Business English: which professionals need it?
Who needs it, how it differs from general English and the level at which it is worth starting.
Book an introduction and level assessment →Business English is the English used at work: correspondence, meetings, video calls, presentations and negotiations. It is needed by people who work with clients or companies abroad, managers and freelancers, candidates for positions in international organisations and anyone who wants to strengthen their CV.
Many professionals have good general English and yet feel awkward when they have to write a formal email or speak up in a meeting. The difficulty is usually not their level, but vocabulary, tone and a lack of practice in real work situations.
Which professionals need it
Working with partners abroad
Employees and managers who communicate with clients, suppliers or partners outside Greece.
Freelancers
People who send quotes, close deals and reply to clients in English themselves.
Sectors with specialist terminology
Finance, law, medicine, technology or engineering, where precise wording matters.
Candidates for career progression
People aiming for a position in an international organisation or in a company where English is the working language.
How it differs from general English
| Criterion | General English | Business English |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Everyday communication and core skills | Communication in a professional setting |
| Vocabulary | General, for every situation | Terminology adapted to your sector |
| Tone | Friendly or neutral | Formal, clear and polite |
| Practice | Discussion, reading and writing on general topics | Emails, meetings, video calls, presentations, negotiations |
Business English does not replace general English; it is built on top of it. Grammar and core vocabulary are the foundation. Business English adds the right tone and the expressions each professional situation calls for.
What changes in your work
On your CV
The phrase "very good English" says little. A recognised C1 or C2 certificate, together with experience of using the language professionally, shows what you can really do.
In professional relationships
A clear email and the right wording in a meeting prevent misunderstandings and build trust with clients and partners.
In career opportunities
Positions in companies with clients abroad or in international organisations often require confidence in workplace English.
English for your work
Lessons for professionals with terminology adapted to your sector, flexible timetables and the option to attend online.
See the Business & Academic English programme →What level to start from
Business English makes sense when you already have a solid foundation in the language. For those starting from B2 level and above, a programme is usually completed in 4 to 8 months, aiming at certificates such as C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, IELTS Academic or ECPE. If you are not sure what each one indicates, see which English certificates exist and what level each one corresponds to.
If your foundation is weaker, the first step is English for adults, to build the grammar and vocabulary you will need later on.
What you work on in a programme
- Business correspondenceEmails, quotes and replies to clients, in the right tone for each recipient.
- Meetings and video callsHow to take the floor, ask for clarification and summarise what was agreed.
- PresentationsStructure, clarity and confidence when presenting an idea or a result.
- NegotiationsPolite but clear wording when discussing terms, prices or deadlines.
Read also
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs Business English?
How does Business English differ from general English?
What level of English do you need to start Business English?
Is there a dedicated Business English certificate?
Does Business English help your CV?
Can I take Business English if I work long hours?
- Cambridge English – Business Certificates (BEC)
- Council of Europe – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
See where you are starting from
Book a level assessment and together we will see whether you are ready for Business English or whether your foundation needs strengthening first.
Contact & Registrations →- 📍 Ethnomartiron 127, Orestiada 682 00
- 📞 2552 0 23096 / 697 693 4122
- 🕒 Monday - Friday 14:30-22:00, Saturday 10:00-12:30
Contact us
Fill in the form and we will arrange an introductory meeting and a level assessment.