emphasis is on national and international brand names in fashion, jewelery and high-class furnishings.
The largest city centre shopping mall in Europe is Europa Passage, which has over 100 shops on five floors, including names such as Esprit, H&M, Hilfiger Denim, Kult and Sasch, but also the largest sports shop in Europe.
Harry’s Hamburger Hafenbasar, Erichstrasse 56 (St Pauli), is a quirky place selling ethnic items (masks, musical instruments, furniture, statues, and erotic art and objects), many collected by globetrotting Hamburg seafarers. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Hamburg. Thomas-i-Punkt, Mönckebergstrasse 21, offers top urban fashions in an historic fitted building.
Hamburg Harbor
Hamburg is a harbor city – its port is the third largest in the world, after London and New York. There are so many ways to enjoy Hamburg’s 800 years old harbor; take a boat tour, stroll along the waterfront, and have an fantastic seafood dinner at restaurant Rive, which offers commanding views of the port.
Adjacent to the harbor, you find Hamburg’s historical warehouse district, the largest warehouse complex in the word. Narrow streets and small waterways are lined by 100-year old warehouses, which store cocoa, silk, and oriental carpets. Light projections in the evening create a magical atmosphere on buildings, bridges and canals.
Alster Arkaden
Hamburg is known for it’s exclusive shopping, and the elegant Alster Arkaden is one of the most picturesque places for your retail therapy. The historic arcades, inspired by Venetian architecture and lit by wrought iron lamps at night, lead you along the canals to Hamburg’s main square and its beautiful decorated city hall.
Hafencity
Visit Hamburg’s future in "Hafencity", the largest urban building project in Europe of the 21st century. At 155 hectares, this harbor city within a city is expected to double the population of downtown Hamburg with thousands of new waterfront apartments, stores, restaurants and a new symphony. The ambitious project will be finished in 2025, but you can already enjoy some of Europe’s most visionary architecture here.
Hamburger Kunsthalle
A trio of architectural gems house one of the most impressive art collections in Germany. Over 700 years of European art history are represented at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, from medieval altars to modern paintings. Highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caspar David Friedrich, and Edvard Munch. If you have only a short time for sightseeing during your business trip to Hamburg, this would be the place to visit.
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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