Common English Mistakes in Business Plans by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

In the business plan, it iswe proposed tlaunchating the new product linewill be launched in the second quarter of the year. ThWeconducted a market analysiswas conducted to identify potential customer segments, andit was found thatthe demand is increasing steadily. It isWe recommendeadjusthating the marketing strategyis adjusted to focus on digital channels, as itwe whasve observed that online engagement is higher among the target audience.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"The ideas are all very clear. I have focused on converting passive voice to active voice to make the writing stronger and more direct."

In the business plan, we propose launching the new product line in the second quarter of the year. We conducted a market analysis to identify potential customer segments and found that demand is increasing steadily. We recommend adjusting the marketing strategy to focus on digital channels, as we have observed that online engagement is higher among the target audience.

In the business plan, it is proposed that the new product line will be launched in the second quarter of the year. The market analysis was conducted to identify potential customer segments, and it was found that the demand is increasing steadily. It is recommended that the marketing strategy is adjusted to focus on digital channels, as it was observed that online engagement is higher among the target audience.

Mistake Example #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Our Bbusiness Pplan outlines the Sstrategy for expanding our Mmarket Ppresence in the European Rregion. The primary Oobjective is to increase our Bbrand Aawareness and Ccustomer Eengagement through targeted Mmarketing Ccampaigns. We will allocate Rresources to enhance our Pproduct Ddevelopment and strengthen our Ddistribution Nnetwork to achieve these Ggoals.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Overall, this was well-written. I just needed to change some of the capital letters to lower case, per the rules of English grammar."

Our business plan outlines the strategy for expanding our market presence in the European region. The primary objective is to increase our brand awareness and customer engagement through targeted marketing campaigns. We will allocate resources to enhance our product development and strengthen our distribution network to achieve these goals.

Our Business Plan outlines the Strategy for expanding our Market Presence in the European Region. The primary Objective is to increase our Brand Awareness and Customer Engagement through targeted Marketing Campaigns. We will allocate Resources to enhance our Product Development and strengthen our Distribution Network to achieve these Goals.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Our business plan outlines the strategy, how we will expand into the European market. It is crucial, that we understand the local regulations, before we make any significant investments. When the market analysis is completed, we will proceed with the next phase of our plan.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The text needs some changes, but the word order is okay."

Our business plan outlines the strategy, how we will expand into the European market. It is crucial, that we understand the local regulations, before we make any significant investments. When the market analysis is completed, we will proceed with the next phase of our plan.

Our business plan outlines the strategy, how we will expand into the European market. It is crucial, that we understand the local regulations, before we make any significant investments. When the market analysis is completed, we will proceed with the next phase of our plan.