About me

First and foremost, I consider myself to be an empathetic person. This trait plays a crucial role in my identity as a German-Dutch entrepreneur and in the dedication I feel for my work. When you think of the concept "businesswoman," the idea often arises of someone who works their way to the top with elbows. However, that is not who I am. I am genuinely interested in people – their concerns, dreams and ambitions. I listen to the stories of others with great attention, and I like to offer support where possible.

"I know from my own entrepreneurial experience exactly what works in business communication in German. Because I am originally German, because I am a businesswoman, and because I studied German studies."

Since 2019, I have been sharing my knowledge in education.

If you are learning German, you do not want to guess what the correct communication is or rely on the opinion of someone without business experience. My goal is to teach you to communicate politely and purposefully in business German.

You will receive tools that you can use immediately.

"Knowledge is power: I particularly invite women to realize their entrepreneurial goals in collaboration with German business partners."

Summary of the facts

Qualified in German Studies and New Media at the Freie Universität Berlin

Certified engineer (Dipl.Ing.)

Certificate in 'Luxury Brand Management and Strategy' from HEC Paris

-MBA in Sustainable Finance and Investments at the Sustainability Management School Switzerland (SUMAS), magna cum laude

Entrepreneur active in the Netherlands and Germany since 2006

Active in education since 2019 (e.g., TU Delft)

My career and activities

“Ich bin ein deutsches Nordlicht.”

That is a funny German expression for someone who comes from the north of Germany. Just four to five hours' drive from Amsterdam, I grew up in Hamburg and Lübeck, two historical Hanseatic cities like Zwolle and Deventer. The Hanse was a partnership of German-Dutch traders who were active across borders and spoke partly the same language centuries ago. You have probably heard of it. But I first went to Berlin. After completing my studies in German studies, architecture and media in Berlin, I worked with great enthusiasm in both Berlin and Hamburg, mainly in the field of Marketing, PR and project development for architects. During a real estate fair in Southern France I coincidentally met my future husband, a Dutchman. After moving to the Netherlands, in the Greater Amsterdam/Randstad region, I continued to actively collaborate with my business contacts in Germany. This allowed me to quickly grow my e-commerce activities (including with Zalando) and I was also involved in interim project management within the industry in Southern Germany. My MBA in Sustainable Finance and Investments (2022) has significantly broadened my insight into the German-Dutch economy considerably. I have gained much of my SME knowledge and experience in practice, among other things through regularly attending trade fairs, acquisitions, presentations for German business partners and my role as a self-employed entrepreneur. Through my temporary positions, collaborations and projects I have built up a good knowledge of the business world in Germany.

I am still active and engaged in business, with an interest in various trade activities.

My personal approach

Additionally, I know: Learning is easier in a pleasant and relaxed learning environment. Feel free to grab a cup of coffee or tea, or we can take a short break between the focus sessions. Even when we talk about business issues and your activities in Germany we will surely find room for a laugh. I enjoy a warm and open atmosphere.

I am determined to work non-stop together with you on your development, but I also understand that you may need to temporarily set other priorities in your work due to certain circumstances. Entrepreneurship and career with the necessary flexibility – that must be possible.

That is why I offer my lessons with a special degree of flexibility that you probably will not find anywhere else (but then in a structured way). You can read more about this in the chapter: https://duits-zakelijk.nl/pages/zakelijk-duits-maatwerkcursus

 

"I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot. I can happily mention that my students are often very enthusiastic. It is not uncommon for one or even several follow-up courses to be requested."