Navigating business meetings in Croatian requires more than just basic phrases. It’s about understanding the formalities, cultural nuances, and professional vocabulary that make interactions smooth and effective. This guide covers everything from greetings to negotiations, ensuring you leave a polished impression.
Essential Business Greetings and Introductions
First impressions matter. In Croatian business settings, formality is key. Use titles and last names until invited to do otherwise.
Dobar dan
/dôbar dâːn/“Good day”
Drago mi je
/ˈdraɡo mi je/“Pleased to meet you”
- For senior executives or officials, add Poštovani (Respected) before their title: Poštovani direktor Kovačić
- Avoid first names unless explicitly asked. Croatians value professionalism in initial meetings.
Key Phrases for Meetings
These phrases will help you navigate discussions confidently:
| Croatian | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Možemo li početi sastanak? | Can we start the meeting? | Use to formally open discussions. |
| Kakvo je vaše mišljenje? | What’s your opinion? | Encourages collaboration without being abrupt. |
| To je prihvatljivo | That’s acceptable | A diplomatic way to agree during negotiations. |
Cultural Nuances
Understanding local business culture prevents missteps:
- Punctuality is expected. Arrive 5–10 minutes early.
- Small talk matters. Ask about family or hobbies if the meeting starts informally.
- Avoid interrupting. Croatians value orderly turn-taking in conversations.
For more on casual interactions, see our guide on Croatian small talk.
Closing a Meeting Gracefully
Hvala na suradnji
/ˈhʋala na suˈradɲi/“Thank you for your cooperation”
Follow up with a brief email summarising key points - Croatians prefer written confirmation of agreements.
