In a global world of work, language skills are almost essential for a successful application. There is hardly an employer who does not expect at least one foreign language. Often there is talk of “business fluency in spoken and written” – but what does that actually mean? Applicants have difficulties in classifying and assigning their own foreign language skills. We can help: Here you can find out what business fluency means, what levels there are for foreign languages in the application and how to specify them correctly.
Negotiable definition: What does that mean?
Companies looking for employees like to write “Business fluent English skills” or “Spanish skills – business fluent spoken and written” in their job advertisements as expectations of candidates. But what exactly does that mean?
Business fluency is a level that specifies language skills. Anyone who speaks a language fluently is not far from the level of a native speaker. Such gradations are important for companies to be able to assess the actual skills. If the job is international, it takes more than a few sentences and vocabulary to meet the requirements.
Levels for language skills
In addition to “business fluent”, there are typically four other levels according to which foreign language skills are differentiated. These each mean different skills in dealing with a language:
- Basic knowledge
Can you understand some vocabulary, form, or understand simple sentences? Then you have basic knowledge of a foreign language. This is the case, for example, if you learned French in school but haven’t developed it for years and only remember a few basics. You can introduce yourself or order a drink in the restaurant – but it’s hard enough for more. - Good knowledge
Good language skills are also referred to as being “conversational”. That gets it right: With this gradation, you can understand and participate in conversations and conversations. In the case of complex topics and the written language, on the other hand, you have great difficulty understanding the content. - Very good knowledge
If you understand difficult texts, you will speak of very good knowledge of a language. From this level on, subject-specific conversations on a familiar topic are possible. Native speakers don’t have to speak very easily or slowly, you still understand what it’s about. - Business fluent
You will be able to negotiate in a language if you can understand all connections and topics without any problems. You have a completely fluent conversation with native speakers about any area and not only have a very large general, but also an extended specialist vocabulary. - Native speaker level
You can actually only use the description “native speaker” if it is not a foreign language, but your own mother tongue. If you grew up bilingually because your mother is from Spain, you can enter “Spanish – mother tongue”. If, on the other hand, you have almost the knowledge of a native speaker through a stay abroad, this is referred to as the “native speaker level”.
Business fluent, written and spoken
Instead of just “business fluent”, some job offers explicitly state the requirement “business fluent in spoken and written”. This means the same language skills, but the importance of writing skills is pointed out again.
This is possible, for example, if the job involves frequent correspondence with foreign colleagues, business partners, suppliers, or customers.
Which language level corresponds to business-fluent?
In addition to the above-mentioned levels, there is the so-called Common European Framework of Reference for Language for the specification of language skills. In this, language skills are divided into a total of six levels. The category “business fluent” corresponds to level C1 or C2. We briefly present the different levels:
Competence level A: Elementary usage:
- Level A1: Beginners with rudimentary knowledge. Single sentences and vocabulary.
- Level A2: Basic knowledge of simple situations. Frequent sentences are understood and used.
Competence level B: Independent use of language
- Level B1: Advanced knowledge of familiar topics. Conversations (e.g. on vacation) are possible.
- Level B2: Important content, including complex texts, is understood. Technical discussions on a known area can be followed.
Competence level C: Competent use of language
- Level C1: Expert knowledge and extensive understanding. Problem-free and spontaneous communication, understanding of implicit meanings.
- Level C2: Almost native speaker knowledge. Flawless expression even on complex issues. Flexible adaptation of your own language.
Classification: Do I speak fluently?
Applicants are not only unsure about the meaning of the term, but also about the classification of their own abilities. If you want to apply for a position that requires appropriate foreign language skills, the question arises: Do you really speak the language fluently?
Ideally, you will have the result of a language test that will provide you with an orientation – but not all applicants have that. In this case, you have to rely on your personal self-assessment. The following four questions can help you and show whether you are fluent in a foreign language:
- Do you understand conversations and complex texts without difficulty?
- Is it easy for you to converse with a native speaker?
- Are you able to write texts in a foreign language without errors?
- Do you feel comfortable when someone spontaneously switches to the language?
You should definitely be able to answer the last question with a yes. Because HR professionals often check foreign language skills in an interview. Here the person you are talking to changes language without prior notice and you may have to prove straight away that you are business fluent.
Negotiable CV: convince in the application
Lastly, language skills that are good at negotiating will not help you if they are not used correctly in the application. If these are mentioned by the company in the job advertisement, you should definitely mention this mandatory qualification in your resume. Even without explicit mention, language skills are still mentioned in most applications if a foreign language is required on the job.
You have various options. You can classically incorporate your skills in the tabular curriculum vitae – a graphic representation is popular with more modern variants.
In particular, business fluent knowledge should be presented in the résumé, as it is a high language level. To score points in your application, we have finally put together a few tips for you:
- Create your own section
Linguistic skills are not mixed with other competencies, but are given in a separate section under “Special skills”. This makes it easier for the HR manager to get a quick overview and ensures a good structure. - Be honest
They want to do the job and make the best impression. Nevertheless, the following applies: Lies are useless. Do not learn how to speak a fluent language if you do not bring it with you. That’ll come out quickly anyway. - Include evidence if possible
If foreign languages are important for your desired occupation, you should try to provide evidence. Take a language test like the TOEFL. You can send the result as an attachment to the application. Such a document increases credibility and is a plus. - List only significant languages
Ask yourself: is the skill advantage for the employer? If you are expected to be fluent in English and French, it is a plus point to provide this information. However, further lists of hardly any basic knowledge of Portuguese or Russian are of no use if the company is not also active there. Focus on what matters.