Requesting Free Shipping on a Large Order
A large order is on the table — how to ask for free shipping in English without sounding demanding.
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.
On an order this size, will we become — sorry, will we ___ free shipping?
Yes — if the total is over thirty thousand euros, shipping is free of ___.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a purchasing manager negotiates free shipping for a large order by phone: asking about the threshold, requesting an exception, and cleverly rounding the order up. You learn the key phrases around delivery costs — and why German "bekommen" is never "become" in English (level B1).
"Bekommen" is "to get" — never "to become"
Markus slips: "will we become — sorry, will we get free shipping?" That self-correction is exactly the habit to build. "To become" means "werden" ("She became CEO in 2024"). Ask "When do we become the delivery?" in a meeting and you will get a smile at best. Correct: "to get", "to receive" or, more formally, "to be given". Rule of thumb: when you think "bekommen", say "get".
Asking for terms without demanding
Markus makes no demands — he asks questions: "Will we get free shipping?", "Could you make an exception?", "What if we add ten more chairs?" The question form gives Emily room to move, and the hypothetical "What if …?" is the most elegant negotiation tool in English: it tests an option without commitment. He also supplies a reason ("We plan to place regular orders") that makes it easier for the other side to say yes.
German directness vs. English softening
A German buyer might say internally: "At this quantity shipping is free, or we order elsewhere." In an English-speaking business context, pressure like that quickly reads as rude. Notice the pattern Markus and Emily use instead: every offer is first acknowledged positively ("Half is a good start", "That's good news") before the next ask. Signal agreement, then push further — the relationship stays intact while you still get everything on the table.
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 sales call uses clear everyday business English; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.
How do I ask for free shipping in English?
In three steps: ask about the threshold ("From what value is shipping free?"), politely request an exception ("Could you make an exception?") and negotiate with a hypothetical ("What if we increase the order?"). Always as a question, never as a demand.
What is the typical German mistake in this episode?
Translating "bekommen" as "to become". "To become" means "werden" — correct is "to get" or "to receive": "Will we get free shipping?"
Where can I practise negotiations like this 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.