German · Real conversations
Work updates: useful German phrases
Explain progress and agree on a priority.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | German |
|---|---|
| to work | arbeiten to work |
| to finish | beenden to finish |
| to start | anfangen to start |
| Busy | beschäftigt Busy |
| I'm working on ... | Ich arbeite an … Show English translationI'm working on … |
| I've finished ... | Ich habe … fertiggestellt. Show English translationI've finished … |
| I need more time. | Ich brauche mehr Zeit. Show English translationI need more time. |
| What's the deadline? | Wann ist die Frist? Show English translationWhat's the deadline? |
| What should I prioritize? | Was soll ich zuerst machen? Show English translationWhat should I prioritize? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Woran arbeitest du heute?
What are you working on today?
You
Ich arbeite am Bericht.
I'm working on the report.
Partner
Wie weit bist du mit dem Bericht?
How far have you got with the report?
You
Ich habe den ersten Entwurf fertig.
I've finished the first draft.
Work updates in other languages
A note on speaking German
Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.
The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.
