Explaining a Missing Number in the Weekly Report
A number is missing from the weekly report — how to explain the reason in English before anyone asks, and stay credible.
Explaining a Missing Number
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test.
✓ To the comprehension testYou may also like
Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
The correct verb is 'to ___' or simply 'to get'.
They confirmed the problem and promised the complete file by Tuesday, ten o'clock at the ___.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode an employee proactively explains why a number is missing from the weekly report: give the reason, commit to a new date, protect the rest of the report. You learn the phrases for transparent reporting — and why German "bekommen" is never "become" in English (level B1).
Raising what is missing before anyone asks
Martin's message follows the basic rule of professional reporting: explain a visible gap yourself before questions arise ("I want to explain why, so nobody thinks we simply forgot it"). The formula has three parts: fact ("one number is missing"), cause ("we did not receive the data on time") and a new date with a source ("They confirmed … by Tuesday, ten o'clock at the latest"). That turns a glitch into proof of reliability.
bekommen ≠ become
"To become" means "werden" ("She became team lead"), never "bekommen". Writing "We will become the numbers" literally says "Wir werden zu den Zahlen." Correct are "to receive" (more formal) or "to get" (neutral): "We will receive the numbers on Tuesday." The mistake is so common among German speakers that British colleagues usually understand it — but it still does not look professional, especially in official reports and emails.
Cultural note: estimate or checked figure?
Martin's ending shows an attitude that builds trust in German and British companies alike: he offers the rough estimate personally ("please call me directly") but refuses to put the unchecked number in the official document. The vocabulary: "a rough estimate", "unchecked", "complete and checked". Using these words actively makes the status of every number instantly clear — and protects your credibility.
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 monologue uses clear everyday business English; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.
How do I explain a missing number in a report in English?
In three steps: raise the gap yourself ("You will see that one number is missing"), give the cause ("we did not receive the data on time") and commit to a confirmed new date ("by Tuesday, ten o'clock at the latest").
Is German "bekommen" "to become" in English?
No. "To become" means "werden". "Bekommen" is "to receive" or "to get": "We will receive the numbers on Tuesday." One of the most common false friends in business English.
Where can I practise reports and updates in English live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany. You start with a free consultation.
Are the voices real?
Episodes are produced with high-quality AI voices (Hume) and editorially reviewed by our trainer team — the same method as our interactive lessons.
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.