Common English Mistakes in Letters Of Intent by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my Iinterest in the Mmaster's Pprogram in Bbusiness Aadministration at your esteemed Uuniversity. My Bbackground in Eeconomics and my Eexperience in Iinternational Ttrade have prepared me well for this Oopportunity. I am eager to contribute my Sskills and Kknowledge to your Pprogram and to learn from the distinguished Ffaculty and diverse Sstudent Bbody.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Only proper nouns should be capitalized. Capitals are not necessary for common nouns (non-specific people, places, things, or ideas)."

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the master's program in business administration at your esteemed university. My background in economics and my experience in international trade have prepared me well for this opportunity. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to your program and to learn from the distinguished faculty and diverse student body.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my Interest in the Master's Program in Business Administration at your esteemed University. My Background in Economics and my Experience in International Trade have prepared me well for this Opportunity. I am eager to contribute my Skills and Knowledge to your Program and to learn from the distinguished Faculty and diverse Student Body.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Dear Admissions Committee,I am writing to express my strong interest in the Master's program in International Business at your esteemed university. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how cultures interact and influence each other, which has led me to pursue a career in this field. My goal is to deepen my understanding of global markets and strategies, so I can contribute effectively to international business environments. I believe that your program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum and diverse faculty, is the perfect place for me to achieve these ambitions. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It could use some polish, but it doesn't have problems with the word order."

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Master's program in International Business at your esteemed university. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how cultures interact and influence each other, which has led me to pursue a career in this field. My goal is to deepen my understanding of global markets and strategies, so I can contribute effectively to international business environments. I believe that your program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum and diverse faculty, is the perfect place for me to achieve these ambitions. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Master's program in International Business at your esteemed university. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how cultures interact and influence each other, which has led me to pursue a career in this field. My goal is to deepen my understanding of global markets and strategies, so I can contribute effectively to international business environments. I believe that your program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum and diverse faculty, is the perfect place for me to achieve these ambitions. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

Dear Admissions Committee, it isI expressed my strong interest in the Mmaster's program in Iinternational Bbusiness at your esteemed university. The opportunity to study at your institution is seen asa significant step towards achieving my career goals. My academic background and professional experiences have been shaped by a commitment to excellence, and it isI believed that your program will further enhance my skills and knowledge.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and reduce the use of passive voice. Nicely done :)"

Dear Admissions Committee, I express my strong interest in the master's program in international business at your esteemed university. The opportunity to study at your institution is a significant step toward achieving my career goals. My academic background and professional experiences have been shaped by a commitment to excellence, and I believe that your program will further enhance my skills and knowledge.

Dear Admissions Committee, it is expressed my strong interest in the Master's program in International Business at your esteemed university. The opportunity to study at your institution is seen as a significant step towards achieving my career goals. My academic background and professional experiences have been shaped by a commitment to excellence, and it is believed that your program will further enhance my skills and knowledge.