10 Business English Phrases Every Professional Needs

Why These Phrases Matter

In international business, how you say something is often as important as what you say. German business communication tends to be direct and efficient — but English-speaking cultures often expect more diplomatic language.

These 10 phrases will help you sound professional, build rapport, and get things done.

1. "I'd like to touch base with you about..."

Usage: Starting a conversation or checking in
German equivalent: "Ich möchte mich bei Ihnen erkundigen über..."

Example:
> "Hi Sarah, I'd like to touch base with you about the Q3 projections. Do you have 10 minutes this week?"

Why it works: It's friendly, non-threatening, and signals you want to connect rather than demand.

2. "Could we circle back to that?"

Usage: Returning to a previous topic
German equivalent: "Können wir darauf zurückkommen?"

Example:
> "That's a great point about the budget. Could we circle back to that after we discuss the timeline?"

Why it works: It shows you're organized and value the other person's input.

3. "I think we're on the same page"

Usage: Confirming mutual understanding
German equivalent: "Ich glaube, wir sind uns einig"

Example:
> "So we'll deliver by Friday and you'll handle the client call? Great, I think we're on the same page."

Why it works: It builds consensus and prevents misunderstandings.

4. "Let me push back on that a little"

Usage: Disagreeing politely
German equivalent: "Da muss ich etwas widersprechen"

Example:
> "I appreciate the suggestion, but let me push back on that a little. I'm concerned about the timeline."

Why it works: It shows you're engaged and thinking critically without creating conflict.

5. "Going forward, we should..."

Usage: Suggesting future actions
German equivalent: "Künftig sollten wir..."

Example:
> "This was a great learning experience. Going forward, we should document our process better."

Why it works: It's forward-looking and action-oriented.

6. "I'll loop you in on the email"

Usage: Including someone in communication
German equivalent: "Ich setze Sie in CC"

Example:
> "I'll loop you in on the email with the client so you have all the context."

Why it works: It shows you're thinking about keeping people informed.

7. "Let's take this offline"

Usage: Moving a detailed discussion out of a meeting
German equivalent: "Das besprechen wir separat"

Example:
> "This is getting quite technical. Let's take this offline and schedule a separate call."

Why it works: It respects everyone's time while promising to address the issue.

8. "I'll action that and get back to you"

Usage: Committing to a task
German equivalent: "Ich kümmere mich darum und melde mich"

Example:
> "Good point about the vendor contract. I'll action that and get back to you by Wednesday."

Why it works: It shows accountability and gives a clear timeline.

9. "What's the bandwidth on your end?"

Usage: Checking if someone has capacity
German equivalent: "Haben Sie Kapazitäten?"

Example:
> "We need someone for the Shanghai project. What's the bandwidth on your end this quarter?"

Why it works: It's respectful of people's workloads and invites honest responses.

10. "Let's align on next steps"

Usage: Wrapping up with clear actions
German equivalent: "Lassen Sie uns die nächsten Schritte abstimmen"

Example:
> "Great meeting everyone. Before we wrap up, let's align on next steps. Who's doing what?"

Why it works: It ensures meetings end productively with clear responsibilities.

Quick Reference Card

| Phrase | When to Use |
|--------|-------------|
| Touch base | Starting informal check-ins |
| Circle back | Returning to a topic |
| On the same page | Confirming understanding |
| Push back | Polite disagreement |
| Going forward | Future planning |
| Loop you in | Including in communication |
| Take this offline | Moving discussions |
| Action that | Committing to tasks |
| Bandwidth | Checking capacity |
| Align | Agreeing on plans |