International trade activities, the establishment of subsidiaries and other aspects of
international cooperation take up a large part of an average working day in Danish companies that are internationally oriented. Danish companies export a total of around 700 billion DKK worth of goods a year, and the continuous hunt for success on international markets is highly dependent on excellent language skills. An analysis conducted by Dansk Industri shows that Danish companies have not only encountered obstacles during negotiations but have also lost orders and discontinued sales drives
because they have lacked sufficient language proficiency. That is why the demand for foreign language skills and the success of Danish export go hand in hand.
This is especially true for the export to Germany. Germany is the biggest trade partner of Denmark, and even though the prejudice about Germans not being able to speak English very well is outdated, many Germans still prefer to communicate in their native language. That is why Danish companies that seek success on German markets require employees with a high German language proficiency.
Why should you speak German when dealing with German companies?
Having employees who can write and speak German fluently is essential when conducting business in Germany or other German-speaking countries. This is not only relevant for Danish companies but for every company that wants to conquer German markets.
When you, for example, participate in a tender, make sure to compose all your material in German.
It is not enough to present English material, even though the tender is for a global company. Why should they bother to read your English material, if you are up against German competitors with German material? It is far easier for them to read German. In addition, by speaking English you
distance yourself from your interlocutors. When they can speak in their native language, they are likely to be more relaxed, which creates more familiar settings.
Advantages of speaking German during
a business negotiation
-
Cultural understanding:
German language skills facilitate an understanding and a willingness to learn about the German culture as well -
Smooth cooperation:
Your German business partners will appreciate your efforts. -
Trust and comfort:
Your German business partners are able to express themselves freely and know that they will be understood. -
Opportunity for small talk:
After all the blunt sales efforts, you will be able to focus on the person behind the customer and create an open dialogue and a closer bond.
Three tips on how to increase your
export to Germany or other
German-speaking countries
in Danish only
The three tips in short:
- Speak and write high-level German during negotiations
- Compose your promotional literature in German
- Remember that small talk is key
The importance of sustaining a high level of German in the future workforce
775.000 Danish jobs result from the country’s export. Forecasts indicate that Germany will continue to be the biggest trade partner of Denmark. Therefore, the demand for employees who are able to write and speak German fluently will not recede.
In our global world, language graduates working in Danish companies are a prerequisite for ensuring that Denmark continues to exploit its export potential. World Translation pays close attention to
language education in Denmark. We are actively engaged in the debate on the development of
languages in upper secondary schools and in the retention of language studies at universities. That is also why we sponsor Sprogcamp (Language Camp), a great initiative from Aalborg University and Hjørring Highschool for linguistically gifted students from all over Denmark. The students will be
invited to participate in a weekend full of workshops and activities that will develop their linguistic
talents within English, French, Italian, Chinese, Spanish or German. During a presentation, we also have the chance to tell the students with the German profile, why reaching a high level of German is
important and how German is paramount to Danish export. A great opportunity for us to create awareness.
We find it imperative that the corporate world supports the education of language students, so
internationally oriented companies can benefit from advanced language skills in the future.