Clarifying What Is Actually Included in the Price
A quotation is on the table — but what is really included in the price? How to ask in English without sounding suspicious.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
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Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
No, sorry — I mean ___. We have forty-two users at the moment.
All prices in the quotation are net prices, so VAT comes on ___.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a purchasing manager checks by phone what a software quotation really includes: licence, training, VAT, hidden costs. You learn the key phrases for asking about prices in English (level B1) — and why German "aktuell" does not mean "actually".
The trap: "aktuell" is not "actually"
Markus says "Actually, we have forty-two users" meaning German "aktuell" — "at present". In English, however, "actually" means "in fact" and signals a correction. That is why Ms Carter hears: "The number in your email was wrong." The correct words are "currently" or "at the moment". This false friend is one of the most common German errors in business English because it appears in almost every status report.
Asking about prices without sounding suspicious
Markus does not ask "Is this everything?" — he uses neutral, professional formulas: "I'd like to clarify …", "Is it included, or does it cost extra?", "Are there any hidden costs?". Asking about extra costs this way sounds like careful preparation, not an accusation. In English-speaking business culture, exactly this kind of detailed questioning before signing is normal and welcome.
Net, gross and the written breakdown
German B2B quotations almost always show net prices — in English these are "net prices", and the tax "comes on top". To be sure, ask directly like Markus: "Are those net prices, or do they already include VAT?" The conversation ends with a request for an "itemised list" — the detailed breakdown that lets you present the offer internally without surprises later.
Keep practising: Learn business English online — with real teachers from Simmonds, since 2004.
Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The dialogue uses clear business English on the phone; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.
How do I ask in English what is included in the price?
With three standard questions: "What is included in the price?", "Is it included, or does it cost extra?" and "Are there any hidden costs?". Finally, ask for an itemised list.
What is the difference between "actually" and "currently"?
"Currently" = at the moment (German: aktuell). "Actually" = in fact — it signals a correction. "Actually, we have 42 users" sounds to English ears like: "The old number was wrong."
Is there a transcript to read along?
Yes, the full transcript with German support notes is on this page — listen first, then take the test, then read along.
Where can I practise price conversations like this live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom. Simply book a free consultation — serving companies and individuals across Germany since 2004.
Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?
The podcast trains your ear — in our online lessons you practise the conversation yourself, with real teachers. For companies across Germany since 2004.