Getting to know two very different communication cultures brings the enviable advantage of finding a balance between them and combining only the best aspects.
It is said about many Germans that they are rather reserved, short and very direct in their communication. In the meantime, I have mastered communicating a bit better here in the Seattle Area, but I can still remember how rude I must have seemed at the beginning of my life in the USA. This was partly due to the sheer number of words I didn’t use and partly due to the lack of understanding of the extensive answers, questions, or stories I heard.
I have now gotten into the habit of not starting an email directly with the actual request, but first formulating a friendly opening. I also know that when a salesperson asks about plans for the weekend, a serious response is not expected. I understand that accepting a different opinion or describing a circumstance is also acknowledged with outspoken words. I learned how to create a good atmosphere through embracing communication.
But sometimes I can’t follow the detailed descriptions, introductions, or explanations. I would like to get a short and concise answer, because often I am busy trying to get the real point, that what it is about, out between all the many words.
To put it simply: Germans tend to speak only the essence of a statement, while Americans tend to pack the essence into many sentences very well.
A balance of both approaches is great: phrase your concerns in a respectful, approachable, friendly, and authentic way, and complement them with precision and briefness.
Just a thought…