Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.
You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.
German to English translations [PRO] Bus/Financial - Business/Commerce (general)
German term or phrase:Verhandlungsfähigkeit
This is taken from a Swiss certificate of employment at a bank for a simple clerk. The sentence reads:
"Sein lösungsorientiertes Handeln, seine Verhandlungsfähigkeit sowie seine hilfsbereite Wesensart wurden allseits geschätzt".
The main daily tasks of this individual have nothing to do with any kind of negotiations whatsoever, and so I am stumped as to how to translate this:
"His solution-oriented approach, [advanced working knowledge?] as well as his helpful nature were valued by everyone" is what I have put so far, but it seems a bit strange. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Thanks for your suggestion. I used this translation because I think it best fit this context, i.e. the way he interacted specifically with his colleagues and superiors given his position as a clerk (in settlements, so no contact with customers) 4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer
I see that you specifically say that his job has nothing to do with negotitations, but both answers include negotiation as this is the normal translation for Verhandlung. Since they go on to talk about his hilfsbereite Wesensart I wonder whether they might be referring to his abílity ot negotiate/ work with colleagues, or even the way he handles (sometimes difficult?) customers.
Automatic update in 00:
Answers
23 mins confidence:
negotiation capacity
Explanation: der Begriff wird häufig verwendet
Conny Gritzner Germany Local time: 21:47 Native speaker of: German
Explanation: it's got to do with Negotiation as the text IMHO exactly states this....
My guess would be, that his way to interact with customers was meant...
Oliver_F Local time: 21:47 Works in field Native speaker of: German PRO pts in category: 4
Notes to answerer
Asker: Hi Oliver, Thanks for your input. I would normally think so, but because this particular clerk's job is in settlements (so backroom), he doesn't meet clients at all, which is why in this case I think Susan & Kim's solution fits better. But thanks again though!
Explanation: Indeed, a bank clerk does not "negotiate," but simply has to communicate clearly and politely with customers.
Susan Welsh United States Local time: 15:47 Works in field Native speaker of: English PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Thanks for your suggestion. I used this translation because I think it best fit this context, i.e. the way he interacted specifically with his colleagues and superiors given his position as a clerk (in settlements, so no contact with customers)
Notes to answerer
Asker: I just wanted to clarify that I used 'communication skills'.
16 hrs confidence:
ability to compromise
Explanation: since "negotiation" may indicate a more competitive field, and in this context a milder meaning may be wanted, I'd recommend considering the word "compromise" instead - is more defensive and willing to communicate
BethanyHH Local time: 21:47 Works in field Native speaker of: English
Reference information: Since we are talking about the skills required of a bank clerk, and the ability to negotiate, as the term is normally used in English is clearly not one of them, I think Verhandlungsfähigkeit has to be communication skills.
Oral communication skills
Transactional language, carried out for the purpose of conveying or exchanging information, is an extended form of responsive language. Conversations, for example, may have more of a negotiative nature to them than merely responsive speech.
from Teaching By Principles H. Douglas Brown
Kim Metzger Mexico Specializes in field Native speaker of: English PRO pts in category: 808
The translation workplace 
