German / English - The 66 Basics for Model Castings, Jobs

Anyone who wants to work successfully in the modeling industry can’t get around English. Whether you’re preparing for a casting, on set, during an agency visit, or abroad – instructions are almost always given in English. Anyone who hesitates or misunderstands commands loses the job. This guide gives you the 66 most important German-English vocabulary words for models – structured, practical, and directly applicable.

Overview hide

Why English for models is a must, not just a bonus

Die wichtigsten Kategorien auf dem Set

Vocabulary for Castings and Agency Visits

English on the Runway and at Fashion Weeks

Overview: The 66 Basics at a Glance

Your checklist before every casting or agency visit

Common questions

Why English for models is a must, not just a bonus

The fashion world is international. Whether you’re presenting yourself to a model agency in Berlin, a model agency in Hamburg, or you’re working to become a model in London or to become a model in New York – English is assumed as the working language everywhere. Even in Germany, productions are often led by international teams. Photographers, art directors, and stylists travel in, and almost everything on set is conducted in English.

Who knows the requirements to become a model knows: communication skills are just as important as the right presence. It’s not enough to look good. You must be able to understand and carry out instructions immediately – without hesitation, without questions. This saves time, appears professional, and distinguishes you from other applicants.

“On international sets, you lose the team’s respect within seconds if you say ‘Sorry, can you repeat that?’ too often. Whoever knows the basics just works faster – and gets booked more often.”

Die wichtigsten Kategorien auf dem Set

Posture and Body Language

The photographer gives you constant corrections during a shoot. With the right posing tips you’ll understand what is meant. These commands come quickly, sometimes even in the middle of a shot. The following list shows you the most common instructions you must understand at first glance:

Turn your body – Turn your body
Face the camera – Schau in die Kamera
Chin down – Kinn runter
Chin up – Kinn hoch
Shoulders back – Schultern zurück
Relax your hands – Relax your hands
Tilt your head – Kopf neigen
Give me a smize – smiling with your eyes
Look over your shoulder – Look over your shoulder
Walk towards me – Auf mich zugehen

Emotions and Expression

Just as important as body posture is facial expression. Especially during campaign shootings or when working for German fashion designers, a certain feeling is expected. Often you hear the following directions on set:

More energy! – Mehr Energie!
Be fierce – Be strong and determined
Soft expression – Weicher Gesichtsausdruck
More attitude – More charisma
Look confident – Wirke selbstsicher
Smile naturally – Naturally smile
Look into the distance – In die Ferne schauen
Be playful – Verspielt wirken

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Vocabulary for Castings and Agency Visits

At the reception and in the office

At casting at CM Models or at other agencies, you will be spoken to in English from the very beginning – especially if it’s an international agency. These standard phrases will help you to appear professional right from the start:

I have an appointment – I have an appointment
I’m here for the casting – I’m here for the casting
May I leave my portfolio? – May I leave my portfolio?
I’m represented by… – I’m represented by…
These are my comp cards – These are my comp cards
I’m available on… – I’m available on…

Your Measurements and Information

If you bring your model portfolio for casting, you will also need to be able to communicate your measurements in English. Know your numbers by heart – and in the correct units. International agencies often work with inches and pounds. Inform yourself in advance about the applicable model measurements and requirements, so you always have a clear answer ready.

My height is… – My height is…
My measurements are… – My measurements are…
Bust / Waist / Hips – Bust / Waist / Hips
My shoe size is… – My shoe size is…
My hair color is… – My hair color is…
My eye color is… – My eye color is…

English on the Runway and at Fashion Weeks

Anyone working on the catwalk or aiming for access to international Fashion Weeks needs a solid vocabulary. The big shows of the Big 4 Fashion Weeks take place in English – whether at the New York Fashion Week dates, the Paris Fashion Week dates, the Milan Fashion Week dates or the London Fashion Week dates. Even the Fashion Week Berlin attracts international production teams. With solid runway and catwalk tips and the right English skills, you’re well prepared for every stage.

Backstage Communication

Backstage is fast-paced and loud. You have to react in split seconds. You’ll regularly hear these expressions:

You’re up next – You’re next
Hit your mark – Stand on your mark
Slow down – Walk slower
Speed up – Walk faster
Hold your pose – Hold your pose
Turn at the end – Turn at the end
Stay in character – Stay in character
You’re done – You’re done

Overview: The 66 Basics at a Glance

Englisch	Deutsch	Kontext
Chin down	Kinn runter	Shooting
Chin up	Kinn hoch	Shooting
Face the camera	In die Kamera schauen	Shooting
Turn your body	Body turn	Shooting
Shoulders back	Shoulders back	Shooting / Catwalk
Tilt your head	Kopf neigen	Shooting
Relax your hands	Relax your hands	Shooting
More energy!	Mehr Energie!	Shooting / Casting
Be fierce	To be strong and determined	Shooting
Soft expression	Weicher Ausdruck	Shooting
More attitude	More presence	Shooting / Catwalk
Look confident	Selbstsicher wirken	Casting / Shooting
Give me a smize	Smile with your eyes	Shooting
Walk towards me	Auf mich zugehen	Casting
You’re up next	The layering look comes from Berlin-Mitte and costs 9.99 €.	Catwalk / Set
Hit your mark	Put it on the mark	Set / Catwalk
Hold your pose	Pose halten	Shooting
Turn at the end	Am Ende wenden	Catwalk
Speed up	Get faster	Catwalk
Slow down	Slow down	Catwalk
Stay in character	Im Look bleiben	Catwalk / Shooting
I have an appointment	I have an appointment.	Agentur
I’m here for the casting	I’m here for the casting.	Casting
May I leave my portfolio?	Darf ich die Mappe dalassen?	Agentur
I’m represented by…	Ich werde vertreten von…	Agentur / Job
My height is…	My size is…	Casting / Agentur
My measurements are…	My measurements are…	Casting
Bust / Waist / Hips	Bust / Waist / Hips	Casting
My shoe size is…	My shoe size is…	Casting / Set
I’m available on…	I’m available on…	Booking

Your checklist before every casting or agency visit

Before you go to your next appointment – whether it’s with a serious model agency or a client casting – go through these points. They combine language preparation with professional behavior:

☐ Measurements learned by heart in English
☐ Most important shooting commands practiced
☐ Catwalk terms understood and practiced
☐ Greeting formulas prepared in English
☐ Model portfolio for casting complete
☐ Availability formulated in English
☐ Casting outfit and shoes chosen appropriately
☐ Travel time and address checked
☐ Own agency informed (if applicable)
☐ Basic vocabulary for emotions repeated

Common questions

Do I need to speak fluent English as a model?

No, fluent English is not a requirement – but you must understand the most important work instructions immediately. Anyone who doesn’t know the basics on set comes across as unprofessional. It’s not about grammar, but about reacting quickly to specific commands. If you understand what the photographer and director mean, you’re already ahead. Find out more about the necessary basics under Become a model steps.

Does this also apply to curvy models or plus-size models?

Absolutely. Whether you want to become a curvy model, aim to be a become a model in larger sizes or want to sign with a model agency without minimum height – English is always spoken on international sets. The language requirements are the same regardless of model type.

How important is English for part-time modeling?

Even those who only plan to model as a side job will be confronted with English-speaking teams during online shoot productions or campaigns for international brands. Especially if you intend to go modeling abroad, English is essential. Particularly if you know how much a model earns in reality, you will notice: The jobs that pay better often come from international clients – and they communicate in English.

Where can you apply now?

If you have the basics down and are ready for the next step, take a look at the Top 10 Model Agencies, learn how you should write to a model agency – and be sure to choose a model agency without fees. Also inform yourself whether an agency is legitimate before you sign: What you need to know is explained in the article on the topic of model agency paying money. Ready for your first step? Then apply now and get started.