The 66 Essentials for Model Castings, Jobs and Your Next Agency Appointment

Anyone wanting to work successfully in the modelling industry can’t avoid English. Whether you’re preparing for a casting, on set, visiting an agency or abroad – instructions are almost always given in English. Anyone who hesitates or misunderstands commands risks losing 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 catwalk 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 aiming to break through as a model in London or as 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 will know: communication skills are just as important as the right presence. Looking good is not enough. You must be able to understand and carry out instructions immediately – without hesitation, without questions. This saves time, appears professional and sets you apart from other candidates.

“On international sets you lose the team’s respect within seconds if you say ‘Sorry, can you repeat that?’ too often. Those who know the basics simply work faster – and get booked more often.”

Die wichtigsten Kategorien auf dem Set

Posture and Body Position

The photographer is constantly giving you 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 – Twist your body
Face the camera – Schau in die Kamera
Chin down – Kinn runter
Chin up – Kinn hoch
Shoulders back – Shoulders back
Relax your hands – Hands relaxed
Tilt your head – Tilt your head
Give me a smize – Give me a smize
Look over your shoulder – Look over your shoulder
Walk towards me – Walk towards me

Emotions and expression

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

More energy! – More energy!
Be fierce – Be fierce
Soft expression – Soft expression
More attitude – More attitude
Look confident – Look confident
Smile naturally – Smile naturally
Look into the distance – Look into the distance
Be playful – Be playful

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Vocabulary for castings and agency visits

At the reception and in the office

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

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 Details

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 use inches and pounds. Find out 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 colour is… – Meine Haarfarbe ist…
My eye colour is… – Meine Augenfarbe ist…

English on the catwalk 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. The Fashion Week Berlin also attracts international production teams. With solid catwalk and runway tips and the right English skills, you’ll be well prepared for every stage.

Backstage communication

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

You’re up next – You’re next up
Hit your mark – Take your mark
Slow down – Slow down
Speed up – Speed up
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

English	German	Context
Chin down	Chin down	Shooting
Chin up	Chin up	Shooting
Face the camera	Face the camera	Shooting
Turn your body	Turn your body	Shooting
Shoulders back	Shoulders back	Shooting / Catwalk
Tilt your head	Tilt your head	Shooting
Relax your hands	Relax your hands	Shooting
More energy!	More energy!	Shooting / Casting
Be fierce	Be fierce	Shooting
Soft expression	Soft expression	Shooting
More attitude	More attitude	Shooting / Catwalk
Look confident	Look confident	Casting / Shooting
Give me a smize	Give me a smize	Shooting
Walk towards me	Walk towards me	Casting
You’re up next	You’re up next	Catwalk / Set
Hit your mark	Hit your mark	Set / Catwalk
Hold your pose	Hold your pose	Shooting
Turn at the end	Turn at the end	Catwalk
Speed up	Speed up	Catwalk
Slow down	Slow down	Catwalk
Stay in character	Stay in character	Catwalk / Shooting
I have an appointment	I have an appointment	Agency
I’m here for the casting	I’m here for the casting	Casting
May I leave my portfolio?	May I leave my portfolio?	Agency
I’m represented by…	I’m represented by…	Agency / Job
My height is…	My height is…	Casting / Agency
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 modelling agency or a client casting – go through these points. They combine language preparation with professional behaviour:

☐ Measurements learned by heart in English
☐ Most important shooting commands practised
☐ Catwalk terms understood and practised
☐ Greeting phrases prepared in English
☐ Model portfolio for casting complete
☐ Availability phrased 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 How to 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 plus-size model or want to sign with a model agency with no minimum height – English is always spoken on international sets. The language requirements are the same regardless of model type.

How important is English for modelling as a side job?

Even those who only plan to model as a side job will find themselves working with English-speaking teams on online shoot productions or campaigns for international brands. Especially if you’re thinking of modelling abroad, English is essential. Particularly if you know how much a model earns in reality, you’ll notice: The jobs that pay better often come from international clients – and they communicate in English.

Where can you apply now?

If you’ve got the basics covered and are ready for the next step, take a look at the Top 10 modelling agencies, learn how you should write to a modelling agency – and be sure to choose a modelling agency without fees. Also find out whether an agency is legitimate before you sign: What you need to know is explained in the article on modelling agencies that charge money. Ready for your first step? Then apply now and get started.