Introduction: Why asking for time feels risky — and why it doesn’t have to be
For many expats in Germany, asking for more time feels like admitting failure. Deadlines are taken seriously, and there is often a fear that any delay will permanently damage trust.
The reality is more precise. In German professional culture, trust is not built on never needing more time. It is built on early communication, realistic planning, and taking responsibility for coordination.
This article explains how deadlines work in German workplaces and how you can ask for more time in a way that sounds professional, transparent, and dependable — even if your German is limited.
Key idea: Silence damages trust far more than an honest delay request.
1) How Germans think about deadlines
In many German organizations, a deadline is not an aspiration. It is a coordination promise. Other people plan their work around it.
This is why missing a deadline without warning is seen as disruptive, while asking early for more time is often accepted.
2) The most common expat mistake
The most common mistake is waiting too long. Many expats hope they can still catch up, and only communicate when the deadline is already missed.
In German contexts, late surprises are worse than early bad news.
3) Simple, honest delay statements
Ich schaffe das nicht bis Freitag. (ish SHAF-feh das nikht bis FRY-tahk) — I won’t manage this by Friday.
Ich brauche dafür etwas mehr Zeit. (ish BROW-kheh da-FÜR ET-vas mehr TSYT) — I need a bit more time for this.
Der aktuelle Termin ist nicht realistisch. (dair ak-TOO-el-e tair-MEEN ist nikht reh-ah-LIS-tish) — The current deadline is not realistic.
4) Adding responsibility without over-explaining
German colleagues usually want a short reason and a clear plan — not a long justification.
Ich habe den Aufwand unterschätzt. (ish HAH-beh den OWF-vant OON-ter-shetst) — I underestimated the effort.
Ich arbeite daran und gebe morgen ein Update. (ish AR-bite da-ran und GAY-beh MOR-gen ine UP-date) — I’m working on it and will give an update tomorrow.
5) Always propose a new date
Never ask for more time without suggesting a new timeline. A proposal signals ownership.
Ich schlage vor, den Termin auf Dienstag zu verschieben. (ish SHLAH-geh for, den tair-MEEN owf DEENS-tahk tsoo fer-SHEE-ben) — I propose moving the deadline to Tuesday.
Realistisch wäre Ende nächster Woche. (reh-ah-LIS-tish VÄ-re EN-deh NÄKS-ter VOH-kheh) — Realistically, end of next week.
6) Meetings vs emails
In meetings, clarity and calm tone matter most. In emails, structure and explicit dates matter.
In both cases, the logic is identical: early notice, responsibility, and a concrete next step.
7) Delays caused by dependencies
If your delay depends on another team or decision, name it explicitly. This shifts the conversation from blame to coordination.
Wir sind aktuell abhängig von … (veer zint ak-TOO-el AB-hen-gikh fon) — We are currently dependent on …
8) Rebuilding trust after a missed deadline
If a deadline was missed without communication, trust can still be rebuilt.
The recovery formula is simple: acknowledge, explain briefly, and make a conservative new commitment.
9) What not to say
Avoid vague optimism and excuses. Phrases like “almost done” without dates increase uncertainty.
German colleagues prefer realism over reassurance.
Final takeaway
Asking for more time does not make you look unprofessional in Germany. Asking too late or without a plan does.
Early, honest, and structured communication protects trust — even under pressure.