In Germany and several other European countries, eating out is usually straightforward: everyone pays for their own meal, often even with separate checks. In many parts of Asia, it works differently. Not because people there can’t do the math, but because a shared meal is seen less as a simple act of consumption and more as a gesture of relationship. The person who pays is sending a message.
It starts before the first dish is served. Before the tea is poured, before a single polite phrase is uttered. Chinese hierarchy reveals itself early—quietly, yet unmistakably: in the act of sitting down.
My first dinner in China was a small culture shock – and a big lesson in efficiency and closeness.
A Korean name is more than just an identification – it is a heritage, a meaning, and a wish carefully chosen by parents. The names have a structure. Unlike in many Western cultures, Korean names typically consist of three syllables, which are made up of a family name and a personal name.
Singapore – More Than Just Business. Did You Know the Importance of Formal Business Culture? Singapore – this city, Asia's vibrant hub, is known for its innovation, excellent infrastructure, and impressive economic dynamism. But anyone looking to succeed in business here should pay attention to more than just the numbers: the business culture in Singapore is more formal than one might expect!
In the international business environment, particularly in the relations between Germany and China, the art of renegotiation plays a crucial role. It can often determine whether a partnership is successful or fails. Using four examples, I will show different approaches and strategies to succeed in this fascinating and challenging field.
Negotiating via email can be challenging, especially in cultures where personal relationships and trust play a central role. General strategies and creative ideas for successfully negotiating via email while also building important relationships include things like writing clear and concise emails to avoid misunderstandings through precise wording and detailed information.
Are you superstitious? Or have you ever visited a fortune teller? In China, this is currently of greater interest, especially among young people. They want to understand how Tarot and similar practices work and what it feels like to listen to the predictions.
"Door ke dhol suhavane" is a proverb from Hindi. It literally translates to "The drums in the distance sound beautiful," and is universally understood. In the English-speaking world, it is expressed as: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence," and in German, "Die andere Seite des Zauns ist immer grüner."
Does "Hanfu" ring a bell? The emerging trend of Hanfu clothing impressed me during my recent trip to China in March, especially since I did not perceive it as strongly last fall.