Common English Mistakes by German Speakers

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

Category:ESL Writing
Writing for English as a Second Language learners improving their skills.
Common Users:Non-native speakers, Language learners.
Mistake Example #1

ESL Writing / Email Practice

Overuse of passive voice

Dear Mr. Smith,it is hHoped that the meeting wifullbe attended by, all team members. Twill attend the rmeporeting. wasI completed bythe mreport yesterday, and it isshouggesteld that it isbe reviewed before the presentation. If anyone has any questionsare had, please let me know.Best regards,Hans.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the passive voice to the active voice to improve the flow of the text. Good work!"

Dear Mr. Smith, Hopefully, all team members will attend the meeting. I completed the report yesterday, and it should be reviewed before the presentation. If anyone has any questions, please let me know. Best regards, Hans.

Dear Mr. Smith, it is hoped that the meeting will be attended by all team members. The report was completed by me yesterday, and it is suggested that it is reviewed before the presentation. If any questions are had, please let me know. Best regards, Hans.

Mistake Example #2

ESL Writing / Essay Writing Practice

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In my Eessay, I will discuss the Iimportance of Eeducation in modern Ssociety. Education plays a crucial Rrole in shaping the Ffuture of Iindividuals as well asnd Nations. Many Ppeople believe that a strong Eeducational Ssystem is the Ffoundation for Eeconomic Ggrowth and Ssocial Ddevelopment.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the capital letters to lower case, per the rules of English grammar."

In my essay, I will discuss the importance of education in modern society. Education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals as well as nations. Many people believe that a strong educational system is the foundation for economic growth and social development.

In my Essay, I will discuss the Importance of Education in modern Society. Education plays a crucial Role in shaping the Future of Individuals and Nations. Many People believe that a strong Educational System is the Foundation for Economic Growth and Social Development.

Mistake Example #3

ESL Writing / Grammar Exercises

Overuse of passive voice

In the following exercise, the passive voice is used to describe actions in a classroom setting. The lesson was started by the teacher with a discussion about the environment. Many questions were asked by the students, and interesting answers were given by the teacher. The homework was assigned to be completed by the next class.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The passive voice is the point of the exercise."

In the following exercise, the passive voice is used to describe actions in a classroom setting. The lesson was started by the teacher with a discussion about the environment. Many questions were asked by the students, and interesting answers were given by the teacher. The homework was assigned to be completed by the next class.

In the following exercise, the passive voice is used to describe actions in a classroom setting. The lesson was started by the teacher with a discussion about the environment. Many questions were asked by the students, and interesting answers were given by the teacher. The homework was assigned to be completed by the next class.

Mistake Example #4

ESL Writing / Pronunciation Guide

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Ppronunciation Gguide, we will help you with the correct way to say some Ccommon English Wwords. First, let's look at the Wword "Aapple." The A in Aapple is pronounced like the A in the German Wword "Apfel." Next, we have the Wword "Bbook." The double O in Bbook sounds like the U in the German Wword "Buch." Finally, let's practice the Wword "Ccat." The C in Ccat is pronounced like the K in the German Wword "Katze."

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Several of these words are not capitalized in English, so I changed them to lower case. Good work overall!"

In this pronunciation guide, we will help you with the correct way to say some common English words. First, let's look at the word "apple." The A in apple is pronounced like the A in the German word "Apfel." Next, we have the word "book." The double O in book sounds like the U in the German word "Buch." Finally, let's practice the word "cat." The C in cat is pronounced like the K in the German word "Katze."

In this Pronunciation Guide, we will help you with the correct way to say some Common English Words. First, let's look at the Word "Apple." The A in Apple is pronounced like the A in the German Word "Apfel." Next, we have the Word "Book." The double O in Book sounds like the U in the German Word "Buch." Finally, let's practice the Word "Cat." The C in Cat is pronounced like the K in the German Word "Katze."

Mistake Example #5

ESL Writing / Sentence Structure Guide

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Ssentence Sstructure Gguide, we will explore how to construct Ssentences using different Pparts of Sspeech. First, identify the Ssubject and the Vverb in each Ssentence. Next, consider how Aadjectives and Aadverbs can modify Nnouns and Vverbs to add more Ddetail. Remember that the Pplacement of Wwords can affect the Mmeaning of the Ssentence, so pay Aattention to the Oorder of Nnouns and Vverbs.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Great job! Very few changes were needed for proper capitalization. "

In this sentence structure guide, we will explore how to construct sentences using different parts of speech. First, identify the subject and the verb in each sentence. Next, consider how adjectives and adverbs can modify nouns and verbs to add more detail. Remember that the placement of words can affect the meaning of the sentence, so pay attention to the order of nouns and verbs.

In this Sentence Structure Guide, we will explore how to construct Sentences using different Parts of Speech. First, identify the Subject and the Verb in each Sentence. Next, consider how Adjectives and Adverbs can modify Nouns and Verbs to add more Detail. Remember that the Placement of Words can affect the Meaning of the Sentence, so pay Attention to the Order of Nouns and Verbs.

Mistake Example #6

ESL Writing / Vocabulary Building Exercises

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In this Eexercise, you will learn new Vvocabulary by reading short Sstories. The Sstories will help you understand how Wwords are used in different Ccontexts. First, read the Sstory carefully and try to identify the Mmeaning of each Wword. Then, write down the Wwords you do not know and look them up in a Ddictionary. This will improve your Llanguage Sskills and expand your Vvocabulary.

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 exercise, you will learn new vocabulary by reading short stories. The stories will help you understand how words are used in different contexts. First, read the story carefully and try to identify the meaning of each word. Then, write down the words you do not know and look them up in a dictionary. This will improve your language skills and expand your vocabulary.

In this Exercise, you will learn new Vocabulary by reading short Stories. The Stories will help you understand how Words are used in different Contexts. First, read the Story carefully and try to identify the Meaning of each Word. Then, write down the Words you do not know and look them up in a Dictionary. This will improve your Language Skills and expand your Vocabulary.