Common English Mistakes in Proposals by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

The proposal for the new marketing strategy is being submitted for your consideration. It is believed that the implementation of these ideas will lead to an increase in market share. The fFeedback from the team is beingawaited, and it iswe hoped that the project will be approved by the end of the month.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. Nicely done :)"

The proposal for the new marketing strategy is being submitted for your consideration. I believe the implementation of these ideas will lead to an increase in market share. Feedback from the team is awaited, and we hope that the project will be approved by the end of the month.

The proposal for the new marketing strategy is being submitted for your consideration. It is believed that the implementation of these ideas will lead to an increase in market share. The feedback from the team is being awaited, and it is hoped that the project will be approved by the end of the month.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

Subject: Proposal for New Marketing Strategy Dear Team,I propose thatwe, to increase our market share, we need to developa new marketing strategydevelop. IBefore we implement the plan, it is important that, before we the plan implement, we conduct a thorough market analysis. By doing so, we can ensure that, when we launchthe strategylaunch, it will be successful and meet our goals. I look forward to your feedback and hope that, together, we can move this project can moveforward.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I changed the word order in some of the sentences so they would be grammatically correct."

Subject: Proposal for New Marketing Strategy Dear Team, I propose that to increase our market share, we need to develop a new marketing strategy. Before we implement the plan, it is important that we conduct a thorough market analysis. By doing so, we can ensure that, when we launch the strategy, it will be successful and meet our goals. I look forward to your feedback and hope that together we can move this project forward.

Subject: Proposal for New Marketing Strategy Dear Team, I propose that we, to increase our market share, a new marketing strategy develop. It is important that, before we the plan implement, we conduct a thorough market analysis. By doing so, we can ensure that, when we the strategy launch, it will be successful and meet our goals. I look forward to your feedback and hope that, together, we this project can move forward.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

Dear Team, I am writing to propose a new Sstrategy for our Mmarketing Ccampaign. The Ggoal of this Pproposal is to increase Bbrand Aawareness and Ccustomer Eengagement in the European Mmarket. We believe that by focusing on Ssocial Mmedia Pplatforms and Iinfluencer Ppartnerships, we can achieve significant Ggrowth in the upcoming Qquarter. Please review the attached Ddocument and provide Ffeedback by the end of the Wweek.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

Dear Team, I am writing to propose a new strategy for our marketing campaign. The goal of this proposal is to increase brand awareness and customer engagement in the European market. We believe that by focusing on social media platforms and influencer partnerships, we can achieve significant growth in the upcoming quarter. Please review the attached document and provide feedback by the end of the week.

Dear Team, I am writing to propose a new Strategy for our Marketing Campaign. The Goal of this Proposal is to increase Brand Awareness and Customer Engagement in the European Market. We believe that by focusing on Social Media Platforms and Influencer Partnerships, we can achieve significant Growth in the upcoming Quarter. Please review the attached Document and provide Feedback by the end of the Week.