Common English Mistakes in Business Reports by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

The Qquarterly Rreport outlines the Pperformance of the Ccompany in the first Qquarter of the Yyear. The Ssales Ffigures have shown a significant Iincrease, particularly in the European Mmarket, which has contributed to the overall Ggrowth. However, the Eexpenses related to Mmarketing and Ddistribution have also seen an unexpected Rrise, which requires further Aanalysis and Aadjustment in the Bbudget Pplanning for the upcoming Pperiod.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Great job! Very few changes were needed overall."

The quarterly report outlines the performance of the company in the first quarter of the year. The sales figures have shown a significant increase, particularly in the European market, which has contributed to the overall growth. However, the expenses related to marketing and distribution have also seen an unexpected rise, which requires further analysis and adjustment in the budget planning for the upcoming period.

The Quarterly Report outlines the Performance of the Company in the first Quarter of the Year. The Sales Figures have shown a significant Increase, particularly in the European Market, which has contributed to the overall Growth. However, the Expenses related to Marketing and Distribution have also seen an unexpected Rise, which requires further Analysis and Adjustment in the Budget Planning for the upcoming Period.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

The team prepared the quarterly sales report was prepared by the teamandwas presentedit to the board last week. ItThe wboasrd noted that the targets werehad notbeen met, and management proposed a new strategywas suggested by the management. Further analysis will be conducted by tThe finance departmentwill conduct further analysis to identify the reasons for the shortfall.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made changes to eliminate the use of passive voice."

The team prepared the quarterly sales report and presented it to the board last week. The board noted that the targets had not been met, and management proposed a new strategy. The finance department will conduct further analysis to identify the reasons for the shortfall.

The quarterly sales report was prepared by the team and was presented to the board last week. It was noted that the targets were not met, and a new strategy was suggested by the management. Further analysis will be conducted by the finance department to identify the reasons for the shortfall.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In the third quarter report, it is important that we analyze the sales data thoroughly, because only then we can identify the trends accurately. Although the market conditions have been challenging, we believe that if we implement the new strategy, it will lead to improved performance. It is crucial that the team members understand the objectives clearly, so that they can execute the plan effectively.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The word order is fine."

In the third quarter report, it is important that we analyze the sales data thoroughly, because only then we can identify the trends accurately. Although the market conditions have been challenging, we believe that if we implement the new strategy, it will lead to improved performance. It is crucial that the team members understand the objectives clearly, so that they can execute the plan effectively.

In the third quarter report, it is important that we analyze the sales data thoroughly, because only then we can identify the trends accurately. Although the market conditions have been challenging, we believe that if we implement the new strategy, it will lead to improved performance. It is crucial that the team members understand the objectives clearly, so that they can execute the plan effectively.