business plan in french language

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10 Steps to Starting Your Small Business in France

Essential Reading

Whether you’re looking to open a shop, run a café or restaurant, or launch a creative endeavour—there are many things to think about when starting a small business in France. To help get you started, here’s a simple overview of the ten steps that will take your dream of starting a French business and make it a reality.

1. Put Together a Clear and Focussed Business Plan

Your business plan should clearly express what type of business it is, including your aims, objectives, goals and targets. This will be the working document that you can show to your bank, your accountant and to any possible investors, and as well as sharing with future colleagues. It will also serve as your own point of reference for your business, particularly during your annual reviews.

A good business plan should include:

• Your mission statement. This should explain your business goals and identify your business’s Unique Selling Point (USP).
• An analysis of the current market and competition, including your plan for attracting potential customers, meeting the market demand, and marketing your business.
• A presentation of your own skills and experience, showcasing your ability to implement your proposed plan.
• A detailed financial budget including start-up costs and investment capital, a monthly budget, and a forecast of projected profits.

Read our article on Making a Business Plan for Your Small Business in France .

2. Patent Your Ideas and Copyright Your Business Name

If your business concept is original or has the potential to be copied then be sure to patent it. This should be done at the planning stage, before you start sharing your business plan with everyone.

If you want to protect your own business name or logo you must register it as a trademark. If the business will be a company, you can check online for free whether or not your company name is already in use.

The Institut National de la Propriete Industrielle (INPI) is the place to register business names, logos, and patents.

At the same time, you should also look at registering your website domain name and it’s a good idea to check availability early on. To register your French business domain name contact online the Association française pour le nommage Internet en coopération (AFNIC).

3. Book an Appointment at the Mairie

Deciding where your business will be located is a crucial first step, and wherever it is, your first port of call should be to the local Mairie (Town Hall). It is essential to establish a good relationship with the local town hall and to establish whether or not they will welcome your business to the area. If possible, try to set up a meeting with the Maire (mayor) directly.

Whether in a big city or a tiny rural village, the Mairie holds a lot of clout in France. If the Maire does not want your business in the commune, then it “probably ain’t going to happen!” so he or she is an important ally to win over.

4. Visit Your Local Chambre de Commerce

Your next port of call should be your local Chambre de Commerce . At the Chambre de Commerce, you will pay a small fee, but they will help you and point you in the right direction regarding any qualifications that may be needed by the French authorities for you to run your enterprise. They will give you help to register your business, provide information about the type and status of your business, and tell you what licenses you may or may not need. Advisors at the Chambre de Commerce will be able to give you a good indication of how viable your business idea is.

While you’re there, be sure to sign up for your Chambre de Commerce’s mailing list, which will keep you informed about training opportunities and workshops in your area of business.

5. Decide What Small Business Structure to Use

The type of business structure you choose will have a big effect on the taxes you pay, the kind of accounts you need to keep, and your legal and financial responsibilities and liabilities. A sole-trader business with a small turnover might find it beneficial to set up as a micro-entrepreneur (auto-entrepreneur), the simplest option in regards to accounting and tax/social charges. Alternatively, you might opt to register your business as a sole trader (enterprise individuelle or EI) or a company (société), such as an EURL, SARL, SA, and SAS.

The Chambre de Commerce can help advise you on the limitations and legalities of each option. An accountant can also help you decide what status might work best for your small business.

6. Find an Accountant or Accountancy Firm

Finding a good and reputable accountant is essential if you want to keep up with your accounts. In France, where the tax and legal system is notoriously complex and multi-layered, it’s especially important to have an experienced accountant on your team and ideally one that specialises in your type of business. If your French language skills are not up to par, then one where staff are bi-lingual will be of great help.

Hiring an accountant might seem like a big expense, but it will save you money in the long run. If you are a business novice, the accountant will help you to understand such areas as TVA/VAT, Gross Profit and Net Profit, and liability. An accountant will also help you offset certain expenditure and claim money back. They will also have their pulse on any changes in the law that may affect your enterprise.

7. Get to Grips With French Taxes

Paying taxes is a crucial part of any business and it’s important that you understand the different taxes and social charges you will be liable for before you set up your business. The fiscal year in France runs from 1 January to 31 December and there are four trimesters of revenue that need to be declared. You will be liable to pay income tax and social charges on your earnings, which will be deducted from your French business account after filing your declarations.

There may also be additional taxes to pay such as TVA (VAT) or business-specific taxes such as the Taxe de Sejour (Tourist Tax), required by all hotels, guesthouses, and gites.

While micro-entrepreneurs benefit from a simplified tax system and may feel confident making their declarations independently, most other businesses will want to seek the advice of an accountant.

8. Set Up Your Business Bank Account

You must have a dedicated business bank account for your French Business that is separate from your personal and savings accounts. This is where you will deposit the start-up capital for your business and all transactions relating to your business must go through this account. It is typical for business owners to be allocated an advisor when you open a business account and this will be your key contact at the bank, so forging a good relationship is important. If speaking French is an issue, you might want to choose a bank in France with bilingual staff or an English-speaking helpline.

9. Get Insured

Ensuring that you have the correct and appropriate insurance is critical for any business. In France, certain insurances (such as third-party liability insurance) may be mandatory depending on your business. You will want to ensure that your business and business properties are insured and you may also want to take out life insurance, indemnity insurance, and income protection policies. Your bank or mutuelle should be able to advise you on what’s available.

10. Make a Contingency Plan

No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make a contingency plan for your business. It’s much better to think about this from the outset than to be left with difficulties if and when something doesn’t go to plan.

This could be ensuring you have a financial safety net to fall back on or making smart investments with your profits to ensure an extra source of income. There is also some truth in the old maxim “don’t put all your eggs into one basket”. The flexibility to diversify or shift focus according to market trends and/or unforeseen events could be the difference between your business being a short-term success or a long-term profit-maker.

Working in France?

Whether you’re working as an English teacher, setting up a business, or taking a CDI (permanent job) at a French company, FrenchEntrée is here to help you settle into your new life in France. Our Essential Reading articles cover all the bases, from writing your French CV or setting up as an Auto-entrepreneur to running a gite business or navigating the French workplace.  

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Business French: 10 Ways to Master It Like a True Pro

Business French is a different ballgame from the standard version of the language.

In fact, the French business environment is a very formal one, so learning the related vocabulary can give you a competitive edge.

Here are 10 tips to help you confidently discuss business matters in French.

Allons-y ! (Let’s go!)

1. Read La Tribune

2. watch a business video report on france24.com, 3. aim to learn a certain number of words or phrases a day, 4. watch french business videos, 5. read a business article on wikipedia in english and french, 6. read out loud every day, 7. write your cv in french, 8. read a business book in french that you’ve already read in english, 9. write a paragraph in french about your line of business, 10. follow french business leaders and influencers on linkedin, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

La Tribune is a French daily covering financial and economic news not just in France but also around the world.

Every day, choose one business article to read on the La Tribune website. Try to find one related to your line of work. If you’re undecided, no problem—any business article will do.

While you’re reading, jot down the words you’re not familiar with. Look up their meanings in a French dictionary app , and write them down in a notebook. Writing things down manually will help you remember the words better.

Before choosing the next day’s article to read, review the words you’ve learned previously.

If La Tribune is too difficult at the moment, you can also look up the business sections of French news sites for beginners instead.

On weekdays, France24.com features a daily video news report on economic and business matters called “ Regarder le dernier Journal de l’Économie sur France 24 . ”

While watching the report, listen carefully and take note of the words that come up most often. Write them down, and look them up in your dictionary to check if you spelled them right.

Write down the meanings of the new words in your notebook, adding them to the other words you’ve learned previously.

Review the words you’ve learned, and underline the words you think you’ll have the hardest time remembering.

Write out each word by hand in your notebook, followed by its meaning. Do this 10 times for each. This way, you’ll commit the words more easily to your memory.

Also, you can set a specific target for the number of words or phrases you want to learn per day. For example, if you pick up five new words a day five days a week, you’ll be learning 25 new words a week or 100 words a month!

Not sure where to start learning business French? Check out this list of essential business vocabulary in French .

When you watch videos that feature actual French businesspeople talking, you can get a feel not only for the vocabulary, but also the pronunciation , body language and cultural etiquette in French workplaces.

For example, here’s a video on the French used in the dubbed version of “The Office:”

For more videos like these, visit the language learning platform FluentU .

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

Try FluentU for FREE!

Choose a business topic you’re interested in, and look it up on Wikipedia. It could be about business intelligence, the global financial system or the balance of trade, for example.

Read the description in English carefully. Then, on the upper right-hand corner of the page, click “languages,” type “French” in the search bar and click “Français.”

Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word in the article. The aim of this exercise is to try to guess the English equivalent of any new terminology you come across in French.

You can also do this exercise the other way around—i.e., read the French version first. Take note of any terms you’re not sure about, and look for their equivalents in the English version afterward.

Reading an article out loud regularly helps you get your tongue around difficult pronunciations—not to mention jog your memory.

Aim to read a short article out loud every day. You can choose one of the articles on La Tribune , or read a random business-related article from Wikipedia.

If you come across a word that you’re not sure how to pronounce, use these online pronunciation tools to help you out.

Writing your CV or résumé in French is an excellent exercise in learning the language. It’s also a great way to identify the vocabulary you need to describe your qualifications and skill sets. You’ll also have your French CV ready if you happen to need it in the future.

You can use Europass’ online editor to help you format your CV. Alternatively, you can read our post on writing your French CV for specific tips and linguistic nuances you should be aware of.

Choose a business book you’ve already read in English, and find its French translation (if available).

Need some ideas? Here are a few popular business books which have been translated into French:

• “Screw Business as Usual” by Richard Branson (“ Le business sera humaniste ou ne sera pas ”)
• “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill (“ Réfléchissez et devenez riche ”)
• “Competing for the Future” by Gary Hamel (“ La conquête du futur ”)
• “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson (“ Qui a piqué mon fromage ? ”)
• “The Fifth Discipline” by Peter Senge (“ La cinquième discipline ”)

Since you’ve already read the book in English and are familiar with the topic, it’s easier to figure out the meaning of difficult words by using context clues.

Imagine you’re meeting an important business contact. As such, you need to describe what you do and/or the line of business you’re in.

Write down your key points in a paragraph (in French, of course). Try to incorporate some of the words you’ve learned through the exercises you just did.

If you’re not in a specific line of business at the moment, write about your dream industry. You can also write this in a question and answer format, as if you’re having a face-to-face discussion with a potential business partner.

Look up the LinkedIn pages of French business leaders and influencers you admire, and follow them. Read their most recent posts, and decipher any terminology you don’t already know.

Here are a few LinkedIn pages you may want to check out:

• Philippe Béchade , co-founder of  CercleFinance.com  and editor of  La Bourse au Quotidien
• Alexandre Mandil , an MBA graduate and consultant in economic intelligence
• Jean-Claude Balès , a digital entrepreneur
• Stéphane Fort , director of corporate communications at Dassault Aviation

Follow these 10 handy tips and you’ll quickly and easily boost your vocabulary—as well as your confidence.

By speaking business French, you’ll definitely have a more competitive edge, increase your professional opportunities and build up important business relationships with French speakers.

FluentU has a wide variety of great content, like interviews, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native French videos with reach. With interactive captions, you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples.

For example, if you tap on the word "crois," you'll see this:

Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary you've learned in a given video with learn mode. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning, and play the mini-games found in our dynamic flashcards, like "fill in the blank."

All throughout, FluentU tracks the vocabulary that you’re learning and uses this information to give you a totally personalized experience. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

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French translation of 'business plan'

• business plan

Examples of 'business plan' in a sentence business plan

Trends of business plan.

View usage for: All Years Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

In other languages business plan

• American English : business plan / ˈbɪznɪs plæn /
• Brazilian Portuguese : plano de negócios
• Chinese : 企划书
• European Spanish : plan de empresa
• French : plan d'entreprise
• German : Geschäftsplan
• Italian : piano di sviluppo di un'attività
• Japanese : 経営計画
• Korean : 사업 계획
• European Portuguese : plano de negócios
• Latin American Spanish : plan de empresa

Browse alphabetically business plan

• business partner
• business people
• business person
• business practice
• business premises
• business rates
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'B'

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French For Business: Great Resources For Professionals

• Read time 8 mins

Starting a new job in a French-speaking country or working with French-speaking clientele?

Learning the French basics is your first step obviously, but business French is a niche topic of its own you’ll need to cover.

Your goal will not only include understanding spoken business French but also written business French.

This might include documents, emails and so on.

If you’re wondering how you can learn business French easily, one answer is to use a wide range of business French resources that will assist you.

Finding such resources isn’t always easy, but that’s what this resource list is for.

Continue on to find the best business French resources for professionals to learn key vocabulary and phrases for the French working environment.

Note: I also recommend checking out this comprehensive list of the best French online courses as well.

What’s the advantage of learning business, French?

The main advantage of learning business French is to advance further in your career .

The more you understand within a business French environment, the higher up you can advance. There are also specific roles in which a deep knowledge of business French will be beneficial.

If you work with French-speaking clients and need to negotiate with them, a knowledge of business French will assist you.

If you want to work in customer service roles in a French-speaking country, you’ll need specific business French knowledge to offer your expertise to clients.

You might be in challenging business environments where you have to give presentations for marketing purposes.

This is another reason why business French is important. It can help you represent your company well.

What’s the difference between conversational French and business French?

Whereas conversational French is used in social situations and is also described as ‘everyday’ language, business French is used to communicate in professional business environments.

In conversational situations with friends and family, specialist business French words and phrases are far less likely to crop up.

You are also more likely to use the tu form when addressing them.

With business French, you’ll rely on your knowledge of niche vocabulary to hold conversations with colleagues, your bosses or with clients.

The specific range of vocabulary required will differ from ‘every day’ French, and you’re also more likely to use the vous form when addressing your colleagues.

Best business French resources for speaking, listening, reading and writing

Here are some top resources you can check out to practice your business French knowledge.

Some are ideal for absolute beginners, while others will be better suited for revision. You’ll find apps, textbooks, lists of vocabulary, and translation apps in this list.

Take a look.

Memrise (vocabulary app)

The Memrise language learning app ( see review ) makes learning business French for professional environments easy.

It is a vocabulary-building app that has a particular section for business French vocabulary.

It features topics such as searching for jobs, communication (in a business environment), finance and banking, and E-commerce, and there are various other sections for different business fields.

French for travel & business (app)

If you’re a recent graduate and have decided to enter the business world in a French-speaking country, this gamified French for travel & business app will help you learn.

It has plenty of weekly quizzes and lessons.

It also lets you practice your basic business French with friends.

It’s ideal for French beginners who are starting with limited knowledge of business French.

You’ll also be able to practice your pronunciation with the speech recognition tool.

WordReference (dictionary style translator)

The WordReference dictionary app is your accompaniment to learning business French words and phrases.

Need to know the meaning of a French verb that you’re noticing in various business contexts? WordReference will give you a translation.

This is an important resource because it will also provide you with contextual examples and sentences.

It’s not only a dictionary either.

It has a conjugation section that will help you learn how to conjugate verbs.

DeepL translator (dictionary style translator)

A translation companion that is ideal for discovering the meaning of business French verbs, DeepL translator gives accurate translations.

It is the accompanying translation tool to Linguee, which gives you example sentences both in English and French.

Use both of these to translate the verbs that you’re unfamiliar with and need to know the meaning of to develop your business French knowledge.

France.24 (video podcast)

Listening skills are important when learning business French.

For advanced learners, France24.com has a video journal section dedicated to various business industries. Learn key vocabulary related to the stock markets, or sectors such as the wine industry.

As you listen, try to keep notes of new vocabulary and create your list.

It’s a great way to use this resource to enhance your business French knowledge.

Business French 3 - Parallel Text (textbook)

The Business French 3 textbook contains a large range of bilingual texts that focus on business French scenarios.

This selection of texts is ideal for intermediate learners who need to develop their understanding of vocabulary that they have already acquired.

You’ll discover business anecdotes that are typical within the marketing and management fields in this French book ; and as these texts already feature language analysis and feedback, you’ll not require a dictionary.

French Business Situations (coursebook)

Need to practice your French business speaking skills?

This French Business Situations coursebook is just what you’ll need.

It contains more than 40 scenarios in which spoken business French is required, including presenting to colleagues selling products and making business enquiries

This book is ideal for absolute beginners as it offers English translations for each text.

There is also a set of recorded audios that go with this book, enabling you to listen and practice your listening skills.

Hands Free Business French: 100 Essential French Business Phrases for English Speakers (Kindle version)

This Hands Free Business French Kindle edition book will walk you through 100 critical phrases that you should know.

It is aimed at beginners and opens with a few rules related to verb conjugation, essential French verbs, and sentence starters that are essential in business French scenarios.

It contains dialogues that you would find in introductory business French situations but also takes a deeper look at particular industries such as software and technology, private banking and careers and positions.

French/English Business Glossary (Routledge Business Language Glossaries) (business French glossary)

For those moments where you’re stuck on a word or phrase and it’s on the tip of your tongue (but you can’t remember it), the French/English Business Glossary has you covered.

It contains more than 5,000 phrases that were put together by native speakers.

You can use it as a dictionary as all vocabulary, which is exclusive to the world of business, is listed alphabetically.

Harrap’s business English/French (business French glossary)

Harrap’s business English/French contains more than 42,000 business French phrases that will help you look up meanings or double-check what you already know.

As well as phrases specific to the marketing industry, there are also finance, management and business press sections to explore.

It comes with definitions and quotations, as well as examples of the phrases being used in different business French contexts.

Yuqo Business French (vocabulary list)

Vocabulary lists are a great entry point into the world of business French.

This Yuqo blog post contains specific subsections for business expressions in French.

This post opens with a section on the difference between the tu and vous forms.

This is essential to understand when speaking to colleagues in business settings in French-speaking countries.

You’ll also find a broad selection of topics ranging from money, business terms in general, phrases for business telephone conversations, and phrases for different departments.

Business terms in French - Language City - (YouTube video)

Starting from the very beginning with business French?

You’ll need to start small with individual phrases.

This Business terms in French YouTube video will take you through essential business French phrases that are wide-ranging.

From finance to business to money, there is a range of industries covered here.

As mentioned, all of the phrases are basic business French terms, and they are explained with useful hints to help you remember them.

There are plenty of other great YouTube channels for learning French too.

What’s the best way to learn business, French?

As a beginner, one of the best ways to learn business French is to start with small lists of vocabulary.

Focus on learning between five and 10 words each day. Don’t forget that when you’re learning nouns, always learn them with the masculine or feminine article - un or une , le or la .

If you’re an advanced learner, back up what you already know by reading business newspapers in French that are specific to your industry.

You might also try exploring podcasts and recordings to broaden your vocabulary.

Keep practising to master business French like a professional

The more you practice, the better you’ll become.

Explore some of the resources listed here and dedicate some time each day to begin speaking, writing, reading and listening in professional French settings.

Are there any other French business resources not listed here that should be?

Share your contribution below in the comments section.

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French Business Vocabulary

French business vocabulary includes terms such as une compagnie and une société (a company), un homme et une femme d’affaires (a business man and woman), un client (clien) and un voyage d’affaires (business trip). Keep reading on this page to learn over 200 essential business terms for doing business in France.

Indispensable French business terms

• un comptable accountant, bookkeeper
• un commissaire aux comptes auditor
• le chef boss
• le chef d’entreprise boss of the company
• la femme d’affaires business woman
• l’homme d’affaires businessman
• l’acheteur buyer
• un acheteur buyer
• un expert-comptable Chartered Accountant (CA)
• le client client
• un concurrent competitor
• un conseiller consultant
• un créancier creditor
• un débiteur debtor
• un employé, une employée employee
• l’entrepreneur entrepreneur
• candidat, candidate job candidate
• l’associé partner
• le personnel personnel
• le vendeur seller
• le personnel staff, employees
• le main-d’oeuvre workforce

Departments

• la comptabilité accounting department
• la gestion, direction, gérance management
• le commerce international international business
• le conseil d’administration board of directors
• le directeur général managing director
• le service de contentieux legal department
• le service de ressources humaines human resources department
• le service marketing marketing department
• les services de vente sales department

Important nouns

• droits de douane customs duties
• heures ouvrable business hours
• l’industrie industry
• l’étude de marché market study
• la compétition competition
• la date limite deadline
• la défense du consommateur consumerism
• la déréglementation deregulation
• la fidélité loyalty
• la formation training training
• la gamme range
• la hausse, une augmentation rise
• la production production
• la rentabilité profitability
• la responsabilité responsibility
• la société company
• la société anonyme limited company
• la succursale branch
• le bail lease/rental contract lease, rental contract
• le chômage temporaire lay-off
• le cogriffage co-branding
• le commerce trade
• le commerce, les affaires business
• le contrat business deal
• le déjeuner d’affaires business lunch
• le détaillant retailer
• le leader sur le marché market leader
• le livre de paie payroll
• le marché market
• le marché cible target market
• le portable laptop
• le prix price
• le rapport report
• le rapport reporting
• le remboursement refund
• le rendez-vous meeting
• le résultat result
• le risque, le péril risk
• le salaire salary
• le service après-vente after-sales service
• le siège social head office
• le solde balance
• le soutien, un appui support
• le voyage d‘affaires business trip
• les statuts Articles of Association
• paiement comptant à la livraison COD (cash on delivery)
• un avantage advantage
• un budget budget
• un bureau office
• un canal de distribution distribution channel
• un consommateur consumer
• un créneau niche
• un échantillon sample
• un entretien interview
• un étalonnage benchmarking
• un horaire, un planning schedule
• un impôt tax
• un ordre du jour agenda
• un paiement payment
• un plan d’affaires business plan
• un point de vente outlet
• un produit product
• un rachat d’entreprise acquisition
• un réseau commercial commercial network
• un stock, une réserve stock
• un syndicat trade union
• une affaire bargain
• une annonce publicitaire advertisement
• une banque bank
• une campagne publicitaire advertising campaign
• une chaîne de montage assembly line
• une commission, une commande commission
• une distribution, livraison delivery
• une enquête survey
• une exposition commercial trade show
• une facture invoice
• une faillite bankruptcy
• une fusion d’entreprise merger
• une maîtrise en gestion MBA
• une marque brand, trademark
• une nomination appointment
• une offre offer
• une part de marché market share
• une peine, condamnation penalty
• une promotion promotion
• une réduction, une baisse reduction
• une salaire salary
• une société à responsabilité limitée limited-liability company
• une société par actions joint-stock company
• une tendance trend
• coûts costs
• l’impôt sur le revenu income tax
• l’impôt tax
• l’intérêt interest
• la comptabilité accounting, bookkeeping
• la compte account
• la croissance growth
• la dette debt
• la liquidation liquidation
• la location rental
• la marchandise, les articles goods
• la marge margin
• la marge bénéficiaire profit margin
• la perte loss
• le bénéfice profit
• le chiffre d’affaires turnover
• le chiffre d’affaire sales, turnover
• le concurrent competitor
• le paiement payment
• le passif liabilities
• le poste post, job
• les biens, l’actif assets
• les frais fees
• les frais généraux overhead expenses
• les frais, les dépenses expenses
• les honoraires fees
• un bilan balance sheet
• un entrepôt warehouse
• un inventaire inventory
• un jeux gagnant-gagnant win-win game
• une entreprise, une firme firm
• une note, une facture bill
• une réduction discount
• acheter to purchase, buy
• acheter en gros to buy in bulk
• annuler une commande to cancel an order
• approuver, ratifier to approve
• atteindre to reach
• avoir les moyens d’acheter to afford
• baisser to lower
• commander, ordonner to order
• concourir, être en concurrence avec to compete with
• confirmer to confirm
• considérer, examiner to consider
• coûter to cost
• créer une entreprise to establish a business
• décider to decide
• déposer le bilan to file for bankruptcy
• développer to develop
• devoir to owe
• diminuer, réduire to reduce
• distribuer to distribute
• distribuer, livrer to deliver
• échanger to exchange
• embaucher to hire
• employer to employ
• emprunter to borrow
• envoyer to dispatch
• être déficitaire to be in the red
• être positif to be in the black
• expédier to ship
• expédier, envoyer to consign
• exporter to export
• faire de l’argent, faire des bénéfices to make money
• faire faillite to go bankrupt to go bankrupt
• faire la publicité to advertise
• faire payer to charge for
• financer to finance
• fonder, créer, établir to establish
• fournir, offrir to provide
• gérer, diriger to manage
• importer to import
• investir to invest
• lancer un produit to launch a product
• lancer, monter un business to start a business
• mener une enquête to conduct à survey
• monter, augmenter to rise
• payer to pay
• planifier to plan
• posséder, être propriétaire de to own
• prêter to lend
• produire to produce
• promouvoir to promote
• recruter, enrôler to recruit
• rembourser to refund
• renouveler le stock to stock up
• réussir to succeed
• se syndiquer to join a trade union
• subventionner to subsidize
• trouver un créneau to find a niche
• vendre to sell
• vérifier les comptes, auditer les comptes to audit the accounts
• violer, rompre un contrat to break a contract
• astucieux, astucieuse shrewd
• bon marché cheap, inexpensive
• coûteux expensive

Related lessons:

• economics vocabulary
• jobs and professions

More resources:

• French business terms (YouTube Video)
• French business vocab (YouTube French101)

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.

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Le guide ultime pour concevoir un business plan

Si vous envisagez de démarrer une entreprise, vous avez besoin d’un business plan.

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À l’intérieur, vous apprendrez l’importance de votre concept d’entreprise (et comment il planifiera la croissance), comment communiquer clairement votre vision aux investisseurs et aux banques et ce qu’il faut faire pour commercialiser votre nouvelle entreprise lorsqu’elle sera opérationnelle. Démarrer une nouvelle entreprise est une grande aventure planifiez le succès et profitez de la balade en téléchargeant notre ebook ci-dessous !

LE GUIDE ULTIME POUR CONCEVOIR UN PLAN D’AFFAIRES

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The Building Blocks of Business French: Key Vocabulary and Grammar for Professionals

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• Language Blog

In today’s globalized business world, being able to communicate effectively in multiple languages is a valuable skill. French, in particular, holds great importance for professionals due to its widespread use in international business. French is not only the official language of France, but it is also spoken in many other countries around the world, including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and several African nations.

Speaking French can provide professionals with a range of advantages for career growth. It opens up opportunities to work in French-speaking countries and with French-speaking clients and colleagues. Additionally, many multinational companies have a presence in French-speaking regions, making knowledge of the language a valuable asset.

This blog post will provide an overview of various aspects of Business French, including essential vocabulary for business communication, common phrases and expressions for meetings and presentations, understanding French business culture, mastering French grammar, navigating French business writing, negotiating in French, making small talk in French, traveling for business in France, and resources for learning Business French.

Table of Contents

Essential Vocabulary for Business Communication in French

To effectively communicate in a business setting, it is important to have a strong foundation of vocabulary related to the world of business. This includes common terms and phrases used in various industries and sectors. Some examples of common business terms and phrases include “réunion” (meeting), “présentation” (presentation), “rapport” (report), “client” (client), “fournisseur” (supplier), and “stratégie” (strategy).

Expanding your French vocabulary can be done through various methods. One effective way is to read business-related articles and books in French. This exposes you to industry-specific vocabulary and helps you understand how certain terms are used in context. Another method is to actively seek out opportunities to practice speaking with native French speakers or language exchange partners who are knowledgeable about the business world. This allows you to learn new vocabulary and phrases while also improving your overall fluency in the language.

Common Phrases and Expressions for Meetings and Presentations

Meetings and presentations are common occurrences in the business world, and being able to effectively communicate during these situations is crucial. In French, there are specific phrases and expressions that are commonly used in these contexts.

When it comes to greetings and introductions, it is customary to start a meeting with a polite greeting such as “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Bonsoir” (Good evening). It is also common to shake hands with everyone present in the meeting.

Asking and answering questions is an important part of any meeting or presentation. Some useful phrases for this include “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?” (Can you repeat, please?), “Quelle est votre opinion sur ce sujet?” (What is your opinion on this subject?), and “Je suis d’accord avec vous” (I agree with you).

Giving presentations and reports in French requires clear and concise language. It is important to use phrases such as “Dans cette présentation, je vais vous parler de…” (In this presentation, I will talk to you about…), “Comme vous pouvez le voir sur ce graphique…” (As you can see on this graph…), and “En conclusion, je recommande…” (In conclusion, I recommend…).

Handling disagreements and conflicts can be challenging, but it is important to do so professionally. Some phrases that can be used in these situations include “Je comprends votre point de vue, mais…” (I understand your point of view, but…), “Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne suis pas d’accord” (I’m sorry, but I don’t agree), and “Pouvons-nous trouver un compromis?” (Can we find a compromise?).

Understanding French Business Culture: Customs and Etiquette

In order to successfully navigate the French business world, it is important to understand and respect the customs and etiquette that are prevalent in the country.

Business etiquette in France places a strong emphasis on formality and respect. It is customary to address colleagues and clients using their titles and last names, unless they specifically request otherwise. Punctuality is also highly valued, so it is important to arrive on time for meetings and appointments.

Cultural differences between France and other countries should also be taken into consideration. For example, the French tend to have a more formal approach to business relationships compared to some other cultures. Building trust and establishing personal connections are important steps in developing successful business relationships in France.

Tips for building relationships with French colleagues and clients include taking the time to get to know them on a personal level, showing interest in their culture and language, and being patient when it comes to decision-making processes. It is also important to be aware of the French concept of “savoir-vivre,” which refers to good manners and social graces.

Mastering French Grammar: Verb Conjugation and Tenses

Grammar is an essential component of any language, and French is no exception. In order to communicate effectively in a business setting, it is important to have a solid understanding of verb conjugation and tenses.

French verb conjugation can be complex, as verbs change depending on the subject pronoun and tense being used. There are three main groups of verbs in French: -er verbs, -ir verbs, and -re verbs. Each group has its own set of conjugation rules.

Common verb tenses used in business communication include the present tense, past tense, future tense, conditional tense, and subjunctive tense. Each tense has its own specific conjugation patterns that need to be learned and practiced.

Tips for improving your grammar skills in French include studying verb conjugation charts, practicing verb conjugation exercises, and reading and listening to French texts to see how verbs are used in context. It is also helpful to work with a language tutor or take a formal course to receive guidance and feedback on your grammar skills.

Navigating French Business Writing: Emails, Reports, and Proposals

Effective written communication is essential in the business world, and this holds true for French as well. Writing emails, reports, and proposals in French requires attention to detail and a good understanding of the language’s structure and conventions.

When writing emails in French, it is important to start with a polite greeting such as “Cher Monsieur” (Dear Sir) or “Chère Madame” (Dear Madam). The body of the email should be clear and concise, with a professional tone. It is also customary to end the email with a polite closing such as “Cordialement” (Sincerely) or “Bien à vous” (Yours sincerely).

French business reports typically follow a specific structure, including an introduction, main body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide an overview of the report’s purpose and objectives. The main body should present the findings or analysis in a logical and organized manner. The conclusion should summarize the main points and provide any recommendations or next steps.

Writing persuasive proposals in French requires careful planning and attention to detail. It is important to clearly outline the problem or need that the proposal aims to address, provide a detailed plan or solution, and highlight the benefits or advantages of implementing the proposal.

Negotiating in French: Key Phrases and Strategies

Negotiating is a common occurrence in the business world, and being able to negotiate effectively in French can give professionals a competitive edge. Understanding common negotiation tactics in France and using key phrases can help ensure successful negotiations.

In France, negotiations often involve a certain level of formality and respect. It is important to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the subject matter being negotiated. Building rapport and establishing a good relationship with the other party can also be beneficial.

Key phrases for successful negotiations include “Je propose…” (I propose…), “Pouvons-nous trouver un compromis?” (Can we find a compromise?), and “Je suis prêt(e) à faire des concessions” (I am willing to make concessions). It is also important to listen actively and ask clarifying questions when necessary.

Tips for preparing for a negotiation in French include researching the cultural norms and expectations around negotiations in France, practicing negotiation scenarios with a language partner or tutor, and familiarizing yourself with industry-specific vocabulary and terminology.

Making Small Talk in French: Building Relationships and Networking

In French business culture, making small talk is an important part of building relationships and networking. Engaging in casual conversation before getting down to business helps establish rapport and shows interest in the other person.

When making small talk in French, it is important to choose appropriate topics of conversation. Some safe topics include travel, food, culture, and current events. It is best to avoid controversial or sensitive topics such as politics or religion.

Tips for making a good impression in social situations include being polite and respectful, actively listening to the other person, and showing genuine interest in their opinions and experiences. It is also helpful to learn some common French idioms or expressions that can be used in casual conversation.

French Business Travel: Vocabulary and Tips for International Trips

Business travel is often a part of professionals’ careers, and being able to navigate French airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs is essential. Learning vocabulary related to travel and transportation in French can help make these experiences smoother.

Some useful vocabulary for travel includes “aéroport” (airport), “gare” (train station), “vol” (flight), “train” (train), “taxi” (taxi), and “hôtel” (hotel). It is also helpful to learn phrases such as “Où est la sortie?” (Where is the exit?), “Je voudrais un billet aller-retour” (I would like a round-trip ticket), and “Pouvez-vous m’aider?” (Can you help me?).

When traveling for business in France, it is important to be aware of cultural differences. For example, the French tend to have a more relaxed approach to time, so it is important to be flexible and patient when it comes to schedules and appointments. It is also customary to greet colleagues and clients with a handshake and a polite greeting.

Resources for Learning Business French: Courses, Apps, and Online Tools

There are many resources available for professionals who want to learn Business French. These resources include courses, apps, and online tools that cater specifically to the needs of business professionals.

Language courses are a popular option for learning Business French. These courses often focus on vocabulary and phrases used in business settings, as well as specific skills such as writing emails or giving presentations.

Language learning apps can also be a convenient way to practice Business French on the go. Apps such as Duolingo, Memrise, and FluentU offer interactive lessons and exercises that can help improve vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Online tools such as dictionaries, grammar guides, and language exchange platforms can also be valuable resources for learning Business French. Websites like WordReference and Linguee provide comprehensive dictionaries that can help with vocabulary and translation. Language exchange platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk allow users to connect with native French speakers for language practice.

Learning Business French is a valuable skill for professionals in today’s globalized business world. The ability to communicate effectively in French opens up opportunities for career growth and allows professionals to work with French-speaking clients and colleagues.

In this blog post, we covered various aspects of Business French, including essential vocabulary for business communication, common phrases and expressions for meetings and presentations, understanding French business culture, mastering French grammar, navigating French business writing, negotiating in French, making small talk in French, traveling for business in France, and resources for learning Business French.

By continuing to practice and improve your French skills, you can enhance your professional prospects and build successful relationships with French-speaking clients and colleagues. With the right resources and dedication, you can become proficient in Business French and open up a world of opportunities.

Why is it important to learn business French?

Learning business French can be important for professionals who work with French-speaking clients or colleagues, or who are looking to expand their career opportunities in French-speaking countries.

What are some common business French phrases?

Some common business French phrases include “Bonjour, comment allez-vous?” (Hello, how are you?), “Je vous en prie” (You’re welcome), and “Merci beaucoup” (Thank you very much).

What are some important grammar rules to know in business French?

Some important grammar rules to know in business French include proper use of verb tenses, gender agreement, and formal vs. informal language.

What are some resources for learning business French?

There are many resources available for learning business French, including language courses, textbooks, online resources, and language exchange programs. It may also be helpful to practice speaking with native French speakers or to immerse oneself in French-speaking environments.

If you want to learn French, you can  register for classes here . We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become fluent in French!

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What is the translation of "business plan" in French?

"business plan" in french, business plan {noun}.

• volume_up plan d'affaires
• plan d'entreprise

Translations

• open_in_new Link to source
• warning Request revision

Context sentences

English french contextual examples of "business plan" in french.

These sentences come from external sources and may not be accurate. bab.la is not responsible for their content.

Monolingual examples

English how to use "business plan" in a sentence, english how to use "plan d'affaires" in a sentence, english how to use "plan d'entreprise" in a sentence, similar translations, similar translations for "business plan" in french.

• planification
• période pleine
• période de pointe
• planification urbaine
• aménagement urbain
• planification familiale
• contrôle des naissances
• mouche du coche
• gestion prévisionnelle
• business opportunity
• business organisation
• business organization
• business outsource
• business owner
• business park
• business partner
• business partners
• business partnership
• business people
• business plan
• business policy
• business practice
• business practices
• business premises
• business process
• business process re-engineering
• business profit
• business profitability
• business proposition
• business proprietors

Even more translations in the Romanian-English dictionary by bab.la.

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• , September 8, 2023

15+ French Business Vocabulary: For Excellent Business Meetings

Knowing French brings up a world of options in the context of international trade and commerce. Learning French business vocabulary is essential if you want to succeed in navigating global markets, building successful relationships, or improving your professional prospects. Therefore, this thorough blog post will walk you through the complex world of business jargon and provide you with the linguistic tools you need to properly participate in discussions, presentations, and correspondence.

The strength of the French business language crosses boundaries and bridges cultures, ensuring that you are prepared to succeed in the fast-paced world of business, whether you are speaking in boardrooms in Paris or conference rooms in Montreal. So, come along with us as we set off on a linguistic trip that promises both professional development and a greater understanding of the language of international business.

Check Out Essential French Business Vocabulary

For the business world, some words and phrases are definitely good to know. When in a French-speaking country, business French helps you get the edge in certain conversations. Here are some phrases with French business vocabulary that should help:

French Business Phrases

You’ll see that the list includes both polite words and a variety of firm departments. Both are useful to know, but the French pronunciation is more crucial. For instance, make sure you have practiced rapport in French before a business meeting.

French Business Culture & Etiquette

Here are seven standard rules of French business etiquette to remember:

1. Formal Greetings: It’s traditional to use titles like “Monsieur” (Mr.) or “Madame” (Mrs.) followed by the person’s last name in French business culture. When meeting someone for the first time, handshakes are usual, and a small bend of the head is a symbol of respect.

2. Punctuality: In the French corporate culture, being on time is essential. Planning to be on time for meetings and appointments is important because arriving late is often seen as rude.

3. Language: Attempting to communicate in French, even if it’s basic, is welcomed. However, many French business professionals speak English. Use formal language when speaking with coworkers and clients, especially at the beginning of your contacts.

4. Business Meals: In France, business lunches and dinners are typical. The right use of silverware, refraining from resting your elbows on the table, and waiting for the host to start the meal are all examples of proper table manners.

You can approach a global corporation, manage a medium-sized firm, work for a non-profit organization, or join a French company if you have knowledge of business culture, etiquette, and language in French.

Speak Business French Confidently!

You now possess a variety of French business vocabulary that will be useful in meetings. Here are some other suggestions to support you. Start by mastering the fundamental vocabulary and grammar of French. Then, immerse yourself in French-language business-related content, including books, articles, and podcasts. Engage in interactions with native speakers or other students to practice speaking and listening. Pay attention to how you say things because clear communication in business relies heavily on pronunciation.

Learn industry-specific jargon to properly communicate your ideas, especially the ones we’ve discussed today. Additionally, cultural sensitivity is essential; knowing French corporate etiquette and customs can aid in developing fruitful relationships. Maintain your patience and persistence since language acquisition takes time, but with constant work, you may speak Business French with assurance and succeed in the French-speaking business world.

Although you have been given business context, you still need more to communicate with business partners on a regular basis. With the help of the Ling app, you will gain access to a wealth of French terminology . Now making business calls will be simple!

Get Ling Today!

With its immersive, dynamic, and thorough approach to learning Business French, the Ling app is a pioneer in the field of language learning. It is your dependable travel companion on your path to becoming proficient in corporate French, whether you’re a corporate executive looking to improve your international dealings or an ambitious professional looking to stand out in the job market. With Ling, you learn more than that – you empower yourself to communicate, connect, and thrive in the dynamic world of global business.

The Ling app is a great method to gain exposure to the French business language as well as much more, whether your goal is to increase your network of business connections or simply broaden your French vocabulary. Get the appropriate French business environment right away. Install the app right away on your iOS or Android device!

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Get Down to Business in French

Can you imagine going to a business meeting in France with no knowledge of business French? With a bit of reckoning and preparation, you can spare yourself a lot of embarrassment. All you need is a small set of business French phrases.

The world of work can be wildly different from one country to another, and when traveling somewhere for business—either permanently or as a visitor—you’ll have to quickly find your mark to make the best of your new business environment. 

In this guide to phrases for doing business in French, you’ll learn everything you need to work in France or conduct your business with French-speaking partners. We’ll cover everything from coworkers and meetings to job interviews, letters, and even professional phone calls. Let’s take care of business!

• Getting Started
• Business Words and Phrases
• Coworkers and Meetings
• Nail a Job Interview
• Emails and Letters
• Business Calls
• Le Mot De La Fin

1. Getting Started

Before we dive into specific business French phrases, let’s cover the basics and work on your first impressions. 

In this section, you’ll learn how to greet, how formal you should be, and what words and expressions you need to know if you want to work or conduct business in French.

1 – Greetings and Goodbyes

• Bonjour (“Hello”) is the magic greeting that works for everybody at almost any time of day. Literally meaning “Good day,” it’s neither too formal nor too relaxed, so you really can’t go wrong with it.
• Bonsoir (“Good evening”) is basically bonjour for evening and night.

When meeting someone for the first time, you might want to add a polite “Nice to meet you.” Here are a few options:

• This one can be used with anyone in any situation. It takes a final E in the feminine form.
• Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer. (“Happy to meet you.”)
• C’est un plaisir de vous rencontrer. (“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”)

Saying goodbye is even more straightforward. In any formal situation, always stick with Au revoir (“Goodbye”), and nothing else. Then, only once you become more casual with coworkers or business partners, you could use the relaxed Salut (“Bye”) or a similar alternative.

2 – “Tu” or “Vous”?

The French have two distinct pronouns for “you”: vous and tu (formal and casual “you”). Whenever in doubt, you can’t go wrong with vous .

A simple rule: Follow your partners’ or coworkers’ lead. If they use tu when addressing you, answer with tu . Otherwise, just stick to the formal vous .

2. Business Words and Phrases

Now we’ll introduce you to some of the most useful business French vocabulary. These are words and phrases that you’ll hear and use often in the French working world, so we recommend memorizing the ones that are most relevant to your situation. 

1 – The Company

We have two main words for “company” in French:

• Une entreprise
• Une société

There are some legal differences if you explore the working laws, but most people use both indiscriminately.

• Yves Rocher est une entreprise de cosmétique. (“Yves Rocher is a cosmetics company.”)
• Je travaille pour une société de transport. (“I work for a transport company.”)

In a more relaxed context, the casual word for “company” is une boite (literally, “a box”).

• Je bosse pour une boite d’informatique. (“I work for an IT company.”) Note that I’m using the verb bosser , which is the casual slang term for travailler (“to work”).

Here are a few technical business French terms you might want to learn:

• Le bureau (“The office”)
• Un open space (“An open space” / “A bullpen”)
• Une société par actions (“A joint-stock company”)
• Une multinationale (“A multinational company”)
• Une PME (Petite et moyenne entreprise) (“SMB – Small and medium-sized business”)
• Une association (à but non lucratif) (“A non-profit organization”)

Une entreprise (“Company”)

2 – To Work

Now, here are some useful words and expressions for talking about work and employment.

• Travailler (“To work”)
• Bosser [Casual] (“To work”)
• Gérer (“To manage”)
• Recruter (“To hire”)
• Chercher un emploi (“To look for a job”)
• Un métier (“Occupation”)
• Le travail (“Work”)
• Un boulot [Casual] (“Job”)
• Un taf [Slang] (“Job”)
• Un poste (“Position”)
• Une carrière (“Career”)
• Un stage (“Internship”)
• Un contrat (“Contract”)

3 – Top Business Words

You’ll notice that some words have a feminine form and some words don’t. I’m only adding the feminine form when it’s relevant and commonly used. This is because, in many cases, it’s still customary to use the masculine form for any gender.

Let’s start with the workforce:

• Le personnel (“The staff”)
• Un employé [Male] / Une employée [Female] (“An employee”)
• Un stagiaire / Une stagiaire (“An intern”)
• Un apprenti / Une apprentie (“An apprentice”)
• Un cadre (“An executive”)

The management:

• Le patron (“The boss”)
• Le PDG – Président-directeur général (“The CEO”) 
• Un directeur / Une directrice (“A director”)
• Un manager (“A manager”)
• Un employeur (“An employer”)
• Le comité de direction (“Top management”)

And now some departments and geographical terms:

• Le siège social (“Head office”)
• Une succursale (“A branch”)
• Une filiale (“A subsidiary”)
• Les ressources humaines or RH (“Human Resources”)
• Le service marketing (“The marketing department”)
• Le service des ventes (“The sales department”)
• Le service technique (“The technical department”)
• La comptabilité (“The accounting department”)

Le PDG (“The CEO”)

4 – Talking About Money

If you’re doing business, chances are you’ll eventually find yourself talking about money.

Let’s start with the basics before we move on to some technical financial vocabulary:

• L’argent (“Money”)
• Un salaire (“Salary”)
• Un bulletin de salaire (“Payslip”)
• Une avance (“An advance payment”)
• Une retenue sur salaire (“A payroll deduction”)
• Les impôts (“Taxes”)
• Les charges salariales (“Wage costs”)
• Veuillez joindre votre RIB à ce formulaire. (“Please, attach your bank details to this form.”)
• Les bénéfices (“Revenue” / “Profit”) Le bénéfice net (“The net revenue”) Le bénéfice brut (“The gross revenue”)
• Le chiffre d’affaire (“Turnover”)
• Mes actions sont en hausse. (“My stocks are rising.”)
• Mes actions sont en baisse. (“My stocks are declining.”)

3. Coworkers and Meetings

Now that you have a large business vocabulary to talk about companies and money, let’s dive into more specific topics, starting with your coworkers’ meetings. Quite a program, right? No worries, we’ll keep it simple!

• Un collègue (“Colleague” / “Coworker”)
• Un partenaire (“Business partner”)
• Un associé (“Associate” / “Partner”)

Now, onto the most useful French business phrases for interacting with coworkers and speaking up in business meetings.

1 – Asking a Colleague for Help

It’s perfectly fine in France to ask for assistance if you don’t understand something, if you’re lacking some important piece of information, or if you just think your current task should be tackled with outside help.

Below, I’ll write some example sentences using tu (casual “you”), as this is by far the most common way to address your coworkers unless you’re working in an unusually uptight work environment.

Est-ce que tu peux m’aider ? (“Can you help me?”)

• Tu pourrais m’expliquer ça ? (“Could you explain this to me?”)
• Je ne comprends pas ce document. (“I don’t understand this document.”)
• Est-ce que tu sais utiliser ce logiciel ? (“Do you know how to use this software?”)

2 – Thanking or Congratulating

• Merci pour ton aide. (“Thank you for your help.”)
• Merci pour le coup de main ! [Casual] (“Thanks for the help!”)
• Bon travail. (“Good work.”)
• Excellent travail ! (“Excellent work!”)

3 – Raising Concerns

You can have many reasons to voice your concerns, and in most places, French employees do so rather freely. If something is wrong, good managers will always prefer to know the hard facts than having you sugarcoat it and later find out the truth.

Ideally, you should express your concern in a polite and constructive manner, showing that you’re trying to solve a problem and not just complain for the sake of it.

• Je n’ai pas été formé pour cela. (“I haven’t been trained for this.”)
• Le délai est trop court. (“The deadline is too short.”)
• Nous n’avons pas le budget pour ___. (“We don’t have the budget for ___.”)
• Nous n’avons pas les ressources pour ___. (“We don’t have the resources for ___.”)
• Nous n’aurons pas le temps de terminer. (“We won’t have enough time to finish.”)
• Il faudrait reporter cette réunion. (“We should reschedule this meeting.”)
• Il y a une erreur dans ce document. (“There is a mistake in this document.”)
• Nous n’avons pas de documentation là dessus. (“We don’t have documentation on this.”)

4 – Making Apologies

We all make mistakes, and as long as you’re not denying them and take accountability, you should be just fine!

• Je suis désolé. (“I’m sorry.”)
• Désolé pour tout à l’heure. (“Sorry about earlier.”)
• Désolé de ne pas avoir pu t’aider. (“Sorry I couldn’t help you.”)

It’s all about working through your differences.

5 – Afterwork Mingling

Getting to know your coworkers or business partners is important, and France has a well-established tradition of handling crucial decisions and agreeing on lucrative contracts over what we call déjeuner d’affaire (“business lunch”).

Among colleagues, it’s also common to have a drink after work or meet in informal settings to get to know each other better.

• Tu travailles dans quel service ? (“In what department do you work?”)
• Tu bosses sur quel projet ? (“On what project are you working?”)
• Tu travailles dans l’équipe de Nicolas ? (“Are you working on Nicolas’s team?”)
• Tu travailles ici depuis longtemps ? (“Have you been working here for a long time?”)
• Tu faisais quoi avant de travailler ici ? (“What did you do before working here?”)

4. Nail a Job Interview

If there’s one situation where you’ll need a lot of business phrases and vocabulary, it’s certainly a job interview. You may have done well with your letter, and nobody saw you sweat during the phone call, but can you make it through the actual interview? Now is your time to shine.

You’ll need some practice to bring your game to the next level, but once you’ve rehearsed what you want to say and how to answer the most common questions, you’ll do just fine!

And now, here are a few examples of common questions in a job interview and how to answer them:

If you didn’t understand the question, don’t hesitate to ask the other person to repeat:

• Vous pouvez répéter, s’il vous plaît ? (“Could you repeat, please?”)
• Pardon, je n’ai pas bien entendu. (“Sorry, I didn’t hear that.”)
• Excusez-moi ? (“Excuse me?”)

Il passe un entretien d’embauche. (“He’s interviewing for a job.”)

5. Emails and Letters

Let’s face it, you’ll probably never send an actual letter for any business purpose in France. Surprisingly, we still use paper for a ridiculously big portion of our administrative procedures , but private companies moved to the digital era a couple of decades ago.

Nonetheless, you may read the word une lettre (“a letter”) in a business context. Just remember that we usually don’t mean a paper letter, and are rather referring to an email. This is the case for une lettre de motivation (“a cover letter”), for example, which nobody’s sending through the post office anymore.

When writing a French business letter, you’ll typically want to include three things before getting to the point:

1. Your personal details (name, address, phone number, email).

2. The other person’s details, to make sure it gets into the right hands. If you don’t know the person’s name, you can mention the name of the department. Another option is to write the name of the company and add à qui de droit (“to whom it may concern”).

3. [Optional] The topic of the letter, such as Candidature pour un poste de professeur d’Anglais (“Application for an English teaching position”) or Récapitulatif de nos conditions de distribution (“A summary of our distribution terms”).

Then, you should open the letter with a greeting. If you know the name of your reader, feel free to use it. For instance: 

• Monsieur Morel, (“Mister Morel,”) You should always use the last name.
• Cher Monsieur Morel, (“Dear Mister Morel,”) is not formal enough for a cover letter, but it’s fine for most business transactions. 

If you’re not sure, you can’t go wrong with: Madame, Monsieur, (“Madam, Mister,”).

There are tons of options for ending a French business email or letter, but you don’t want to be too submissive or old-fashioned. Here are a few timeless options:

• Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes meilleures salutations. (“Please accept, Madam / Mister, my best salutations.”)
• Veuillez recevoir, Madame, Monsieur, mes respectueuses salutations. (“Please receive, Madam / Mister, my respectful salutations.”)

6. Business Calls

In many big companies, Skype, Teams, or other similar audio conference solutions are already much more popular than phone calls. In the last company I worked for, I don’t believe I saw more than a couple of phones for 200 people.

However, in small businesses and administration, the phone is still alive and kicking. Luckily, the phrases and vocabulary are pretty similar to what we’ve covered already, except for a few added technical terms for online solutions.

Here’s some useful French for business phone calls and other long-distance interactions:

• Allo ? (“Hello?”) is toned as a question, to make sure the other person can hear you. It can be used over the phone or in online calls, but never in person (unless you’re in Quebec). Most phone conversations start with Allo ?

Then, you may want to make sure you’ve dialed the right number or that you’re talking to the right person:

• Bonjour, c’est bien le magasin Darty à Toulouse ? (“Hello, is this the shop ‘Darty’ in Toulouse?”)
• Bonjour, monsieur Morel ? (“Hello, is it monsieur Morel?”)
• Je cherche à joindre monsieur Morel, s’il vous plaît. (“I’m trying to reach mister Morel, please.”)
• Pouvez-vous me mettre en relation avec le service financier, s’il vous plaît ? (“Could you please connect me to the finance department?”)

Should you be on the other side of the phone, here are a few useful sentences to handle calls:

• Ne quittez pas. (“Hold the line.”)
• Je vous le (la) passe. (“I will put you through to him [her].”)
• La ligne est occupée. (“The line is busy.”)
• Est-ce que je peux prendre un message ? (“Could I take a message?”)
• Est-ce que vous voulez patienter ? (“Would you like to hold a moment?”)
• Pourriez-vous rappeler plus tard ? (“Could you call back later?”)

Allo, monsieur Morel ? (“Hello, is it mister Morel?”)

And finally, here are a few expressions for online calls specifically:

• Est-ce que vous m’entendez bien ? (“Can you hear me well?”) Oui, on vous entend très bien. (“Yes, we can hear you very well.”)
• La connexion est très mauvaise. (“The connection is very bad.”)
• Je vous entends assez mal. (“I can hear you rather poorly.”)
• La connexion a été coupée. (“The connection was lost.”)

And of course, remember the old trick you’ve learned talking to your mother-in-law:

• Désolé, ça va couper. Je passe dans un tunnel ! (“I’m sorry, you’re breaking up. I’m going through a tunnel!”)

7. Le Mot De La Fin

In this guide, you’ve learned everything about business French phrases, from useful French vocabulary to business letters, emails, phone calls, and workplace interactions. Did I forget any important topic you’d like to learn about?

Do you feel ready to jump right in and start handling your French partners in their native languages, or go and apply for a French company? FrenchPod101 also has tons of vocabulary lists with audio recordings and free resources to boost your studies and keep your French learning fresh and entertaining!

Remember that you can also use our Premium PLUS service, MyTeacher , to get personal one-on-one coaching. Your private teacher will help you practice your business French and more, using assignments, personalized exercises, and recorded audio samples for you (they can review yours, too, to help improve your pronunciation).  Happy learning on FrenchPod101.com !

About the Author: Born and bred in the rainy north of France, Cyril Danon has been bouncing off various jobs before he left everything behind to wander around the wonders of the World. Now, after quenching his wanderlust for the last few years, he’s eager to share his passion for languages.

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French Government Defends Its New Deficit-Reduction Plan

French Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/ File photo

PARIS (Reuters) - The French government on Wednesday insisted its plans to cut the country's deficit was 'coherent and responsible', as it responded to criticism of the plan from the country's independent public finance watchdog.

"It is a solid, coherent and responsible programme," said government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot at a news conference.

Earlier on Wednesday, the independent public finance watchdog said the budget deficit reduction plans lack credibility in the absence of more detailed plans to reduce spending.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - April 2024

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Change the language Office uses in its menus and proofing tools

There are three areas in Microsoft Office where you may want to change the language.

Editing or Authoring is the language in which you write and edit your content. You may need to install an associated keyboard for this language via Windows settings.

Proofing tools are spelling and grammar check. Typically, you'll set this language to be the same as the editing or authoring language.

Display language is for all the buttons, menus, and controls in Office.

You can set the display and editing or authoring languages independently from each other. For example, you may want the display language to be English, but the document you're writing or editing is in French.

Note:  If you want to completely change Office, permanently, to a different language you'll get the best results if you first set that to be your default display language in Windows as well. For more information on doing that see this article for Windows 10 or this article for Windows 7 or 8 .

Configure Office language for newer Office versions

Tip:  To prevent having to manually configure the proofing language with each new document in Word, switch on the option to detect the language you're writing. On the Review tab, go to Language . Choose Language > Set Proofing Language , and then select Detect language automatically .

Note:   If you're using Office 365 and the commands available are different from what's shown here, expand the Configure Office language for Office 2016 or earlier section and follow the instructions there.

In Office, the language options are in the Office Language Preferences dialog box. The display and authoring languages can be set independently. For example, you could have everything match the language of your operating system, or you could use a combination of languages for your operating system, authoring, and display.

To configure the display language:

Within any Office application, select File > Options > Language .

Select the language you want, and then select Set as Preferred . If you want your Office display language to match the display language you have for Windows, select Match Microsoft Windows [Language] .

If the language you want is not listed, select Install additional display languages from Office.com and follow the instructions there.

To configure the authoring and proofing language:

If the language you want appears in the list, select it, and then select Set as Preferred . If the language you want is not listed, select Add a language , and then follow the instructions in the Add an authoring language dialog box.

If the language accessory pack includes proofing tools for that language, its status appears as  Proofing installed . If the status is Proofing available , click the link to install the proofing tools.

Configure Office language for Office 2016 or earlier

In Office, the language options are in the Set the Office Language Preferences dialog box. The display and help languages can be set independently. For example, you could have everything match the language of your operating system, or you could use a combination of languages for your operating system, editing, display, and Help.

To configure the editing and proofing language:

If your language already appears among the editing languages press Set as Default . Otherwise select the language from the Add additional editing languages list then press the Add button. The new language will appear in the list of editing languages.

If the Keyboard Layout shows as Enabled , you're all set for editing. If it says Not enabled in the Keyboard Layout column follow these steps to enable it:

Click the Not enabled link.

In the Add Languages dialog box, press Add a language , select your language in the list, and then press Add .

Close the Add Languages dialog box. Your language should display as Enabled under Keyboard Layout in the Choose Editing Languages section.

Under Proofing , if your language shows as Installed , you're ready to go. Otherwise press Not installed and Office will take you to a page where you can download the necessary Language Accessory Pack for that language. Follow the instructions on that page to download and install the pack, then come back to the Office Language Preferences dialog box to confirm that it's now installed.

To configure the display and help languages:

If you've already set your Microsoft Windows display language to be the language you want Office to display in you can leave this set to Match Microsoft Windows . Otherwise select your language and press Set as Default to move that language to the top of the list. The language that is listed first is the one Office will use for its menus and buttons. Please note, if your Windows display language is not also installed in Office, your Office display language will appear in the next language in the display list.

Repeat to configure your help language if you want to.

If the language you want isn't available...

Download the proper Language Accessory Pack for the language you want to use from this page: Language Accessory Pack for Office . The Language Accessory Pack contains the display and proofing tools for most languages, but you can still choose to have your display in one language and editing or authoring in another.

Microsoft Office for Mac already contains all of the available languages, so there's nothing to download. To configure Office to use those languages follow these steps:

User Interface - The display language for Office for Mac uses the primary language set for operating system. To change the display language for Office for Mac, you need to set a different primary language for your operating system:

On the  Apple menu, choose  System Preferences > Language & Region

In the Preferred Languages list, set the desired language to be your primary language by dragging it to the top of the list.

If the language you want doesn't appear just press the + sign and add it.

You'll have to restart your Office application for this change to take effect.

Editing - Setting the editing language depends on the program you're working in.

Word and PowerPoint

To change your editing language in Word for Mac or PowerPoint for Mac, go to Tools > Language , select your language, and select  OK .

To make it the default for all new documents select  Default .

Tip:  To prevent having to manually configure the proofing language with each new document in Word, switch on the option to detect the language you're writing. On the Review tab, go to Language , and then select Detect language automatically .

To change your editing language in Excel for Mac, go to Tools > Language , select your language, and select  OK .

To change your editing language in OneNote for Mac, go to Tools > Set Proofing Language , select your language, and select  OK .

User Interface & Editing - The display and keyboard languages for Office for Android is the same as the language that the device is set to. You can configure those by going to Settings > Language and Input .

Proofing - On Android you can change the proofing language in Word.

In Word on your Android tablet go to the Review tab and you can select your proofing language from the ribbon.

User Interface & Editing - The display and keyboard languages for Office for iOS are the same as the language that the device is set to. See Change the language on your iPhone or iPad for instructions.

Proofing - On iOS you can change the proofing language in Word.

User Interface & Editing - The display and keyboard languages for Office for Windows Mobile are the same as the language that Windows is set to.

Change Language Preferences in Windows 10

Add or Change Languages in Windows 7 or 8

Proofing - On Windows Mobile you can change the proofing language in Word.

In your document, on the Review tab, you can select the proofing language from the ribbon.

User Interface - The best way to set the display language in Office for the web is to set the language in the host where your documents live. That's usually OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox, etc. When you open a document from one of those sites, Office Online will use the display language you have that service set to.

Tip:  If you're using a personal Microsoft account, you can choose your preferred display language in your profile settings at https://account.microsoft.com/profile .

Change views on OneDrive (Scroll to the bottom for language settings)

Set your language in SharePoint . If you're using SharePoint, and want a language other than your system language, you'll want to be sure to select a SharePoint language.

Change your language settings in Dropbox

To set the proofing tools language in your app go to the  Review  tab > Spelling & Grammar > Set Proofing Language . In OneNote for the web this is found on the Home tab.

Things to know

This change will only take effect from this point in the document forward.

To apply this change to any existing text in the document, press Ctrl+A to select all of the existing text, then set the proofing language with the steps above.

This change only affects the current document. For subsequent documents you'll need to repeat these steps.

Set up or change the languages used to check spelling and grammar

What languages are supported in Office?

Translate text into a different language

Remove languages and fonts you don't use

Right-to-left language features

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