JensHello and welcome to the Simmonds Business English Podcast. My name is Jens, I lead a customer service team, and today I want to read you one sentence from a real email — a sentence that made a British customer laugh out loud.

JensHere is the background. A customer in Leeds had asked for an updated licence offer. My colleague Tobias wanted to close his email politely, with: „Ich bekomme Ihre Antwort dann morgen." The rest of the email was careful, polite and completely correct — the offer, the prices, the friendly opening.

JensSo Tobias wrote: "I will become your reply tomorrow." The customer answered within five minutes: "That sounds painful. I hope the transformation goes well!"„Das klingt schmerzhaft. Ich hoffe, die Verwandlung gelingt!"

JensWhy is this funny? In English, "to become" means "werden" — to change into something. Tobias had promised, in writing, to physically turn into an email reply by the next morning.„To become" heißt „werden" – sich in etwas verwandeln.

JensThe German verb „bekommen" means "to get" or "to receive". The correct sentence is simple: "I will get your reply tomorrow." Or, more formal and better for business emails: "I look forward to receiving your reply."„Bekommen" = „to get" / „to receive".

JensThis false friend loves emails, because „bekommen" is everywhere in German business language. Wir bekommen die Unterlagen — we receive the documents. Sie bekommen ein Angebot — you will receive an offer. Never "become". You hear it in meetings too: "Did you become my message?" No — "Did you get my message?"

JensAnd when do you really use "become"? When something changes: "She became head of sales in January." Or: "The process has become much faster." Change, development, transformation — that is "become".Veränderung und Entwicklung – dafür steht „become".

JensBy the way, Tobias recovered with style. He replied: "Apologies — no transformation planned. I meant: I look forward to receiving your reply tomorrow." The customer wrote back: "Best email of my week. The offer is approved." The mistake cost nothing, because the correction was fast, honest and friendly.Entschuldigung – keine Verwandlung geplant.

JensSo here is the rule for your next email: „bekommen" is "to get" or "to receive", and "become" means "werden". If your sentence promises a transformation, read it twice. Thanks for listening — and see you in the next episode.

Key phrases

to receive

to get something — the formal word for "bekommen"

We will receive the signed contract on Friday.

to get

to receive — the everyday word for "bekommen"

Did you get my email from yesterday?

to become

to change into something — never "bekommen"

She became project manager last year.

an answer to an email or message

Thank you for your quick reply.

I look forward to receiving …

formal closing phrase before something arrives

I look forward to receiving your feedback.

licence offer

a priced offer for software licences

The updated licence offer includes ten additional users.

apologies

a short written way to say sorry

Apologies — the attachment was missing. Here it is.

approved

officially accepted

The budget was approved this morning.

Language notes

In this episode a follow-up email accidentally promises the customer a transformation: "I will become your reply tomorrow." You learn the false friend "bekommen/become", the correct verbs "to get" and "to receive", and the formal closing "I look forward to receiving …" (level B1).

False friend: bekommen ≠ become

"To become" means "werden" — to change into something or take on a new role: "She became head of sales." German "bekommen" translates as "to get" (informal) or "to receive" (formal). The mistake is treacherous because "bekommen" is everywhere in German business emails: receiving documents, receiving an offer, receiving a reply — in English always "receive" or "get", never "become".

The clean follow-up closing

When you are waiting for something, close formally with "I look forward to receiving your reply" — after "look forward to", always use the -ing form. More informal: "I will get your reply tomorrow" or simply "Speak soon". The perspective matters: the English standard expresses anticipation ("I look forward to …"), not a dry statement of receipt.

Made the mistake? Correct it with charm

Tobias's recovery is a masterclass: a short apology ("Apologies"), a wink ("no transformation planned") and the corrected version in the same sentence. British business partners reward self-irony — the language slip became the "best email of my week" and an approved offer. Correcting mistakes lightly looks more confident than never admitting any.

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 you say "bekommen" in English?

"To get" (informal) or "to receive" (formal). Never "to become" — that means "werden". „Ich bekomme Ihre Antwort morgen" = "I will get / receive your reply tomorrow."

How do I close an email while waiting for a reply?

Formally: "I look forward to receiving your reply." After "look forward to", always use the -ing form. More informal: "Looking forward to your reply" or "Speak soon".

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 English business emails 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. It starts with a free consultation.

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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