Common English Mistakes in Flash Fictions by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In the quiet Vvillage of Grünwald, the Mmoon cast a gentle Gglow over the Fforest. A young Ggirl named Anna wandered through the Ttrees, her Hheart full of Ccuriosity. She stumbled upon a hidden Ppond, where the Wwater shimmered like Sstars in the Nnight Ssky. As she leaned closer, a mysterious Vvoice whispered from the Ddepths, promising Aadventures beyond her wildest Ddreams.

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

"I changed the first letter of the common nouns from capital to lower case. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the quiet village of Grünwald, the moon cast a gentle glow over the forest. A young girl named Anna wandered through the trees, her heart full of curiosity. She stumbled upon a hidden pond, where the water shimmered like stars in the night sky. As she leaned closer, a mysterious voice whispered from the depths, promising adventures beyond her wildest dreams.

In the quiet Village of Grünwald, the Moon cast a gentle Glow over the Forest. A young Girl named Anna wandered through the Trees, her Heart full of Curiosity. She stumbled upon a hidden Pond, where the Water shimmered like Stars in the Night Sky. As she leaned closer, a mysterious Voice whispered from the Depths, promising Adventures beyond her wildest Dreams.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

In the quiet village, townsfolk witnesseda mysterious event. was wLightning suddessed bnly stheruck townsfolk. The old clock tower, which had stood for centuries, was suddenly struck by lightning. It wMasny believedby many that the storm was sent by the spirits of the forest, and whispers of ancient curses were spread among the villagers.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. Nicely done :)"

In the quiet village, townsfolk witnessed a mysterious event. Lightning suddenly struck the old clock tower, which had stood for centuries. Many believed that the storm was sent by the spirits of the forest, and whispers of ancient curses were spread among the villagers.

In the quiet village, a mysterious event was witnessed by the townsfolk. The old clock tower, which had stood for centuries, was suddenly struck by lightning. It was believed by many that the storm was sent by the spirits of the forest, and whispers of ancient curses were spread among the villagers.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In thea quiet village, where the sun sets early, lived a girl who dreamsalwaysdreamed of adventures far away. Her name was Liesel, and she believed that if she the starscould touchthe stars, she would find her destiny. One night, when the moon wasfullwas, she decided to climb the tallest hill, hoping that she the skycould reach the skyandher dreams finally catchher dreams.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I've corrected some errors here. For example, "In the quiet village, where the sun sets early, lived a girl who dreams always of adventures far away" should be "In a quiet village where the sun sets early, lived a girl who always dreamed of adventures far away." and "she believed that if she the stars could touch" should be "she believed that if she could touch the stars"."

In a quiet village, where the sun sets early, lived a girl who always dreamed of adventures far away. Her name was Liesel, and she believed that if she could touch the stars, she would find her destiny. One night, when the moon was full, she decided to climb the tallest hill, hoping that she could reach the sky and finally catch her dreams.

In the quiet village, where the sun sets early, lived a girl who dreams always of adventures far away. Her name was Liesel, and she believed that if she the stars could touch, she would find her destiny. One night, when the moon full was, she decided to climb the tallest hill, hoping that she the sky could reach and her dreams finally catch.