Common English Mistakes in Theses by German Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native German speakers from Germany when writing a Thesis in English.

Mistake Example #1

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In this thesis, it is important to understand how the variables interact with each other, because only thenwe can determine the true impact of the independent variablebe determined. Although the results were not as expected, they provide valuable insights into the process, which wemustbe considered whenwe analyze the data isfurtheranalyzed. Thechosen methodology, that was chosen, allows for a comprehensive examination of the subject, ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into account.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I rearranged some of the sentences to make the word order sound more natural to a native English speaker. I also changed some of the wording from the active to the passive voice to avoid use of personal pronouns."

In this thesis, it is important to understand how the variables interact with each other because only then can determine the true impact of the independent variable be determined. Although the results were not as expected, they provide valuable insights into the process, which must be considered when the data is further analyzed. The chosen methodology allows for a comprehensive examination of the subject, ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into account.

In this thesis, it is important to understand how the variables interact with each other, because only then we can determine the true impact of the independent variable. Although the results were not as expected, they provide valuable insights into the process, which we must consider when we analyze the data further. The methodology, that was chosen, allows for a comprehensive examination of the subject, ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into account.

Mistake Example #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Tthesis, the Iimportance of Rrenewable Eenergy is discussed in Ddetail. The Ffocus is on the Bbenefits that Ssolar Ppower and Wwind Eenergy bring to the Eenvironment. The Rresearch highlights how these Ttechnologies can reduce Ccarbon Eemissions and contribute to a Ssustainable Ffuture.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Some of these words did not need to be capitalized, so I changed them to lower case. Good work overall!"

In this thesis, the importance of renewable energy is discussed in detail. The focus is on the benefits that solar power and wind energy bring to the environment. The research highlights how these technologies can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a sustainable future.

In this Thesis, the Importance of Renewable Energy is discussed in Detail. The Focus is on the Benefits that Solar Power and Wind Energy bring to the Environment. The Research highlights how these Technologies can reduce Carbon Emissions and contribute to a Sustainable Future.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

In this thesis,we examine the effects of climate change on urban developmentare examined. It isWe argued that significant impacts are being observed in various sectors, and we providea comprehensive analysisis provided. The data was collected from multiple sources, and the results are discussed in detail. It isWe concluded that urgent measures are needed to mitigate these effects, and recommendations are made for future research.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some (not all) of the passive voice phrases to the active voice to improve readability."

In this thesis, we examine the effects of climate change on urban development. We argue that significant impacts are being observed in various sectors, and we provide a comprehensive analysis. The data was collected from multiple sources, and the results are discussed in detail. We concluded that urgent measures are needed to mitigate these effects, and recommendations are made for future research.

In this thesis, the effects of climate change on urban development are examined. It is argued that significant impacts are being observed in various sectors, and a comprehensive analysis is provided. The data was collected from multiple sources, and the results are discussed in detail. It is concluded that urgent measures are needed to mitigate these effects, and recommendations are made for future research.