How do German companies typically recognize profits during projects?

German companies typically follow a conservative approach to profit recognition, which generally means they do not recognize profits until the project is completely finished and they have received payment. This method aligns with the principles of prudence and reliability in financial reporting. By waiting until the project is complete, companies can ensure that the profits reported are realizable and not subject to potential adjustments or liabilities that could arise during the project execution. This approach helps avoid the premature recognition of income, thereby providing a more accurate reflection of the company’s financial position and profitability.

In contrast, recognizing profits before the completion of a project might lead to inflated financial statements and misrepresent the actual performance, which is not typical in German accounting practices.