The language school in 90 secondsOn YouTube ▸
Skill · Negotiations
Negotiation English for Professionals
Negotiate prices, discuss contracts, find compromises – all in English. With native-speaking trainers and realistic role-play scenarios from your industry.
From €90 / 90 min · VAT-exempt
English testsHow good is your English?
Negotiations
Negotiating in English – Diplomatic and Assertive
Negotiating in English is one of the most demanding situations in international business. It is not just about representing your position – you must simultaneously remain diplomatic, consider cultural nuances, and find the right words under time pressure. Negotiation-level English is more than good Business English: it requires a specialised vocabulary, strategic conversation management, and the ability to communicate confidently even in tense situations. At Simmonds Language Services, we have been training you for precisely these challenges since 2004.
15+Years
10+Trainers
50+Corporate clients
Role-Plays from Your Professional Environment
Our training is based on realistic role-plays that come directly from your professional environment. Whether price negotiations with international suppliers, contract clauses with legal departments in London, or salary negotiations with a global HR team – we simulate the scenarios you actually experience. Our native-speaking trainers from the UK and USA bring not only linguistic expertise but also years of experience in different business cultures. You learn the difference between British understatement and American directness – and how to use both styles to your advantage.
Live Training with AI Negotiation Practice
Your trainer works with you on strategy, language and personal feedback during live sessions. Between sessions, you can continue practising critical negotiation phases such as opening offers, counteroffers, deadlocks and closings with the AI avatar.
What You Will Learn
Formulate opening offers and counteroffers. Decline diplomatically and propose alternatives. Discuss contract clauses in English.
Overcome deadlocks and achieve compromises. Document negotiation outcomes professionally.
Phrases
Negotiating in English: the Most Important Phrases
From the opening position to the handshake: these phrases cover the five phases of an English negotiation. Compiled by the native-speaking trainers at Simmonds Sprachtraining – including the diplomatic softeners that make all the difference in English.
Stating Your Position
Open by stating your position clearly and unambiguously:
“From our point of view, the priority is a long-term agreement.”
Introduce your perspective
“Our main concern is the delivery schedule.”
Name your key concern
“We're looking for a solution that works for both sides.”
Signal a cooperative stance
“Let me be clear about what we can and cannot accept.”
Set boundaries
“There's some room for manoeuvre on the price, but not on the timeline.”
Define your room for manoeuvre
Proposals & Counter-Proposals
Make offers, attach conditions, and formulate counter-offers:
“What if we agreed to a two-year contract instead?”
Make a hypothetical proposal
“We'd be willing to increase the volume, provided you adjust the unit price.”
Attach a condition
“How about splitting the difference?”
Informal counter-proposal
“On condition that delivery starts in March, we could accept that.”
Conditional agreement
“Could you give us some flexibility on the payment terms?”
Ask for a concession
Disagreeing Diplomatically
The heart of negotiation English: saying no without damaging the relationship:
“I see your point, but I'm afraid that doesn't work for us.”
Decline politely
“I understand your position. However, we see it somewhat differently.”
Show understanding, then disagree
“With respect, I think we need to look at the figures again.”
Firm but respectful
“That might be difficult for us at this stage.”
Soften a refusal (understatement)
“I'm afraid we can't go that far.”
Communicate a limit
Finding a Compromise
Get the conversation moving and secure common ground:
“Let's meet in the middle.”
Propose a compromise
“We're prepared to compromise on the deadline if you can move on price.”
Mutual concession
“I think we're broadly in agreement on the main points.”
Establish common ground
“Let's park that issue for now and come back to it later.”
Set a sticking point aside
“Is that something you could live with?”
Test acceptance
Closing & Agreement
Record the results and agree next steps – and don't forget written confirmation:
“Let me summarise what we've agreed so far.”
Summarise the results
“So, to confirm: delivery in March, payment within 30 days.”
Confirm the details
“I'll put that in writing and send it over by Friday.”
Announce written confirmation
“I think we have a deal.”
Seal the agreement
“We look forward to working with you.”
Close on a positive note
In Detail
Negotiation Situations in Practice
Click on a section for more details
Price Negotiation with Suppliers
Negotiate terms and discounts confidently
Negotiate volume discounts, discuss payment terms, agree delivery conditions. Train the language that international buyers need every day.
Contract Negotiation
Use legal terminology with confidence
Discuss clauses, clarify liability issues, negotiate warranties. Legal terminology in English for confident contract negotiations.
Partnership Negotiation
Build long-term relationships
Negotiate strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and cooperation agreements in English. Build long-term relationships with the right tone.
Internal Negotiations
Needed within your own organisation too
Budget negotiations, resource allocation, and team conflicts resolved in English. Negotiation skills are in demand within international corporations too.
How much does it cost?
| Format | Duration | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online — Private lessons | 90 minutes | €90–110 | 1:1, Zoom / Teams / Meet |
| Online — Corporate lessons | 90 minutes | €97.50–105 | Small groups, tailored curriculum |
| In-person (on your premises) | 90 minutes | €115 | On your premises |
Prices depend on format, frequency, and requirements. Language instruction is VAT-exempt (§4 Nr.21 UStG).
Who we work with
- DHL
- Toyota
- Media Markt
- Deutsche Pop
“Die kostenlosen Online-Lektionen haben mich überzeugt. Die Qualität des Einzelunterrichts hat meine Erwartungen übertroffen.”
Frequently asked questions
What does negotiation-level English mean?+−
Negotiation-level English means you are able to conduct complex business negotiations in English – discuss prices, review contract clauses, propose compromises, and reach agreements.
How do I improve my negotiation English?+−
Most effectively through role-plays with native-speaking trainers who simulate real negotiation scenarios. At Simmonds, you practise typical situations: price negotiations, contract clauses, delivery terms.
What phrases do I need for negotiations in English?+−
Key phrases: 'We'd be willing to consider...' (willingness to compromise), 'I'm afraid that's beyond our budget' (declining), 'Could we meet halfway?' (proposing a compromise).
Is the training suitable for contract negotiations?+−
Yes, we specifically train for contract negotiations: legal terminology in English, clause discussions, liability issues, and warranties.
How long do I need to reach negotiation-level English?+−
Starting from solid Business English (B2 level), most participants reach negotiation level after 10–16 weeks of intensive training (2 hours/week).
What is 'Verhandlungsbasis' (VB) in English?+−
In classified ads, the German 'Verhandlungsbasis' corresponds to 'or nearest offer' (ONO) or 'or best offer' (OBO) – e.g. '€500 ONO'. In a business context, you would say 'a basis for negotiation' or 'an asking price': 'The price is €500, but it's negotiable.'
Improve your English for free
Free online lessons twice a week, vocabulary trainer with 600 words, and a placement test – all without signing up.
Get in touch
Tell us briefly what you need English or German for — we'll suggest the best format for your goals and schedule.
We typically respond within one working day.
What we practise
- ✓ Meetings
- ✓ Presentations
- ✓ Negotiations
- ✓ Emails and calls