Business English
Business English in Berlin: Why the Capital Works in English
Business English in Berlin -- sounds simple, right? But the reality is different: in meetings you can't find the right phrases, at networking events you lack the appropriate small talk, and your emails sound stiffer than intended. Berlin is now one of Europe's most important international business locations, and confident Business English is not optional but essential here. In this interactive lesson, you'll learn industry-specific vocabulary, diplomatic phrases, and the cultural nuances that make all the difference.
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Learning Content
Professional English for Berlin's Business World
In recent years, Berlin has developed into an international business hub that attracts professionals from around the world. In startups, tech companies, financial firms, and creative agencies, English is often the corporate language. For German professionals, this means: if you want to build a career in Berlin, you need more than school English.
This lesson specifically prepares you for the most common business situations in Berlin -- from your first introduction at a networking event to a convincing pitch in front of international investors. You will learn:
- Polite business phrases that sound professional without being too stiff
- Industry vocabulary from tech, finance, and creative industries
- The difference between German directness and English diplomacy
- Proven networking strategies for international events
- Tips for job interviews and elevator pitches in English
Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 20 minutes.
Email Vocabulary
0/6 learned
I am writing to...
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Please find attached...
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Could you please...
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I look forward to...
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Kind regards
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As discussed...
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Formal Business Language: Polite Requests
Rule
In English business language, polite forms are preferred that may seem unnecessary in German. Instead of direct requests, use: 'Would you mind...?', 'Could you possibly...?', 'I was wondering if...'. The more formal the context, the more indirect the phrasing.
Examples
"Would you mind sending me the quarterly report?"
Correct: Polite request using 'Would you mind + -ing'. In German you would more likely say: 'Schicken Sie mir bitte den Quartalsbericht.'
"I was wondering if we could reschedule the meeting."
Correct: Very polite form using past continuous ('was wondering'). Sounds softer than 'Can we reschedule?'.
"Give me the report until Friday."
Too direct! First: 'until' should be 'by' (deadline). Second: Better: 'Could you please send me the report by Friday?'
Tips
- •Use 'by' instead of 'until' for deadlines: 'by Friday' (not 'until Friday')
- •The more senior the person, the more polite the phrasing
- •'I would appreciate it if...' is an elegant alternative for formal emails
Cultural Note
Cultural Difference: German business culture values directness -- 'That doesn't work' is perfectly acceptable. In an English-speaking business context, you would rather say: 'I see your point, but perhaps we could consider an alternative approach.' This indirect communication is not a sign of weakness, but professional courtesy.
Exercise 1: Polite Business Phrases
I ______ wondering if you could join us for the meeting tomorrow.
Exercise 2: The Right Tone in Meetings
How do you politely disagree with a suggestion in a meeting?
Berlin's International Business World
Why English Is Essential in Berlin
Berlin attracts professionals from around the world. With over 100,000 international startups and tech companies, a growing financial sector, and a unique creative industry, the city is a melting pot of cultures and languages.
In many Berlin companies, English is the corporate language. That means: meetings, emails, presentations, and even small talk in the kitchen happen in English. For German professionals, confident Business English is therefore not a luxury but a basic requirement for career success.
English is particularly ubiquitous in these Berlin industries:
- Tech & Startups: Over 30% of startup employees come from abroad
- Finance & Consulting: International clients and regulatory requirements
- Creative Industries: Global campaigns and international collaboration
- E-Commerce: Berlin is Europe's e-commerce capital
Industry Vocabulary: Berlin's Business World
6 words
to scale (a business)
verbTo grow a business rapidly without proportionally increasing costs
We need to scale our operations before entering the Asian market.
stakeholder
nounAny person or group that has an interest in a company or project
We need to align all stakeholders before the product launch.
to leverage
verbTo strategically use existing resources or advantages
Let's leverage our Berlin network to find early adopters.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
nounA measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key objectives
Our main KPIs are customer acquisition cost and monthly recurring revenue.
to pivot
verbTo fundamentally change a business strategy (typical for startups)
Many successful Berlin startups had to pivot before finding product-market fit.
pipeline
nounThe total of potential business deals or projects currently being worked on
Our sales pipeline looks strong for Q3.
Game: Unscramble Business Words
Matching: German Direct vs. English Polite
Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.
Networking in English in Berlin
Networking in English -- How to Do It Right
Berlin offers countless networking events: from tech meetups in Kreuzberg to startup pitches in Mitte to industry conferences at Alexanderplatz. For many German professionals, networking in English is a particular challenge.
The key difference: In English, small talk is not a waste of time but the foundation of every business relationship. While Germans like to get straight to the point, international business partners expect a few minutes of personal conversation first.
Proven conversation starters at networking events:
- "What brings you to this event?" -- Open question that shows interest
- "How are you finding Berlin so far?" -- Perfect for international attendees
- "I'd love to hear more about what your company does." -- Shows genuine interest
Tip
Pro Tip for Berlin Events: Always bring enough business cards and exchange them at the end of the conversation. Say: 'It was great meeting you. Let me give you my card -- I'd love to stay in touch.' Send a brief follow-up email within 24 hours.
Sentence Builder: Networking Phrases
Translation: Es war toll, Sie kennenzulernen.
Translation: Business Situations
German
Könnten Sie mir bitte den Quartalsbericht bis Freitag schicken?
Job Interviews and Pitches in English
Confident in Job Interviews and Pitches
Whether you're applying to an international company in Berlin or presenting your startup to investors -- the right self-presentation in English is crucial.
The Elevator Pitch: You have 60 seconds to convince. Use this structure:
- Hook: A surprising fact or question
- Problem: What problem do you solve?
- Solution: Your solution in one sentence
- Proof: Numbers, clients, or achievements
- Ask: What do you want from the listener?
Typical questions in English job interviews that Germans often underestimate:
- "Tell me about yourself" -- Not a biography! Focus on relevant experience.
- "What's your greatest weakness?" -- Honest, but with a solution approach.
- "Where do you see yourself in five years?" -- Show ambition, but stay realistic.
Exercise 3: Interview and Pitch Phrases
Thank you for ______ the time to meet with us today.
Final Quiz: Business English in Berlin
Which phrase is most professional for a business email?
More Lessons
English Proofreading for Academic Texts: What You Need to Know
Academic Writing in English: The Complete Guide for German Students
English Proofreading: 10 Tricks for Error-Free Texts
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