Explaining Why "Provision" Is Not the English Word for Sales Commission
A sales manager offers an eight per cent "provision" — and the American lawyer starts looking for the contract clause. Why the English word is "commission".
Why "Provision" Is Not the English Word for Sales Commission
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test.
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Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
Once Julia wrote 'a ___ of eight percent on every sale', the negotiation moved fast.
A provision, in English business language, is something completely different: a ___ in a contract.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a sales director explains the most expensive false friend in sales: German "Provision" is "commission" in English — the English "provision" is a contract clause. You learn the three core commission phrases and the other meanings of "provision" (arrangement, accounting reserve) at level B2.
The three core phrases around "commission"
Negotiating sales compensation takes exactly three patterns: "a commission rate of eight percent" (the rate), "to work on a commission basis" (the model) and "the commission is paid quarterly" (the payout). With these you can describe any partner model precisely. The amount itself pairs with "to earn" or "to receive": "Our partners receive a commission on every sale."
What "provision" really means in English
The English word "provision" has three business meanings — none of them money for salespeople: first the contract clause ("the confidentiality provision"), second the arrangement ("to make provision for delays"), third the accounting reserve ("a provision for bad debts"). The episode's rule of thumb: if it sits in a contract or in the accounts, it is a provision. If it lands in someone's pocket, it is a commission.
Cultural note: talking about commission openly
In American and British sales culture the commission structure is a completely normal negotiation topic. "What does the commission structure look like?" is considered professional, not intrusive — unlike in Germany, where compensation is often discussed only behind closed doors. Asking the question openly and answering it precisely signals negotiation experience.
Keep practising: Learn business English online — with real teachers from Simmonds, since 2004.
Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B2 (CEFR). The monologue uses real-world sales and contract English; all eight key terms are explained bilingually.
What is the English word for German "Provision"?
"Commission". Examples: "We offer a commission rate of eight percent", "Our partners work on a commission basis". The English word "provision" means a contract clause, an arrangement or an accounting reserve — never the money from a sale.
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 sales 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 — starting 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.