Small talk

„ice breaker“

In the workshop:

a) Did you see the game last night?

b) How was your weekend?
c) It´s warm today, isn´t it?

In the car:

a) How was your trip / flight?

b) Is this your first time in Germany?
c) How´s the weather in ….?

At a trade fair:

a) Did you have any problems finding our stand?

b) Would you like a brochure?
c) If you like, I could give you a demonstration.

In the canteen:

a) Have you tried the tiramisu? It´s amazing!

b) Is anybody sitting here?
c) Ah! I see you like spicy food.

Ice breakers
How was your weekend? –
Good, thanks. How about yours?
Did you see the game last night? –
Of course! It was unbelievable. What did you
think about the red card / winning goal?
Quite cold / warm today, isn´t it?
I really like your watch. Where did you get it?
Ah! I see you are also in need of a coffee.

Keeping the conversation going Das Gespräch in Gang halten

Really? Is that right? You´re joking!
That´s brilliant /hilarious /fascinating!
Talking about food, have you already tried the
new Italian restaurant in the city centre?

Ending the conversation politely Die Unterhaltung höflich beenden

Well, it´s been good talking to you.
I suppose it´s time to get back to work. See you
around.
Eating out

Speisekarte Menu
Rechnung Bill
Rind Beef
Vorspeise Starter
Schweinefleisch Pork
Wild game
durchgebraten Well-done
Hauptgericht Main dish
Geflügel Poultry
Kellner Waiter
Nachtisch Dessert
Trinkgeld Tip
Beilage Side order
Vegetarisch Vegetarian
Herzhaft savoury
Gabel fork

Talking about preferences:

- Do you eat meat / seafood / fish?

- Do you like spicy food?

Talking about the menu:

- It´s sweet / savoury /sour.

- It´s a starter / main dish / dessert.
- What´s in it?
- It´s made of…
- It´s boiled / fried / baked / roasted / fille with …

Ordering:

- Are you ready to order?

- As a starter, I´ll take the … and then …
- I´d like a side order of rice, please.
- Shall we share a bottle of wine?
- How do you like your steak? – Rare / medium / well-done, please

Talking about the food:

- Enjoy your meal. (Guten Appetit!)

- How´s your meal?
- The meat is very tender (zart) / a little tough (zäh).
- It´s not as sweet as I expected.

Asking for the bill:

- Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?

- Do you accept credit cards?
Dealing with customers

1.) Answering the phone

Introducing yourself

- Xyz Gmbh, good morning. Heinrich Funk speaking

Offering help

- What can I do for you?

Asking for details

- Who´s calling, please?

- Could you spell that please?

Connecting

- One moment, please. I´m putting you through now.

- Hold the line, please. I´ll put you through.

Your boss is not available

- I´m afraid Mr X is not in the office at the moment.

Offering to call back

- Can he call you back this afternoon?

- Does he have your telephone number?

Taking a message

- Can I take a message?

 - Would you like to leave a message

Problems

- Sorry, I didn´t quite catch that. Could you repeat it more slowly, please?

Ending the call

- You´re welcome
- Thanks for calling
- Goodby

2.) Making a call

Introducing yourself

- My name´s Funk. I´m calling from Smart EDV.

Asking to speak to somebody

- Could I speak to Mr Maaz, please?

Giving your phone number

- It´s 0049 for Germany, then 0711 431789

Leaving a message

- Yes, please. Could you tell him that …?

- Thank you. I`ll ring back later.

Ending the call

- Thank you very much for your help

Making complaint

- On unpacking the cases our Incoming Goods Control discovered that 15 items are missing
- We afraid that several units are – seriously damaged / defective / broken / bad scratched
- We believe the damage may be due to rough handling in transit
- We would ask you to
o Replace the faulty goods at your expense
o Grant us a price reduction of 10 %
o Cut the price to € 550

Responding to a complaint

- We wish to apologise for this mistake

- We are extremely sorry for the poor service you have received
- We will investigate the matter thoroughly and inform you of the steps taken.
- Please return the faulty items at our expense
- We are prepared to reduce the price by 10 % if you decide to keep the goods
- We hope that this proposal will find your approval.