Common English Mistakes in Grammar Exercisess by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

When you readthe bookread, you will find that the story isvery interestingis. Although the characters arewell developedare, the plot somcan betimes confusing can bsometimes. If youmore practice havmore, your English skills will becomemuch betterwill become.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to put words in the proper order. "

When you read the book, you will find that the story is very interesting. Although the characters are well developed, the plot can be confusing sometimes. If you practice more, your English skills will become much better.

When you the book read, you will find that the story very interesting is. Although the characters well developed are, the plot sometimes confusing can be. If you more practice have, your English skills much better will become.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In the following Eexercise, you will find Ssentences with Eerrors that are common for German Sspeakers learning English. Please identify and correct the Mmistakes. The Sstudent went to the Llibrary to find Bbooks about Hhistory. She was interested in the Cculture of Aancient Ccivilizations and wanted to learn more about their Ttraditions. After spending Hhours reading, she decided to write a Rreport for her Cclass.

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)."

In the following exercise, you will find sentences with errors that are common for German speakers learning English. Please identify and correct the mistakes. The student went to the library to find books about history. She was interested in the culture of ancient civilizations and wanted to learn more about their traditions. After spending hours reading, she decided to write a report for her class.

In the following Exercise, you will find Sentences with Errors that are common for German Speakers learning English. Please identify and correct the Mistakes. The Student went to the Library to find Books about History. She was interested in the Culture of Ancient Civilizations and wanted to learn more about their Traditions. After spending Hours reading, she decided to write a Report for her Class.