Renegotiating After Material Costs Rise
Steel prices are soaring and the contract runs until December — how to negotiate a fair price adjustment in English.
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.
___ we could share the increase, starting next month.
Our material ___ are up eighteen per cent since January.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a key account manager renegotiates prices mid-contract: making the cost increase transparent, sharing it fifty-fifty, offering a price guarantee in return. Plus the false friend eventuell/eventually — at level B1.
eventuell ≠ eventually
This episode's false friend can genuinely derail a negotiation: "eventuell" means "possibly" or "perhaps" — "eventually" means "in the end, at some point". When Jonas says "Eventually we could share the increase", Laura hears: "At some point we could share it" — i.e. not now. With dates and commitments the difference is business-critical: "We will eventually deliver" promises a delivery some day, not maybe. Rule of thumb: eventually = certain in the end, possibly = maybe now.
Renegotiating without breaking the contract
Laura is legally right: "We have a signed agreement." Jonas still gains ground because he does three things well. He calls early instead of sending an invoice ("thank you for being open about the numbers"). He backs the increase with a checkable figure (18 per cent since January) and shows he has already contributed ("We've absorbed the increase for three months"). And he asks for a split, not the full adjustment. That combination — transparency, prior contribution, a fair proposal — turns a breach of contract into a shared problem.
Building the package: give and take
The call ends not with a number but with a package: nine per cent on new orders, a price guarantee until the end of next year, priority delivery slots. Each side gives and gets — and Laura also gets what she needs internally: "I'll need something for my management." If you renegotiate on price alone, you lose; put guarantees, terms and delivery priority into the package and you almost always find a solution. The closing formula matters too: Jonas summarises all three points and announces the email — turning a phone call into a solid result.
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Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The call uses clear business English with distinct pronunciation; the vocabulary list explains all eight key terms bilingually.
How do I renegotiate a price increase in English?
In four steps: call early and evidence the increase ("our material costs are up eighteen per cent"), show your own contribution ("we've absorbed the increase"), propose a split ("share the increase fifty-fifty") and offer something in return ("a price guarantee").
What is the difference between "eventually" and "possibly"?
"Eventually" means "in the end, at some point" — it will happen, just later. "Possibly" means "perhaps" — it is uncertain whether it happens. German "eventuell" maps to "possibly", never to "eventually".
Where can I practise 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. Book a free consultation to discuss your level and goals.
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.
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