Practice Your First Day at Work in Catalan
Your first day in a Catalan-speaking workplace is overwhelming: new names, new processes, new acronyms, and a language register you've rarely practised. This scenario rehearses the introductions, the polite questions to ask HR, the small talk in the break room, and the moment when someone asks you to do something you don't quite understand. You'll learn the Catalan verbs for office life ('to onboard', 'to set up', 'to ramp up'), and the polite formulas for asking questions without seeming lost.
Sample Catalan conversation
Bon dia! Deus ser el nou membre de l'equip. Benvingut! Sóc Linguarudo, el teu cap d'equip. Com et sents?
Good morning! You must be the new team member. Welcome! I'm Linguarudo, your team lead. How are you feeling?Una mica nerviós, però molt il·lusionat de començar!
A bit nervous, but really excited to start!Deixa'm fer-te la visita! Aquí tens la zona principal de l'oficina. La cuina i la sala de descans són pel passadís. Per on vols començar?
Let me give you a tour! Here's the main office area. The kitchen and break room are down the hall. Where would you like to start?On és el meu escriptori? M'encantaria instal·lar-me.
Where is my desk? I'd love to get set up.Aquí tens el teu escriptori! El teu ordinador està llest. Els d'informàtica vindran per configurar els teus comptes i correu. Necessites alguna cosa més?
Here's your desk! Your computer is ready. IT will come by to set up your accounts and email. Do you need anything else?Té molt bona pinta! Quina és la contrasenya del wifi?
This looks great! What's the Wi-Fi password?
What you'll learn
- Introduce yourself to a team in Catalan
- Ask HR about logistics, badges, and contracts
- Make break-room small talk without anxiety
- Ask 'Could you walk me through that?' politely
- Find your bearings in a new office's vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
How do I introduce myself to a new team in Catalan?
A 30-second intro — name, role, where you came from, one personal detail — works universally. The scenario rehearses the phrasing.
What if I don't understand my new colleague's Catalan?
Use 'Sorry, I'm still learning — could you say that again more slowly?' Most colleagues will be patient and switch to clearer speech. The scenario teaches the soft version.
How do I ask about office logistics in Catalan?
Specific vocabulary for 'badge', 'meeting room booking', 'expense reports', etc. is in the word list.
Should I use formal Catalan on my first day?
Yes — start formal and let colleagues invite you to switch. The scenario uses formal register throughout the workday.