Corporate language training helps employees improve their command of the more formal version of the German language used in business dealings. Stronger language skills can help expats communicate more effectively and confidently in a business setting by using words, phrases, and contexts commonly used in the workplace.
Corporate language training also includes terminology related to collaboration, negotiation, client interaction, and meetings. Training may be customized to include industry-specific terminology.
Options for Corporate German Language Programs
To learn German language that is useful in a corporate environment, training can be delivered in person, online, or a combination of the two approaches. They can be designed as one-on-one tutoring, group classes, industry-specific workshops, immersion training, and more.
When choosing what type of training you want, keep your company’s objectives, logistical and space issues, budget, and employee engagement goals in mind. To accommodate busy work schedules, you may want to consider some self-paced components or multiple time slots. Make sure that learners have the technology they need to participate. Break up learning into easy-to-digest modules so learners aren’t overwhelmed.
What Is Covered in Corporate Training
Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and business culture are critical aspects of an effective training program to ensure a comprehensive understanding of language. Corporate German training aims to enhance employees’ ability to communicate confidently and proficiently in German. This, in turn, will improve interactions with German-speaking clients, colleagues, and partners.
However, it’s not just about memorizing words and phrases. Business communication in German includes familiarizing learners with the culture and etiquette used when doing business with German speakers. For one, the German business culture is rather formal, polite, and structured. This is true in verbal and nonverbal communication. It is also very collaborative and big-picture-oriented when making decisions.
Germany Academy Zurich offers a range of specialized language programs designed for professionals in different industries. We provide the tools expats living in Switzerland need to succeed in the local business environment.
Do Your Part, Apply What You Learn
Learning a foreign language is not easy for many people. In addition to reading our complex German sentence guide and signing up for a corporate language program, engaging in workplace German conversation practice can go a long way in accelerating a learning curve.
Use the foundation acquired to practice reading and writing more business correspondence. This will help you become more comfortable with German vocabulary and sentence structures. Watching the news or listening to podcasts in German that relate to doing business can be very helpful, too.
For negotiations, craft communications that are transparent, calm, and fair. These are virtues respected by the Swiss. Back up your position and suggestions with data and evidence. Use titles with surnames, and don’t put your hands in your pockets.
Also, punctuality is extremely important. Being early or late is disrespectful and could easily put a new business relationship on the wrong foot.
Parting Thoughts
The German speaking countries in Europe are major players in the global business world. Knowing how to communicate in their tongue can boost your employment options in Switzerland, advance your career, and help tremendously when navigating local bureaucracies!
