Common English Mistakes in Instructional Guides by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

When you want to bake a cake, it is important that you first gatherthe ingredientsgather. After you havemeasured the flour, sugar, and eggsmeasured, you should ensure that the oven ispreheatedis. While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting, so that when the cake hascooledhas, you can immediately start decorating.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Mmmm, cake! :) I just made some changes so the word order would be correct."

When you want to bake a cake, it is important that you first gather the ingredients. After you have measured the flour, sugar, and eggs, you should ensure that the oven is preheated. While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting, so that when the cake has cooled, you can immediately start decorating.

When you want to bake a cake, it is important that you first the ingredients gather. After you have the flour, sugar, and eggs measured, you should ensure that the oven preheated is. While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting, so that when the cake cooled has, you can immediately start decorating.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

To Bbegin the Pprocess of Bbaking a Ccake, you will need to Ggather several Iingredients. First, ensure you have Fflour, Ssugar, Eeggs, and Bbutter. Next, Ppreheat your Ooven to the correct Ttemperature. Once the Ooven is ready, Mmix the Iingredients in a large Bbowl until the Bbatter is smooth. Pour the Bbatter into a Ggreased Ppan and place it in the Ooven. Bake the Ccake for the recommended Ttime, and then allow it to Ccool before serving. Enjoy your Hhomemade Ccake with Ffriends and Ffamily.

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)."

To begin the process of baking a cake, you will need to gather several ingredients. First, ensure you have flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Next, preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Once the oven is ready, mix the ingredients in a large bowl until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into a greased pan and place it in the oven. Bake the cake for the recommended time, and then allow it to cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade cake with friends and family.

To Begin the Process of Baking a Cake, you will need to Gather several Ingredients. First, ensure you have Flour, Sugar, Eggs, and Butter. Next, Preheat your Oven to the correct Temperature. Once the Oven is ready, Mix the Ingredients in a large Bowl until the Batter is smooth. Pour the Batter into a Greased Pan and place it in the Oven. Bake the Cake for the recommended Time, and then allow it to Cool before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Cake with Friends and Family.