Business English Podcast · Phone & Video Calls · Episode 18

Why Calling a Colleague “Sympathetic” May Not Mean “Sympathisch”

A compliment backfires: why "sympathetic" does not mean "sympathisch" — and what to say instead.

B2 · Dialogue · 4 Min. · free

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Editorially reviewed by James Simmonds – English teacher since 2004Published 28 September 2026

Saying "Sympathisch" in English: Likeable, Not Sympathetic

SceneJens told his new British colleague Emma on a video call that she was "very sympathetic" — he meant "sympathisch" (likeable). Emma calls him back and kindly explains what he actually said.

0:00 / 4 Min.

Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)

✓ To the comprehension test

Jens — Account manager, mechanical engineeringEmma — British colleague, UK partner team

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Transcript

The full transcript opens after the comprehension test — so you train real listening instead of reading along.

German support

EmmaHi Jens, thanks for making time for a quick call. Yesterday's meeting went really well — but I wanted to mention one small thing, between you and me. It's about the word 'sympathetic'.

JensOh no, did I say something wrong? I wanted to give you a compliment — I said you were very sympathetic, because I enjoyed working with you, and the whole team was so welcoming.

EmmaI know, and that was kind of you. But in English, 'sympathetic' means you feel sorry for someone — for example, when a friend loses their job and you comfort them. It's a classic false friend for German speakers.„Sympathetic“ bedeutet „mitfühlend“, nicht „sympathisch“ – ein klassischer False Friend.

JensSo I basically told you that you look like someone I should pity? That's embarrassing. What should I have said instead?

EmmaThe word you want is 'likeable', or simply 'pleasant'. 'I really enjoyed meeting you — you're very likeable' is a completely natural compliment in English.

JensLikeable. Okay, that sounds easy enough. And how did the others on the call react? Did anyone even notice my mistake? Please be honest with me.

EmmaNobody was offended, honestly — everyone understood what you meant. But be careful: in a first meeting, small language slips shape the first impression. And someone who avoids all compliments can come across as cold.Jemand, der alle Komplimente vermeidet, kann kühl wirken.

JensThat's exactly my problem. In German, 'sympathisch' is such an easy, warm word. I use it all the time with new contacts — customers, suppliers, everyone.

EmmaThen here's a simple rule for your next call: break the ice with a bit of small talk first, and save the compliment for the end. 'It was a pleasure talking to you' works in every situation, with every nationality.Erst ein bisschen Smalltalk zum Einstieg, das Kompliment ans Ende.

JensThat's really helpful. Are there other German words I should be careful with on video calls with the UK team? I want to be prepared before the big presentation next month.

EmmaA few — we'll do a little session on false friends soon, if you like. For now, just remember this pair: 'sympathisch' is 'likeable', and 'sympathetic' is 'mitfühlend'. Get those two the right way round and you'll be fine.„Sympathisch“ = likeable, „sympathetic“ = mitfühlend – nicht verwechseln.

JensThank you, Emma — really. And for the record: it was a pleasure talking to you yesterday, and today as well.

Key phrases

a false friend

a word that looks similar in two languages but means something different

'Bekommen' and 'become' is the most famous false friend for Germans.

likeable

easy to like; pleasant as a person

Our new project manager is very competent and likeable.

to feel sorry for someone

to feel pity or compassion for another person

I feel sorry for the colleagues who have to work this weekend.

a compliment

a nice thing you say about someone

She paid him a compliment on his clear presentation.

first impression

the opinion people form when they first meet you

On video calls, the first impression is made in seconds.

to come across as

to give a certain impression to others

Without small talk, you can come across as cold in English meetings.

to break the ice

to start a friendly conversation in a stiff situation

A little small talk before the agenda breaks the ice.

small talk

light, informal conversation before business

Two minutes of small talk makes the rest of the call easier.

Language notes

An account manager told his British colleague on a video call "You are very sympathetic" — accidentally saying "mitfühlend" instead of "sympathisch". Emma kindly explains the false friend, the correct alternative "likeable" and simple rules for compliments on video calls (level B2).

Sympathetic is not "sympathisch"

The words look like twins but mean different things: English "sympathetic" describes someone who shows pity — you are "sympathetic" when a colleague grieves a loss. Telling a new contact "You are very sympathetic" accidentally implies they look pitiful. For "sympathisch" there are two safe alternatives: "likeable" and "pleasant". Even safer is the phrase Emma recommends: "It was a pleasure talking to you" — a compliment without any risk.

Compliments in British business culture

German business people like to hand out compliments early and directly — in the British style, too much warmth at the start quickly reads as insincere. Emma's rule reflects this: first one or two minutes of small talk ("break the ice"), then business, and the compliment — if at all — right at the end of the conversation. Saying nothing personal at all is not seen as professional either; you "come across as cold". The middle is the goal: brief, honest, late.

Actively collecting false friends

"Sympathetic/sympathisch" sits on a long list of German traps: "aktuell" is "current", not "actual"; "Chef" is "boss", not "chef"; "eventuell" is "possibly", not "eventually". The most effective method: keep a personal false-friends list and add every word you nearly used wrongly in a real conversation. After a few months the list is your most valuable vocabulary notebook — it contains exactly the mistakes you actually make.

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 dialogue uses natural business English on the topic of false friends; the vocabulary list explains all eight key words bilingually.

What does "sympathetic" really mean in English?

"Mitleidvoll" — someone who shows pity. For "sympathisch" say "likeable" or "pleasant", or completely safe: "It was a pleasure talking to you."

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 false friends with a real teacher?

In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services: live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany — since 2004. Find out which course fits your level in a free consultation: englisch-lehrer.com/online.

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.

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