Common English Mistakes by German Speakers

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

Category:Educational & Instructional Writing
Writing used in teaching and educational settings.
Common Users:Teachers, Educators, Corporate Trainers.
Mistake Example #1

Educational & Instructional Writing / E-learning Module

Overuse of passive voice

In tThis module,explains the concept of photosynthesis. It details explained. The process bywhich plants convert sunlight into energy isandescribed in detail. It is ensureds thatthe steps are understood by learners, understandeach step of the process. It also highlights the importance of chlorophyllis highlighted. TheA quiz at the end is designed totests the knowledge thleatrners has bveen gained.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"These needed some tweaking to remove instances of passive voice."

This module explains the concept of photosynthesis. It details how plants convert sunlight into energy and ensures that learners understand each step of the process. It also highlights the importance of chlorophyll. A quiz at the end tests the knowledge learners have gained.

In this module, the concept of photosynthesis is explained. The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy is described in detail. It is ensured that the steps are understood by learners, and the importance of chlorophyll is highlighted. The quiz at the end is designed to test the knowledge that has been gained.

Mistake Example #2

Educational & Instructional Writing / Educational Handout

Overuse of passive voice

In this handout,we explain the importance of recyclingis explained. The environment is protected by rReducing waste and conserving resourcesprotects the environment. IStudents isare encouraged that studentso participate in recycling programs, and the benefits are discussed in detail. By rRecycling,makes a positive impact on the planetis made, ahelpindg future generationsare helped.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the passive voice constructions to the active voice. Nice job!"

In this handout, we explain the importance of recycling. Reducing waste and conserving resources protects the environment. Students are encouraged to participate in recycling programs, and the benefits are discussed in detail. Recycling makes a positive impact on the planet, helping future generations.

In this handout, the importance of recycling is explained. The environment is protected by reducing waste and conserving resources. It is encouraged that students participate in recycling programs, and the benefits are discussed in detail. By recycling, a positive impact on the planet is made, and future generations are helped.

Mistake Example #3

Educational & Instructional Writing / Instructional Guide

Overuse of passive voice

To bake a traditional German apple cake, thefollowingthese stepsare followed. First,peel the apples are peeled and slicedthem into thin pieces. Then, preparethe batteris prepared by mixing flour, sugar, and eggs. Once the batter is ready, it ispouredit into a baking dish, and arrangethe apple slices are arrangedon top. TBake the cakeis baked in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 45 minutes. After baking, the cake ishould be allowed to cool before it is served.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the passive voice to the active voice to improve readability. Well done!"

To bake a traditional German apple cake, follow these steps. First, peel the apples and slice them into thin pieces. Then, prepare the batter by mixing flour, sugar, and eggs. Once the batter is ready, pour it into a baking dish, and arrange the apple slices on top. Bake the cake in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 45 minutes. After baking, the cake should be allowed to cool before it is served.

To bake a traditional German apple cake, the following steps are followed. First, the apples are peeled and sliced into thin pieces. Then, the batter is prepared by mixing flour, sugar, and eggs. Once the batter is ready, it is poured into a baking dish, and the apple slices are arranged on top. The cake is baked in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 45 minutes. After baking, the cake is allowed to cool before it is served.

Mistake Example #4

Educational & Instructional Writing / Lesson Plan

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Llesson Pplan, we will explore the Ttopic of Eenvironmental Sscience. First, the Sstudents will learn about the Iimportance of Rrecycling and how it impacts the Eenvironment. Then, we will conduct an Aactivity inwhereich each Sstudent willcreates a Pposter to promote Awaste reduction awarenessabout Waste Reduction.

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)."

In this lesson plan, we will explore the topic of environmental science. First, students will learn about the importance of recycling and how it impacts the environment. Then, we will conduct an activity in which each student creates a poster to promote waste reduction awareness.

In this Lesson Plan, we will explore the Topic of Environmental Science. First, the Students will learn about the Importance of Recycling and how it impacts the Environment. Then, we will conduct an Activity where each Student will create a Poster to promote Awareness about Waste Reduction.

Mistake Example #5

Educational & Instructional Writing / Online Course Content

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Llesson, we will explore the fascinating Wworld of Pphotosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the Pprocess by which Pplants convert Ssunlight into Eenergy, providing essential Ooxygen for all living Bbeings. Understanding this Pprocess is crucial for anyone interested in Bbiology and Eenvironmental Sscience.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed. Otherwise it sounds great!"

In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, providing essential oxygen for all living beings. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone interested in biology and environmental science.

In this Lesson, we will explore the fascinating World of Photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the Process by which Plants convert Sunlight into Energy, providing essential Oxygen for all living Beings. Understanding this Process is crucial for anyone interested in Biology and Environmental Science.

Mistake Example #6

Educational & Instructional Writing / Training Material

Overuse of passive voice

In this training material,we explain the process of photosynthesisis explained. The sunlight is absorbed by the chlorophyll, and energy is converted into chemical energy. The water is taken from the roots, and the plant usescarbon dioxideis used from the air. The glucose is produced, releasindg oxygenis released as a byproduct. This process is considered essential for plant growth and is frequentlystudied in biology classes.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the passive voice to the active voice in some of the sentences so it would read more smoothly."

In this training material, we explain the process of photosynthesis. The sunlight is absorbed by the chlorophyll, and energy is converted into chemical energy. The water is taken from the roots, and the plant uses carbon dioxide from the air. The glucose is produced, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process is considered essential for plant growth and is frequently studied in biology classes.

In this training material, the process of photosynthesis is explained. The sunlight is absorbed by the chlorophyll, and energy is converted into chemical energy. The water is taken from the roots, and carbon dioxide is used from the air. The glucose is produced, and oxygen is released as a byproduct. This process is considered essential for plant growth and is studied in biology classes.