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adjective

verhandlungssicher

business fluent

Diese Eigenschaft beschreibt eine Person, die eine Sprache so gut beherrscht, dass sie darin fachliche Gespraeche fuehren und Vertraege abschliessen kann.

Definition & meaning

The word verhandlungssicher is an adjective used primarily in professional contexts to describe a high level of proficiency in a foreign language. Translated literally as "negotiation-secure," it indicates that a person is "business fluent."

If someone is verhandlungssicher in a language, they are capable of:

  1. Conducting complex negotiations and discussions without difficulty.
  2. Expressing nuanced arguments and understanding subtle linguistic details.
  3. Using professional and technical terminology correctly within their field.
  4. Handling spontaneous questions or high-pressure situations in that language.

In a German CV (Lebenslauf), this is typically considered one level below "muttersprachlich" (native speaker level) or "zweisprachig" (bilingual), but above "fließend" (fluent).

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a compound adjective consisting of two parts:

  • die Verhandlung: Meaning negotiation, discussion, or even a legal trial. It comes from the verb verhandeln (to negotiate).
  • sicher: Meaning safe, secure, sure, or confident.

When combined, they describe the state of being "secure in negotiations." In German grammar, it is an indeclinable adjective when used as an adverb, but it follows standard adjective declension rules when used before a noun (e.g., "verhandlungssichere Englischkenntnisse").

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • fließend: Fluent (though often perceived as slightly lower than verhandlungssicher).
  • perfekt: Perfect.
  • wortgewandt: Eloquent or articulate.
  • fachkundig: Expert or proficient in a specific field.

Antonyms:

  • Grundkenntnisse: Basic knowledge or elementary skills.
  • anfängerhaft: Amateurish or like a beginner.
  • unsicher: Insecure or uncertain.
  • mangelhaft: Deficient or poor.

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Examples

Wir benötigen für diesen Job verhandlungssichere Sprachkenntnisse.adjective

We require business fluent language skills for this job.

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