Common English Mistakes in Training Materials by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

When you are learning English, it is important that you practice every day, because only then canyoucan improve. If you have questions, you should ask your teacher, who isalways is ready to help. Remember that when you write essays, you should check your grammar, so your writing isclearis.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I corrected the word order in some of the subordinate clauses. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

When you are learning English, it is important that you practice every day, because only then can you improve. If you have questions, you should ask your teacher, who is always ready to help. Remember that when you write essays, you should check your grammar so your writing is clear.

When you are learning English, it is important that you practice every day, because only then you can improve. If you have questions, you should ask your teacher, who always is ready to help. Remember that when you write essays, you should check your grammar, so your writing clear is.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Llesson, we will learn about the Iimportance of Wwater in our daily Llife. Water is essential for the Ssurvival of all Lliving Bbeings, and it plays a crucial Rrole in maintaining the Bbalance of our Eecosystem. We will explore how Wwater is used in various Aactivities such as Ccooking, Ccleaning, and Aagriculture, and understand the Iimpact of Wwater Cconservation on our Eenvironment.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few changes were needed to remove capital letters from common nouns. "

In this lesson, we will learn about the importance of water in our daily life. Water is essential for the survival of all living beings, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. We will explore how water is used in various activities such as cooking, cleaning, and agriculture, and understand the impact of water conservation on our environment.

In this Lesson, we will learn about the Importance of Water in our daily Life. Water is essential for the Survival of all Living Beings, and it plays a crucial Role in maintaining the Balance of our Ecosystem. We will explore how Water is used in various Activities such as Cooking, Cleaning, and Agriculture, and understand the Impact of Water Conservation on our Environment.