Top Business German Phrases – Most Common Business German Phrases
When communicating in German business, it’s important to know the differences between written and spoken language, and face-to-face versus phone talks. For example, a casual “Hallöchen!” is okay with colleagues, but in a business letter, start with a formal greeting like “Sehr geehrter Herr [name]” (“Dear Mr. [name]”). Phone chats, a challenge for non-natives, often follow a pattern. Learn key phrases like “Hallo! Kann ich bitte mit Herrn [name] sprechen?” (“Hello! Can I speak to Mr. [name]?”). Whether you’re venturing into German business or just need basics for correspondence, here are essential Business German phrases.
Top Business German Phrases:
Greetings:
Guten Morgen – Good morning
Guten Tag – Good day
Guten Abend – Good evening
Discussing Business Topics:
Ich würde gerne das Projekt vorstellen – I would like to present the project.
Du kannst das Gespräch beginnen – You can start the conversation.
Ich stimme zu – I agree.
Ich teile nicht deine Meinung – I don’t share your opinion.
Es war ein kleines Missverständnis – It was a small misunderstanding.
Wann unterzeichnen wir den Vertrag? – When do we sign the contract/agreement?
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Interacting With Co-workers in German:
“Kann ich dich um einen Gefallen bitten?” – Can I ask you a favor?
“Lass uns eine Kaffeepause machen?” – How about a coffee break?
The question, “Können wir uns duzen?” (Can we switch to informal ‘you’?), reflects the evolving nature of workplace relationships.
Business Emails:
Liebe Kollegen – Dear colleagues
Mit freundlichen Grüßen – Kind regards
Zögern Sie nicht, mich zu kontaktieren – Don’t hesitate to contact me
Ich freue mich darauf, bald von Ihnen zu hören – I look forward to hearing from you soon
Ich freue mich auf deine Antwort – I look forward to your response
Ich bin gespannt auf deine Meinung dazu – I look forward to hearing your thoughts about it
Kannst du mir die E-Mail weiterleiten? – Could you forward me the email?
Ich nehme dich in Kopie – I’ll copy you in
Scheduling A Business Meeting in German:
(Wir) müssen ein Treffen planen – We need to schedule a meeting
Das Treffen ist für heute geplant – The meeting is scheduled for today.
Er/Sie hat die Teilnahme bestätigt – He/She confirmed attendance.
Könntest du den Konferenzraum reservieren? – Could you reserve the conference room?
Keine Sorge, alles ist geregelt! – Don’t worry, everything is settled!
In business German, be formal and use “Sie” unless both agree on the informal “du” for a more relaxed setting.
In German offices, it’s common to use Herr or Frau + surname instead of first names, even with long-time colleagues.
To master business German, grow your vocabulary with work-related words. It takes time, but with a good language foundation, it’s doable.
Business German Tuition
Are you looking to start learning German for business? Do you want a course designed to your specific learning goals? Cactus offers a variety of great German business classes tailored to your needs. Cactus also offers general language classes online, across the UK and immersive courses across the world.
Are you looking to develop your language skills or of your team members? Are you looking to determine the number of hours needed to reach proficiency? Cactus Guide to International Success – Levels and Progress Made Simple gives you the information you need to ensure your language training objectives are met.
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