The most important German, Spanish and French business vocabulary

It's really important to learn business vocabulary in other languages if you want to work or do business abroad. For example, you can learn German, Spanish and French phrases and key words that allow you to meet new business contacts, show that you are learning about their culture and be respectful. Even being able to greet someone and introduce yourself in their language is a great way to build rapport.

Road to success with business vocabulary

  • Learn how to introduce yourself and greet another person in their language.

  • Basic phrases show respect and an effort to learn about your colleagues' cultures

  • Good business relies on relationships and good communication – some language skills are a great way to build rapport

  • A growing understanding of business language can also open up new career opportunities!

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Top 12 German business vocabulary

German is widely spoken in the European business world and it's useful to know, especially if you are building an international career. Here are some business German vocabulary examples that will come in handy as you build a core understanding.

German business vocabulary

English business vocabulary

die Teamleitung

The team lead

das Büro

The office

der Vorstand

The board of directors

die Kommunikation

The communication

die Personalabteilung

human resources

der/die Kolleg:innen

The colleagues

der Anhang

The attachment

das Projekt

The project

die Konferenz

The conference

die Vorbereitung

preparation

der Lebenslauf

resumé / CV

das At-Zeichen

“at” sign (@)

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Top 10 Spanish business vocabulary

These are great examples of Spanish phrases that will be useful in a work situation.

Spanish business vocabulary

English business vocabulary

¿Cuando nos podemos reunir?

When can we meet?

Estoy trabajando a tope

I’m working hard

Usted necesita reunirse con John (formal)

You need to meet with John

Necesito hablar con mi socio de negocios

I need to talk to my business partner.

¿Cómo acepta el pago?

How can I pay?

¿Tienes una tarjeta de visita?

Do you have a business card?

Tengo una reunión con Maria

I have a meeting with Maria

¿Ha encontrado un inversor?

Have you found an investor?

¿Tenemos un acuerdo?

Do we have an agreement?

Envíame una propuesta

Send me a proposal

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Top business French vocabulary

These are examples of business French vocabulary that are common and more informal business expressions that you would hear in a real-world business environment:

  • Se tenir au courant: This means "to keep each other in the loop" and is a useful phrase for staying in touch with your colleagues or business partners.

  • Je vous recontacterai!: This means "I'll get back to you!" and is commonly used in meetings.

Other good business French vocabulary to know includes:

French business vocabulary

English business vocabulary

Le voyage d‘affaires

The business trip

L’acheteur

The buyer

Le bénéfice

The profit

La réunion

The meeting

Le chiffre d’affaire

Sales/turnover

Le concurrent

The competitor

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Why choose the Babbel App to learn business vocabulary?

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  • Learn online via your phone in just a few minutes a day

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  • Enjoy engaging, real-world content that encourages you to start speaking in your new language from the first lesson

  • Try the first lesson for free to see if it fits your needs

Get started now and use the Babbel App's voice recognition technology, language communities and rich, immersive language courses to rapidly get up to speed with the business lingo that you need.

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Mix up your language learning routine and have fun doing it with Babbel games: Practise your vocab playfully in between your lessons.

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